What it means to be a chief sustainability officer

When compared to other C-suite members like CEOs, CFOs and CHROs, chief sustainability officers (CSOs) are far less recognized, but that doesn't make their job any less crucial — in fact, they may have one of the most important roles in securing a business's  future. 

Only 17% of companies have an official CSO, a role that focuses on managing an organization's environmental impact, according to a 2023 survey from executive search firm Boyden Global. Yet employers are addressing the need to place a singular focus in this area, as 23% have a dedicated sustainability lead and 46% have sustainability initiatives led by a board or executive committee. 

This is an area that will only become more critical in the coming years — as such, 33% of businesses say sustainability is  in the top three areas where organizations need to strengthen their executive talent, behind digital and innovation teams. 

Read more: A sustainability toolkit for your workplace

"The era when the chief sustainability officer focused primarily on feel-good initiatives like corporate social responsibility is over," says Surinder Sond, former CSO and current executive vice president of sustainability at software company Sage. "Today, CSOs must tackle substantial, pressing issues to create real impact and wield influence, and now many CSOs are directly reporting to the board or CEO."

Having a C-suite level role dedicated to this area helps align leadership with the values employees have, too: Nine out of 10 employees said a sustainable workplace design is good for the planet, and for their well-being, according to a report from commercial developer and landlord Foster + Partners and Brookfield Properties. And 93% of those working in environmentally-friendly offices feel happier in their jobs — compared to 55% of those in environmentally-unfriendly offices.

This issue is especially important to younger demographics, with 69% of Gen Zs and 73% of millennials actively trying to minimize their impact on the environment. That means working for sustainable organizations, making CSOs a valuable participant in recruiting and retention strategies. 

But this work is not as easy as promoting environmental initiatives and handing out free reusable water bottles, Sond says.

Read more: Chief sustainability officers struggle to find their footing

"The CSO role is a tough gig," she says. "Your agenda will be disproportionately big compared to the size and resources of your team. You will likely report to someone who doesn't know much about ESG. You are also going to have a lot of accountability and deliverables but no direct responsibility to make it happen. And most of the time, there is no template to do what you need to do."

Sond spoke with EBN and shared more about her experience with the role, as well as predictions for what the future could hold for CSOs everywhere.  

Why is the CSO role still not commonplace in the C-suite? 
The inclusion of CSOs in company leadership often hinges on the size, maturity and priorities of the business. For companies just beginning their sustainability efforts, the initial focus may be on compliance and reporting, which might require a sustainability expert, but is not necessarily a C-Suite position. Additionally, having a CSO or other sustainability lead is not a guaranteed solution for achieving sustainability. Some organizations might integrate sustainability roles into existing leadership positions, such as the CEO or CFO, instead of creating a separate CSO role. 

Why is the role actually a good investment for companies to make?
Sustainability is an urgent and essential function, with investors, employees and customers all demanding to know how your company is tackling growing environmental and societal challenges.

Read more: Sustainability is entering the C-suite

The role of the CSO is a valuable investment — their primary focus should not be solely on addressing increasing reporting requirements, but more importantly supporting the business in integrating sustainability. CSOs and other sustainability leads play a pivotal role in being this catalyst for change.

How have you seen this role evolve to what it is today? 
Sustainability is becoming increasingly complex and branching into various specializations. Previously, CSO's were likely to be 'Chief' in title only, still reporting to someone with limited knowledge of sustainability and ESG, which meant managing and educating upwards. The role and capacity of the CSO has come a long way.

What do you see for the future of the CSO role?
I believe the CSO will become more strategic. ​​My prediction is that in the next five years, CSOs will be leading business strategies on executive teams. And that will come from what's happening now — sustainability becoming a board-level agenda item for an increasing number of organizations. Sustainability leaders get a lot of senior-level exposure, and need to know how to hold their own in the boardroom and influence key stakeholders.