November 08, 2022

The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), sometimes known by other titles, is the corporate title of an executive position within a corporation that is in charge of the corporation’s sustainability programs.

Several companies have created such CSO positions in the 21st century to formalize their commitment to the environment and communities around them.

The rise of the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) movement and stakeholder engagement, has increased the need for corporations to address sustainability and social issues across their value chain, and address growing needs of internal and external stakeholders.

Normally these responsibilities rest with the CEO, COO, CHRO, Plant head or facility manager, who has provided cost effective resource and environmental control as part of the basic services necessary for the company to function. However, as sustainability initiatives have expanded beyond the facility — so has the importance of the position to what is now a C-level executive role. The position of CSO has not been standardized across industries and individual companies which leads it to take on differing roles depending on the organization.  The position has also been challenged as symbolic, in that it does not actually have the effect of increasing sustainable practices.

To learn about the most important Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) skills, how you can utilize them in the workplace, and what to list on your resume.

As a CSO, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to make your company more environmentally friendly and sustainable. This job requires a wide range of skills, from technical skills like data analysis to interpersonal skills like communication and leadership. If you want to pursue a career as a chief sustainability officer, it is important to understand the below mentioned skills that are necessary for the job of CSO:

1. Greenhouse Gas Accounting

Greenhouse gas accounting is the process of tracking and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. Chief sustainability officers are responsible for developing strategies to reduce their organization’s carbon footprint, which requires knowing how much greenhouse gas they emit. This also allows them to track their progress over time.

2. Net-Zero Leadership

Leadership is the ability to motivate and guide others. Chief sustainability officers often work with a team of employees who are responsible for different aspects of an organization’s sustainability efforts. Having strong leadership skills can help you manage your team effectively, set clear goals and encourage collaboration. You may also be able to use your leadership abilities in other areas of your life, such as when leading volunteer projects or working on personal improvement projects.

3. ESG Reporting

ESG reporting is the ability to create and prepare and interpret sustainability reports. Sustainability reporting also includes producing regular updates on a company’s progress toward its sustainability goals. It is a communication tool that plays an important role in convincing sceptical observers that the company’s actions are sincere. Chief sustainability officers often use these skills when creating company-wide sustainability plans, which are documents that outline a company’s environmental goals and how they plan to achieve them. 

4. Problem Solving

Chief sustainability officers often use problem-solving skills to address issues related to environmental protection. For example, they may analyze data and identify areas where a company can reduce its carbon footprint or find ways to improve the efficiency of their operations. They also use these skills when working with employees to develop new initiatives that help the organization meet its sustainability goals.

5. Life Cycle Assessment

Life cycle assessment is the process of evaluating a product’s environmental impact throughout its entire life. Chief sustainability officers often use this skill to determine how their company can reduce its carbon footprint and make more environmentally friendly decisions. For example, if a chief sustainability officer works for a manufacturing company, they may conduct life cycle assessments on products to find ways to improve production methods that have a smaller environmental impact.

6. Research driven Analytics

Chief sustainability officers need to analyze data and information to determine the most effective ways to reduce a company’s environmental impact. They also use their analytical skills when creating new programs, policies or procedures that help companies become more sustainable. For example, they might research different types of renewable energy sources to find the one that reduces greenhouse gas emissions the most.

7. Renewable Energy

Chief sustainability officers need to have knowledge of renewable energy sources and how they can be used in an organization. This includes knowing the different types of renewable energy, such as solar power or wind power, and how these resources can help reduce a company’s carbon footprint. A chief sustainability officer also needs to know how to implement renewable energy into their organization, including what equipment may be needed and where it should be placed.

8. Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and determine how best to proceed. Chief sustainability officers often use strategic thinking when creating goals for their departments, as they need to consider what steps are necessary to achieve success. Strategic thinking also allows chief sustainability officers to make informed decisions about how to implement new programs or initiatives.

9. Water Neutrality

Water footprinting is the process of measuring and analyzing your organization’s water consumption. Chief sustainability officers often use this skill to determine how their company can reduce its overall water usage. For example, a chief sustainability officer might conduct a water footprinting analysis to find out which departments consume the most water and then work with those departments to implement more efficient practices.

10. Energy Efficiency

Chief sustainability officers need to have a thorough understanding of energy efficiency in order to reduce the environmental impact of their organization. This includes knowing how to implement and maintain efficient systems, equipment and processes that use less power and resources. It also involves identifying ways to improve existing operations so they require fewer resources while still meeting organizational goals.

11. Waste Reduction

Waste reduction is the process of decreasing the amount of waste your company produces. Chief sustainability officers often use their skills in this area to help a business reduce its environmental impact. This can include reducing the amount of materials used, recycling materials and finding ways to reuse or repurpose materials.

12. Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information in a way that others can understand. Chief sustainability officer, you may need to communicate with employees and other stakeholders about company goals and initiatives. You also might present data or research on environmental topics, so it’s important to be able to explain complex ideas clearly.

How can professionals learn these Chief Sustainability Officer Skills?

There are many ways to learn the skills necessary to be a chief sustainability officer. One way is to complete a degree or certificate program in sustainability or a related field. Many colleges and universities offer these programs, and they can provide a solid foundation in the principles of sustainability. These programs can provide more specific and practical skills related to sustainability. Finally, many sustainability-related books, articles, and websites can provide useful information and insights on the topic. Alternatively, many professional organizations like Growlity offer training and certification programs in sustainability. During our consulting services, we take special care to develop exclusive team or function which can perform as in house expertise to convert the Net-Zero strategies into achievable actions. Reach out to us for more details.