You’re a sustainability professional who wants to make a difference. What are your options?

I recently had a conversation with a Professor of a master in sustainable finance on the impact we all need to create in our respective roles. We talked about developing a sustainability mindset and I am creating some resources which I will use in a workshop - this sustainability mindset requires us to develop new ways to think, feel and act. It is at the core of impact, to help us shape better futures. I will draw on the latest research and best practice which includes the beautiful research carried out by Isobel Rimanoczy which highlights the need to develop 4 different perspectives and associated skills: ecological worldview, systems perspective, emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence. More to folllow on this in my posts.

We are living at a time when corporate companies are aggressively positioning themselves at the forefront of global sustainability discussions. As a cornerstone of our modern world and a mindset ingrained in our culture, diversityis the key to sustainability in the corporate world. From a holistic perspective, sustainability embraces differences in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. When it comes to corporate sustainability, companies need to embark on a journey of progress and sustainability, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient culture. It is all about embracing the principles of compassion, stewardship, and progress. Sustainability is a commitment to advancing leadership in the corporate framework.

Corporate sustainability professionals play a pivotal role in shaping an organization's environmental and social footprint. Beyond just reducing emissions or waste, a holistic approach involves integrating sustainability principles across all facets of business operations. This includes fostering sustainable supply chains, promoting eco-friendly product development, and championing ethical labor practices.

One important part of the corporate sustainability work is to build internal and external awareness of the organisations actions with transparent metrics to gain the competitive advantage in your industry. Integrating sustainability initiatives to corporate functions is moving the whole company towards sustainable or circular business model.

There are multiple. To name a few: 1 - Corp. Sustainability: Many comp. are increasingly recognizing the import of integrating sustainability into their operations. One can work for businesses in various indus. to help them dev & implement sustainable practices, reduce their envr footprint, & improve their soc. impact. 2 - Govt and Policy: Govt agencies at the local, natl, & intl levels often have roles focused on sustanab. & envy protection. One can work on policy devt, regular compliance, & enforcement to drive pos. change. 3 - Research & Academia: If one has a background in research or academia, one can contribute to sustainability by conducting studies, publishing papers, & educating the next generation of sustainability professionals.

Consultants or companies can not only guide businesses in reducing environmental impact and navigating social challenges but also show new opportunities for growth and innovation in the sustainability field. Their expertise in translating complex sustainability issues into actionable strategies makes them invaluable, especially as industries strive to align with rising consumer expectations.

1. Stakeholder engagement is not only a skill but a strategic imperative in sustainability consulting. Consultants must adeptly navigate relationships with clients, industry experts, regulators, and community stakeholders. Building trust and fostering collaborative partnerships are integral to implementing sustainable solutions that resonate with diverse stakeholders. 2. The field of sustainability is dynamic, marked by evolving trends and emerging challenges. Successful sustainability consultants prioritize continuous learning and adaptation. Staying informed about the latest sustainability frameworks, global trends, and industry best practices positions consultants as valuable resources for their clients.

As a sustainability consultant, I see my work as instrumental in creating a more sustainable and equitable future. My approach focuses on helping organizations understand and address their environmental and social impacts, while identifying opportunities to improve their economic performance. I believe in the importance of collaborating closely with my clients, adapting solutions to their specific needs and facilitating their transition towards more sustainable practices. My goal is to inspire change and generate a long-term positive impact on society and the environment.

Corporate social responsibility for the private entrepreneurs has to be given a target and in return government should provide tax exemption/tax holidays kind of rewards etc.

As a sustainability professional, fostering change through education is a powerful avenue. Sustainability education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing environmental challenges. By spreading awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring action, they can catalyze positive change on a broader scale. Embracing sustainability education aligns with their commitment to making a lasting impact and building a more resilient and equitable future for all.

What I've learned from working in regenerative ag is the importance of knowing your audience and speaking to them in a way that resonates. Understand the challenges facing those who are being asked to change. Find ways to acknowledge and support them. Never preach and have humility in your message.

All development agencies has to be taken into consideration that the management should trained the newly recruited leadership position officials in sustainability of the output/product and inputs.

At the heart of sustainability education is the mission to raise awareness and build knowledge on critical sustainability issues. Sustainability educators act as catalysts for change, imparting insights into environmental challenges, social inequalities, and economic considerations. They equip students, teachers, professionals, and the general public with the knowledge needed to make informed, sustainable choices.

Something to add is the importance of having lived experience and empathy for the people and causes you are advocating for. This means you should not only have knowledge and expertise on sustainability issues, but also a genuine connection and understanding of those you are trying to help and empower. You should be able to relate to their struggles, needs, and aspirations, and to speak from their perspective and voice. You should also be able to empathize with the people and entities you are trying to influence, and to find common ground and mutual respect with them. By having lived experience and empathy, you can build trust, credibility, and rapport with your audience, and make your advocacy more effective and impactful.

