1. Sustainability and Your Business Career
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
In our fast-paced world, the majority of people are immersed in the complexities of daily life – balancing personal obligations, tending to loved ones, and fulfilling responsibilities, often finding rare moments of respite. In this busy landscape, we tend to look to others, including executives and elected leaders, to tackle significant challenges and drive progress. However, it’s become overwhelmingly apparent that leaders have consciously denied and delayed addressing the world’s largest ‘threat multiplier’ - climate change.
Due to inaction, we now face what many rightfully explain as a climate emergency. These ten words summarize the situation: It’s real. It’s us. It’s bad. Experts agree. There’s hope. Today’s human-made problems cannot be addressed with minor adjustments. Legions of experts echo that we need major changes across all industry sectors, aspects of life, and a fundamental shift in how we see our place in the world. This shift in mindset must extend to every level and area of our organizations.
Each one of us possesses the power to make a difference – by nudging, inquiring, and championing more sustainable practices, we contribute to the transformation that our planet so urgently needs. Across all our careers, it is essential to acknowledge the harm being done and make a conscious decision to address it in every meeting, with every initiative, at every level.
Learning Objectives
Understand the concept of greening jobs and its importance in promoting sustainability within workplaces.
Develop the ability to ask relevant questions about sustainability to initiate conversations and raise awareness in the workplace.
Learn how to access and analyze publicly available resources related to sustainability within the organization, such as websites and sustainability reports.
Recognize the potential impact of individual actions in greening their jobs and promoting sustainable practices within their specific roles.
Gain knowledge about different sectors and industries in the green economy and their associated job opportunities.
Understand the importance of executive leadership support and strategic integration of sustainability goals and targets for driving meaningful change.
Recognize the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong learning in contributing to the green economy.
Greening Your Job
Climate change is widely recognized as one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. In light of this, the concept of "Every Job is a Climate Job" has emerged, highlighting the need for all professions and industries to contribute to climate solutions. A related concept, "greening jobs" refers to the process of incorporating sustainability and environmental considerations into various occupations and industries. It involves transforming existing jobs and creating new job opportunities that contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. Individuals have the power to "green" their jobs by taking actions and initiatives that promote sustainability within their specific roles and workplaces. To green your job, ask questions, find allies, learn and act with a sustainability mindset.
To begin greening your job, start by asking questions about sustainability and the actions being taken to address it.
By asking questions, you encourage dialogue and raise awareness about sustainability within your community or workplace. Here are some possible questions you can ask to initiate conversations and promote sustainable practices:
What sustainability initiatives are currently in place?
Are there any goals or targets set to reduce our environmental impact?
How do our daily operations or practices align with sustainable principles?
Are there any plans to transition to renewable energy sources?
What steps are being taken to minimize waste and promote recycling?
Are there any efforts to promote energy efficiency and conservation?
How are we addressing the environmental impact of our supply chain?
Are employees encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in their work?
What initiatives are in place to promote sustainable transportation options?
Are there any plans to involve the local community in sustainability projects?
By asking these questions, you demonstrate your interest and concern for sustainability. This can prompt discussions, raise awareness, and potentially lead to positive changes and initiatives within your organization or community. Remember, even small actions and conversations can have a significant impact when it comes to promoting sustainability.
As you start participating in conversations about sustainability, make sure to also familiarize yourself with publicly available statements related to sustainability made by your company so that you understand the current stance and initiatives in place. Here's how you can go about it:
Website: Visit your company's website and navigate to sections dedicated to sustainability or corporate social responsibility (CSR). Look for any information, reports, or updates regarding sustainable practices, environmental goals, or community engagement.
Press releases: Check if your company has issued any press releases specifically addressing sustainability or related topics. Press releases often highlight important initiatives, partnerships, or achievements in sustainability efforts.
Sustainability reports: Many companies publish annual or periodic sustainability reports, outlining their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. These reports provide comprehensive insights into sustainability strategies, progress, and performance indicators.
Social media: Explore your company's social media accounts, as they may share updates, news, or events related to sustainability. Follow or subscribe to relevant channels to stay informed about any sustainability-related content.
