How to become a Sustainability Specialist
A sustainability specialist is responsible for coordinating sustainability projects and initiatives. They are employed to help companies and organisations balance environmental responsibility and business efficiency.
Personal requirements for a Sustainability Specialist
- Strong written comprehension
- Able to work effectively within a team
- Passion for the environment
- Good organisational skills
Education & Training for a Sustainability Specialist
To become a sustainability specialist, you usually need a degree in environmental science. These subjects place heavy emphasis on statistical and analytical skills. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Duties & Tasks of a Sustainability Specialist
A sustainability specialist:
- Generate and oversee sustainability projects
- Propose sustainability initiatives based on cost and feasibility
- Interact with sustainability professionals to coordinate project objectives and strategies
- Deliver administrative support for sustainability issues
- Work with corporations to reduce their carbon output
- Organise environmental volunteer activities
- Improve a company's production line to use recyclable materials for packaging
- Reduce a business' water and electricity consumption.
Working conditions for a Sustainability Specialist
Sustainability specialists generally work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. They might spend time outdoors monitoring or directing operations, or solving problems on-site.
Employment Opportunities for a Sustainability Specialist
A sustainability specialist could work in either the private sector or the public sector, providing reports and analysis. Their work can inform policy changes and business decisions, as well as educate people. In the private sector, they can be employed by a wide range of industries, providing reports and solutions that can influence a business' activities and profitability. In government, a sustainability specialist may work on reports to guide regulation decisions and infrastructure projects.
Specializations
Sustainability Specialist
A sustainability specialist is responsible for coordinating sustainability projects and initiatives. They are employed to help companies and organisations balance environmental responsibility and business efficiency.
