I recently came across a great report titled Managing Organizational Sustainability: The Business Case for Sustainability Professionals in the Workplace published by McGraw Hill Financial Global Institute. This report finds that
demand for sustainability professionals has grown substantially throughout the
years and is projected for increased growth going forward. As Corporate
Responsibility programs become fundamental in both the public and private
sector, staff positions focused on sustainability continue to emerge. The
unique skill set these jobs demand, along with the cross- functional placement
in the organizational structure, make sustainability professionals key
candidates for top-tier leadership roles.
Succeeding as a sustainability professional can be difficult
with fewer than 300 universities worldwide offering master’s degrees in
sustainability (according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education).
The shortage of educated professionals in this field presents a significant
opportunity to the dedicated individuals who invest in their expertise in
Corporate Responsibility. I always tell my graduate students at Villanova that
the education they are receiving in sustainability will set them apart and
empower them to drive tangible change in their organizations.
Although most organizations create Corporate Responsibility
programs as a result of direct or indirect pressures from the public, customers,
shareholders, suppliers, investors or regulators, management support for these
programs is heavily based on measurable results. For a sustainability program
to be deemed successful, the initiatives undertaken must support organizational
goals and strengthen existing business plans. Optimizing the results of
Corporate Responsibility programs, and monetizing these initiatives, has been a
central focus throughout my diverse career in the sustainability field. The
ability to quantify and demonstrate actual results of a Corporate
Responsibility program is essential for personal and organizational advancement
and continued funding.
If you are looking to enter the sustainability profession,
expand your existing knowledge, or maximize the value of your current
sustainability program, check out the free resources I have offered the past
few months for some guidance and best practices. I will also be leading an interactive,
full-day seminar on May 7, in Philadelphia that I am sure you will
find beneficial. This action-oriented program, Corporate Responsibility Revolution - Strategy to Success,
will provide 30+ years of comprehensive insight and practical tools to develop
and implement a Corporate Responsibility program that furthers specific
organizational goals.
Stay tuned next week for the second video in the January series, Creating Compounding Returns. If you missed the first video check it out here: Designing Your Corporate Responsibility Program Part 1: Assessment to Action.
Stay tuned next week for the second video in the January series, Creating Compounding Returns. If you missed the first video check it out here: Designing Your Corporate Responsibility Program Part 1: Assessment to Action.
– Tad Radzinski PE, LEED AP, SFP
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