Stakeholder communications: Check if your company has communicated with stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, or investors, about sustainability initiatives. This could include newsletters, emails, or communications through other platforms.
By reviewing these resources, you will gain a better understanding of your company's existing sustainability commitments, ongoing projects, and long-term goals. It will equip you with valuable knowledge, enabling you to engage in informed conversations and suggest areas for improvement or innovation.
Find out who is already focusing on sustainability at your company. Here's how you can proceed:
Inquire internally: Ask around to find out if there are any existing groups, committees or departments dedicated to sustainability. Ask for information about their objectives, activities, and how you can get involved.
Internal communication channels: Keep an eye out for internal communications, such as company newsletters, intranet platforms, or bulletin boards, which may announce or promote sustainability-focused groups or initiatives.
Networking and conversations: Engage in conversations with your colleagues and coworkers about sustainability topics. By discussing these issues, you'll start to identify individuals who are passionate about sustainability and may already be involved in related initiatives.
Employee feedback opportunities: If no specific group or initiative currently exists, take advantage of any employee feedback mechanisms, such as suggestion boxes, surveys, or town hall meetings, to propose the creation of a sustainability-focused group. Highlight the benefits such a group could bring to the organization and its employees.
Understanding your coworkers' perspectives and areas of interest is crucial, as it helps create a diverse and inclusive approach to sustainability. Everyone's unique experiences and concerns contribute to a well-rounded understanding of the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability.
Once you have established a dialogue, built relationships, and formed or joined a community of like-minded individuals, you can start working towards creating tangible wins for sustainability within your company. Here's how you can approach this process:
Start with small wins: Begin by identifying simple and achievable goals that can make an immediate positive impact. For example, replacing styrofoam cups with eco-friendly alternatives. Focus on areas where changes can be made relatively easily, such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting materials and food waste recycling, or encouraging energy-efficient practices.
Collaborate and build support: Engage your community and coworkers in your sustainability efforts. Seek their input, ideas, and support for various initiatives. By working together, you can increase your collective influence and create a stronger case for change. If sustainability is a newer concept at your company, demonstrating collective interest will be helpful.
Develop persuasive arguments: When advocating for sustainable improvements, gather relevant information and evidence to support your proposals. Highlight the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable practices. Present data, case studies, or success stories from other companies in your industry that have implemented similar changes.
Engage key decision-makers: Identify the individuals or departments responsible for making relevant decisions within your organization. Connect with them, build relationships, and present your ideas in an open, collaborative, friendly manner.
Seek executive support: To drive significant and long-lasting change, it is essential to involve executive leadership. Communicate the importance of sustainability to the company's bottom line, reputation, and stakeholder expectations. Encourage executives to publicly express their commitment to sustainability through statements, addresses, or other forms of communication to employees.
Integrate sustainability into strategic planning: Advocate for the integration of sustainability goals and targets into the company's strategic planning process. This ensures that sustainability becomes a fundamental aspect of decision-making and resource allocation throughout the organization.
Align incentives with sustainability: Suggest incorporating sustainability targets into executive compensation and performance evaluation frameworks. Linking sustainability to incentives provides a powerful motivation for top-level leadership to prioritize and actively support sustainability initiatives.
By gradually increasing the level of difficulty and gaining executive leadership support, you can drive meaningful change and make sustainability a central aspect of your company's culture and operations. Remember, persistence, collaboration, and persuasive communication are key to achieving these goals.
Addressing the climate crisis requires collective efforts across all sectors of society. By recognizing that every job can contribute to climate solutions, we empower individuals and industries to take action. Whether it's through raising awareness or implementing eco-friendly practices, each profession has a role to play in building a more resilient and sustainable future. Embracing the idea that every job is a climate job will enable us to combat climate change effectively and create a thriving planet for future generations.
Career Shifts
Climate quitting refers to the growing trend among Generation Z (born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) and Millennials (born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s) to disengage from activities that contribute to climate change and prioritize responsible actions. This concept has gained prominence as these generations express a heightened sense of urgency to address sustainability and prioritize the health of the planet. Climate quitting includes leaving existing roles and rejecting offers for employment based on environmental, social and governance concerns with employers.
