What skills do you need to be a sustainability specialist?
Businesses are now placing far greater value on developing their ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) credentials, but securing the expertise necessary to embed best practice is proving a challenge. Sustainability specialists are becoming a scarce resource, and savvy organisations are seeking support in upskilling their workforce to meet their objectives and stay ahead of the game.
Pressure is mounting for companies to develop and demonstrate their ESG credentials. Be it driving decarbonisation on the road to Net Zero, or implementing regenerative initiatives supporting people and planet, delivering sustainable outcomes demands a comprehensive skillset. Sustainability specialists require an in-depth knowledge of ESG challenges together with technical expertise, strategic thinking and communications expertise.
Meeting the mark
The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is the global professional body for anyone working in environment and sustainability. The organisation has developed a Skills Map Introduction setting out the knowledge and skills required of sustainability professionals at all stages in their career. The map is a useful framework for businesses to refer to when identifying priorities for training and continuous professional development.
IEMA has identified 13 knowledge and skill areas that are key for high-performing environment and sustainability professionals. They are divided into two core knowledge competencies, four technical knowledge competencies and seven skills for sustainable leadership:
Core knowledge competencies
These incorporate understanding the fundamentals of sustainability together with the principles and issues of business governance. This is a crucial starting point for ESG professionals and will give them the knowledge needed to navigate a complex and ever-changing landscape. It requires detailed understanding of the issues and forces driving the sustainability agenda, as well as how organisations operate within it.
Technical knowledge competencies
Sustainability specialists need detailed knowledge across areas like environmental science and social impact. They also require the skills to meet regulatory and reporting requirements, whilst working with sustainability frameworks like ISO 14001, the GHG Protocol and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A key part of the role is data collection and analysis, allowing individuals to, for instance, measure carbon footprints, conduct lifecycle assessments and use Environmental Management Systems.
Skills for sustainable leadership
Strong leadership skills are key to transform your organisation into an ethical and responsible business. That requires excellent communication skills to bring people on board as well as analytical thinking, problem reframing and resolution and a commitment to continuous improvement. Much of their work will involve change management to overcome obstacles, challenge mindsets and deliver positive outcomes.
Helping hand
Employing specialists with these competencies will allow businesses to take significant strides on their ESG journey, add value and secure competitive advantage in a challenging climate. Yet many face a significant skills gap when it comes to sustainability.
Green skills are in high demand and according to LinkedIn, Sustainability skills are in high demand and according to LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2023,, postings for ‘green’ jobs are growing nearly twice as fast as the number of workers with the necessary skills. It is more important than ever that businesses grow their own sustainability specialists by upskilling their existing workforce.
At Wylde Connections we have developed an extensive training offer to support our clients in meeting their ESG goals. We are an accredited IEMA training centre and offer internationally recognised qualifications like the IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management (PIEMA), PIEMA is respected for its rigorous standards and certification marks a key milestone for those driving environmental standards, providing a framework to support current efforts and helping delegates maximise impacts on the triple bottom line.
In addition, Wylde has curated a range of expert-led training programmes and bespoke packages designed to meet your unique requirements. Whether it be our Sustainability Awareness for Leaders and Managers training course, or workshops developing a range of green business skills, we have it covered. For instance, on 15 October we are running a two-day Green Skills Workshop. Led by IEMA qualified experts, we will equip your teams to make informed business decisions, understand how to win business from green credentials, learn about new reporting and legislation, and manage risks in a rapidly evolving landscape. A full list of our training programmes can be found in our Course Catalogue.
Wylde’s five-step consultancy programme will also guide you on your journey and develop a robust sustainability strategy and action plan. Be it giving staff with the skills they need to become sustainability specialists, becoming a trusted consultancy partner, or helping maximise impact through ongoing mentoring, Wylde is on hand to embed sustainable practice throughout your organisation.
Book a Discovery Call and talk to Wylde today about transforming your business through best-in-class sustainability consultancy.