Chief sustainability officer: What do they do?

In recent years, the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) has gained prominence in companies. Their job is to oversee compliance with environmental regulations and create strategies for organizations to respond to growing market demands and increased ecological awareness among consumers. This involves initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions, the circular economy and the development of sustainable products.

Leading companies such as IKEA, Google and Unilever already have CSOs who work to align their business objectives with responsible practices, ensuring both environmental sustainability and long-term profitability.

But what exactly does a Chief Sustainability Officer do? How does one get to this position?

In this article, we will analyse the functions of this profile, the necessary training and the job opportunities it offers. In addition, we will explain how the Master in Sustainability at Universidad Europea can help you make the leap into this profession.

Definition of a chief sustainability officer

The Chief Sustainability Officer is responsible for integrating sustainability into the overall strategy of an organization. To this end, this type of manager seeks to ensure that business activities are environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically viable in the long term.

In an international context, CSOs also work to align business policies with global objectives such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), carbon neutrality and the transition to clean energy.

For example, a Sustainability Director at a multinational food company can lead projects to reduce the use of plastic packaging, optimize logistics transport to reduce carbon emissions and guarantee fair working conditions throughout the supply chain.

Functions of a sustainability director

Some of the main functions of a Sustainability Director or Chief Sustainability Officer are:

• Designing sustainable strategies: the CSO leads the identification and establishment of sustainability goals that are integrated into corporate planning.
• Supervision of ESG criteria (environmental, social and corporate governance): ensures compliance with standards and transparency through the production of sustainability reports.
• Efficient resource management implements initiatives to optimise the use of resources such as energy, water and waste management.
• Interdepartmental collaboration: working hand in hand with other departments such as marketing, finance and production to integrate sustainability criteria into all strategic decisions.
• Investment in innovation: promoting the development and implementation of new technologies and methods that favour a sustainable business model.

CSOs must maintain a balance between business goals and environmental challenges. For this reason, they act as agents of change to promote a more responsible and competitive business model.

What should you study to become a sustainability director?

To become a Chief Sustainability Officer, it is essential to have specialised training that combines technical knowledge and strategic skills. The Master in Sustainability at Universidad Europea in Madrid is a 9-month long programme designed to equip you with the skills to be able to lead the environmental efforts or corporate sustainability work in any company. Some of the highlights of the programme are:

• Environmental management and analysis tools: students learn to apply tools such as life cycle analysis and to carry out audits to assess environmental impact and optimize resources.
• Compliance with international regulations and standards: this master teaches how to manage regulations such as ISO 14001 and how to implement ESG strategies.
• Energy transition and sustainability in practice delves into the application of renewable energy, energy efficiency and decarbonization models to lead the transformation towards a greener business model.
• Developing strategic skills and leadership: the program fosters competencies in leadership, innovation and negotiation, preparing students to coordinate teams and manage projects effectively.

The practical focus of the master's degree allows students to apply what they have learned in real contexts. In addition, its close connection with the business sector facilitates access to a network of contacts and professional opportunities.

What skills does one need to be a CSO?

The role of a Sustainability Director also requires certain soft skills such as:

• Global vision: identifying emerging trends in sustainability to position the company as a leader.
• Critical thinking: analysing data and translating it into evidence-based sustainable decisions.
• Collaborative leadership: inspiring and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Persuasive communication: convincing internal and external stakeholders of the value of sustainable initiatives.
• Adaptability: responding quickly to regulatory changes or market demands.

How much does a sustainability director earn?

The salary of a Chief Sustainability Officer depends on several factors such as the size of the company, the geographical location and the experience. In Spain, salaries for this position usually range between 50,000 and 100,000 euros per year, although in multinationals with global operations they can exceed 150,000 euros gross per year.

According to a report by Michael Page, CSOs with more than 10 years' experience in Western Europe have an average salary of 120,000 euros per year. In the United States, this figure can double, especially in sectors such as technology and energy.

These figures reflect the importance and complexity of the role of Sustainability Directors.

The role of Chief Sustainability Officer is essential to lead the transition towards a more sustainable world. If you are looking for a strategic role that combines environmental impact and business leadership, Universidad Europea offers you the training you need to excel in this booming profession. Take the opportunity to specialise and become a leader in sustainable change. The future of our planet and of business is in your hands!