The concept of climate quitting is propelled by several factors. One key factor is the increased awareness of the negative impacts of climate change on the environment and society. Through scientific research and widespread media coverage, these generations have become more informed about the urgency of addressing climate change. Stark disparities exist in the lifetime experiences of heat waves, drought, crop failure, river floods, wildfires, and tropical cyclones across generations with younger generations experiencing in some cases 20x the negative impacts of the climate crisis. Furthermore, concerns about resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and the health effects of pollution contribute to the motivation behind climate quitting.
Climate quitting involves various actors, including individuals, businesses, and industries. Generation Z and Millennials are leading this movement, prioritizing sustainability and demanding environmentally responsible practices from employers and institutions. When selecting where to work, job seekers from these generations increasingly consider a company's sustainability initiatives and commitment to combating climate change. Job candidates are increasingly rejecting offers at companies that lack sustainability priorities and are more willing to accept lower pay to join companies with strong climate actions. As a result, businesses and industries are reevaluating their practices and adopting sustainable strategies to attract and retain these sizable talent pools. For businesses and industries, the climate quitting trend further necessitates a transformative process of reassessing and adjusting operations. Embracing sustainable practices is not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic business decision.
If you're a climate-conscious job seeker looking to align your career with sustainability and make a positive impact on the environment, here are some tips to help you in your journey:
Research Companies: Before applying for a job, research companies to assess their commitment to sustainability. Look for information on their environmental initiatives, goals, and policies. Companies with transparent sustainability reports and certifications like B Corp status are often good indicators of their dedication to sustainable practices.
Seek Green Jobs: Explore industries and sectors that focus on environmental sustainability. Look for job opportunities in renewable energy, clean technology, green building, sustainable agriculture, waste management, conservation, and environmental consulting. These industries offer a wide range of roles where you can contribute to sustainable solutions.
Consider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Roles: Many companies have CSR departments dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and community initiatives. Look for job openings in CSR or sustainability-focused roles within organizations that prioritize environmental responsibility.
Network with Like-Minded Professionals: Connect with professionals who share your passion for sustainability. Attend sustainability-focused events, conferences, and meetups to expand your network. Engaging with sustainability professionals can provide valuable insights, job leads, and opportunities for collaboration.
Showcase Your Sustainability Skills: Highlight your sustainability knowledge and skills on your resume and in job interviews. Emphasize experiences where you have contributed to environmental initiatives, participated in sustainability projects, or demonstrated your understanding of sustainable practices.
Be Proactive: Take the initiative to learn and stay updated on current sustainability trends, policies, and technologies. Familiarize yourself with frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Demonstrating your knowledge and passion for sustainability can set you apart from other job candidates.
Internships and Volunteering: Consider internships or volunteer positions in organizations focused on sustainability. This can provide valuable hands-on experience, allow you to make connections in the industry, and enhance your understanding of sustainable practices.
Be Open to Learning: As sustainability is a rapidly evolving field, be open to continuous learning and professional development. Stay updated on new technologies, policy changes, and innovative solutions through online courses, webinars, workshops, and industry publications.
Showcase Transferable Skills: Highlight transferable skills that are valuable in sustainability-related roles. Skills such as project management, data analysis, communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving are highly sought after in sustainability careers.
Be Mindful of Company Culture: Pay attention to a company's culture and values. Seek out organizations that prioritize sustainability in their day-to-day operations, decision-making processes, and overall corporate culture. A supportive and environmentally conscious work environment will contribute to your job satisfaction and ability to make a meaningful impact.
Remember, finding a job aligned with your sustainability goals may require persistence and patience. By focusing your efforts on companies and industries that prioritize environmental responsibility, you can contribute to creating a more sustainable future through your career.
Individual Credentials
To pursue a career in sustainability and enhance your professional credentials, there are several individual credentials and certifications that can provide specialized knowledge and demonstrate expertise in the field. Here are some notable credentials:
Sustainability Professional Certifications:
Certified Sustainability Practitioner (Advanced and Foundation level) offered by the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence.
Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) offered by GRI (Global Reporting Initiative).
LEED Credentials:
LEED Green Associate: This credential demonstrates a foundational understanding of green building principles and the LEED rating system.