Advocating for an organisation you really believe in makes all the difference. The best opportunities to influence don't come from your planned activities - they're always in the unexpected moments, and being passionately committed to what you're doing means you don't need to be specially briefed and prepped. You're ready any time to talk about why the policy changes you want will make a difference, or how your organisation is leading their field. Understanding the appeal of the opposite argument is also an important factor. What need is that meeting for your stakeholder, and how can your option offer them more benefits?

Picture this: as a sustainability professional, you have the power to shape the very fabric of our future. 🛶💚 Here, amidst the tumultuous seas of policy and politics, you can raise your voice in defense of environmental and social justice. But heed this wisdom from the annals of Austrian Economics: true sustainability can only blossom in the fertile soil of voluntary action. Thus, let us cast off the shackles of government coercion and embrace the boundless potential of responsible entrepreneurship! For it is in the hands of visionary business leaders, guided by a steadfast commitment to accountability and stewardship, that the seeds of sustainability shall find fertile ground to flourish and thrive. 🌍🌱

Volunteering, or sitting on an advisory board of an impact venture, social enterprise or NGO can be a mutually beneficial option and can enrich your experience while applying your skills to an actual project. Sustainability is broad and you can engage on social, environmental or economic causes providing advisory to people starting out on those fields or through Volunteering learning more and experiencing the field and its different facets first hand.

We need more sustainability innovators! There are so many challenges in the space and we need more great minds trying to tackle these issues creatively. More and more, I am seeing think tank collaboratives popping up, including funding for that work. People who are passionate about truly making a difference should become innovators and try to solve these issues with new systems or technology. Disrupting how we conventionally do sustainability can be great for the planet and the person doing the work!

If sustainability is a question, Innovation is the answer. But sustainable innovation is not a short term game. It needs a lot of effort & perseverance to realize the benefits. Although most people are concerned about it, very few are serious about adoption to sustainable practice. How many of us buy expensive environment friendly products against its low cost counterpart? In my opinion there is a need for revolution, which should be supported by the governments, businesses and academic system together.

Board the innovation train if you are entrepreneur, researcher, marketer, inventor. Sustainability innovation leads to a radical change inside the business and creates positive environmental and social impacts. With Rethink-Redefine-Recreate, it's the processes using multi-criterion decision making which can satisfy your entrepreneurial spirit and a creative mind.

Picture this: 💡Here, in the crucible of invention, you harness the power of imagination to craft groundbreaking solutions that tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. From renewable energy marvels to eco-friendly technologies, your innovations hold the key to unlocking a sustainable tomorrow. But heed this wisdom from the annals of Austrian Economics: true sustainability blossoms only in the fertile soil of voluntary action. Thus, let us cast aside the chains of government coercion and embrace the boundless potential of entrepreneurial spirit! For it is in the hands of visionary innovators, guided by a steadfast commitment to responsibility and stewardship, that the seeds of sustainability shall find fertile ground to thrive. 🌟🌍

Mentors and funders! I've seen too many Sustainability oriented individuals be thrown off their track professionally or in leading the business by mentors and inventors that insist that they concentrate on the money first and pretty much uniquely. In my experience, once mentors are trained to understand what Sustainability at the heart of a business looks like, including the key role of diversity, they become great advocates. So not only do they stop derailing those who are already committed, they challenge and support the rest of their portfolio in terms of their Sustainability practices and performance.

Another effective way to start is by establishing a think tank under specific theme by reading renowned book or working paper that resonates your thoughts with likeminded members, and inviting practitioners for talk session. This will help you continue the journey together in a longer term with purpose and have opportunity to relate with yourself.

You don't have to work in the sustainability space to make a difference - in fact, by raising awareness outside of the established practitioners within your organisation about topics such as climate risk and effective governance, you can also have an impact. Looking at your existing job and workplace with a sustainability lens and making small changes (or even big ones) is important. After all, if we're to achieve net zero goals, everyone needs to contribute!

Develop regenerative technologies that go beyond just reducing environmental impact. Imagine if we could create systems that actively restore ecosystems! Integrate AI and machine learning to optimize resource use and waste management across industries. Foster the development of sustainable materials and biomimicry to create products that function in harmony with nature.

Auf der Gefahr hin, dass alle Woken jetzt Schnappatmung bekommen; es muss einmal deutlich gesagt werden: Nach dem Prinzip der Austrian Economics muss alles, was nachhaltig ist, auf dem Prinzip der Freiwilligkeit beruhen. Staatliche Zwangsmaßnahmen können daher das Kriterium der Nachhaltigkeit nicht erfüllen. Nachhaltigkeit geht immer von verantwortungsbewussten Unternehmern aus, die Verantwortung für ihr eigenes Handeln übernehmen.