The quest for sustainability: which competencies are sought by companies?

In today’s rapidly changing world, sustainability has emerged as a critical focus for businesses across the globe. As companies strive to adopt more environmentally and socially responsible practices, a growing number of sustainability-related roles are being created within organizations. However, as of today, the specific competencies and skill sets demanded by these roles remain somewhat ambiguous. In a world where sustainability is becoming a central pillar of corporate management, understanding the competencies required for sustainability roles has become paramount. To shed light on this pressing issue, Sustainability Makers and Lightcast joint forces to initiate groundbreaking research. The research aims to answer the following questions: What are the key competencies demanded by companies for roles in sustainability? What are the key sustainability-related competencies that companies are looking for in individuals holding roles outside of the sustainability function, such as HR or finance? By identifying these key competencies, we aim to empower aspiring sustainability practitioners to align their qualifications and develop the necessary skill sets to excel in this vital and rapidly expanding field. Furthermore, these findings will provide companies with valuable guidance in their efforts to build effective and sustainable workforces, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.