LEED Accredited Professional (AP): LEED AP credentials are available in various specialties such as Building Design + Construction, Operations + Maintenance, and Neighborhood Development.
Climate Change and Energy Credentials:
Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P) and Certified Climate Change Officer (CC-O) are offered by the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO).
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Credentials:
Certified CSR Practitioner offered by the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence.
Certified Sustainability and Social Responsibility Practitioner (CSSRP) offered by the American Institute of Business and Economics (AIBE).
Environmental Management Systems Credentials:
ISO 14001 Lead Auditor and ISO 14001 Lead Implementer are offered by various accredited training organizations.
These credentials provide individuals with specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of sustainability, allowing them to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to sustainable practices. They can enhance career prospects, open up new opportunities, and provide a competitive edge in the job market. It's important to research and select credentials that align with your career goals and interests within the broad field of sustainability.
People Skills
Regardless of role, one constant factor that remains crucial for success is the importance of non-technical skills or "people skills". Green jobs and greening jobs often require individuals to navigate complex challenges and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Here are some key people skills that are particularly valuable in green careers:
Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for conveying complex environmental concepts, advocating for sustainable practices, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Green professionals need to communicate clearly, listen actively, and tailor their messaging to different audiences, including policymakers, communities, and industry leaders.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Green jobs involve finding innovative solutions to environmental issues. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills enable professionals to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop sustainable strategies. They must also adapt to changing circumstances and think creatively to overcome challenges.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Green initiatives often require collaboration among diverse groups, such as scientists, policymakers, community members, and industry representatives. Professionals in green jobs need to work well in teams, build partnerships, and engage stakeholders to foster collective action and achieve sustainability goals.
Leadership and Project Management: Green professionals may find themselves leading initiatives or projects aimed at promoting sustainability. Leadership skills, such as decision-making, strategic planning, and project management, are vital for effectively guiding teams, setting goals, and driving positive change.
Adaptability and Resilience: The field of sustainability is dynamic, with evolving technologies, policies, and environmental challenges. Green professionals need to adapt to changing circumstances, embrace new ideas, and remain resilient in the face of obstacles. Flexibility and the ability to learn from failures and setbacks are crucial for long-term success.
Ethical and Environmental Awareness: Professionals working in green jobs must possess a strong ethical compass and a deep understanding of environmental issues. Being aware of environmental impacts, social responsibility, and ethical considerations allows individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to sustainable practices.
Cultural Competence and Inclusion: Green initiatives often intersect with social justice and community development. Cultural competence and inclusion skills help professionals engage with diverse communities, understand their needs, and ensure that sustainability efforts are inclusive and equitable.
Soft skills are essential for green professionals to navigate the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of sustainability work. Developing and honing these skills alongside technical expertise will contribute to successful outcomes, effective communication, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders, ultimately driving the transition to a more sustainable future. Personal development focused on these skills are critical.
Critical Thinking Questions
How can greening jobs contribute to promoting sustainability within workplaces? Identify specific actions or practices that individuals can adopt in their roles to create a more sustainable work environment.
As an employee, what relevant questions could you ask in your workplace to initiate conversations and raise awareness about sustainability? How might these questions help drive positive change and foster a culture of sustainability?
Explore publicly available resources related to sustainability within your organization, such as websites and sustainability reports. Analyze the information presented and discuss how it aligns with the organization's sustainability goals and initiatives.
Reflect on your individual role within the organization. What potential impact can your actions have in greening your job and promoting sustainable practices? Identify specific actions you can take to contribute to sustainability efforts within your role.
Research different sectors and industries in the green economy. Identify emerging job opportunities and skillsets required in these sectors. How can individuals align their career goals with the green economy and make a meaningful impact?
Discuss the importance of executive leadership support in driving sustainability initiatives. How can leaders champion sustainability goals and integrate them strategically into the organization's vision and mission for effective and lasting change?
Collaboration across disciplines is essential for advancing sustainability in the workplace. How can interdisciplinary collaboration lead to innovative solutions and more comprehensive approaches to addressing sustainability challenges?
Lifelong learning is crucial in the context of the green economy, where sustainability practices and technologies continue to evolve. How can continuous learning and professional development help individuals stay up-to-date with the latest sustainability trends and best practices?