What do you do if you want to become an in-demand sustainability consultant?

> achieving sustainability through the integration of traditional and emerging competencies > maximizing value creation and measurable impact > focusing on future-ready abilities and innovation > addressing professional development as a structured approach > developing a knowledge base about climate change and environmental science

Creativity, in my opinion, is the most important factor. As sustainability consultants, we must learn how to solve existing challenges creatively and come up with solutions that others might not even consider. Constantly working on enhancing our creativity is essential. The second key factor is continuous learning. The business world is constantly evolving, and to provide the best solutions, we must stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations. However,the most important aspect of all is genuine passion for society and our planet. As sustainability consultants, every decision and recommendation we make should prioritize the common good. We must always consider the broader impact and recognize our responsibility toward the planet

Consistency is key to becoming an in-demand sustainability consultant. Establishes credibility: Consistently delivering high-quality work and advice builds trust with clients and stakeholders. Develops expertise: Consistently focusing on sustainability consulting helps develop deep knowledge and expertise in the field. Builds reputation: Consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to sustainability helps build a positive reputation. Enhances visibility: Consistently publishing articles, speaking at events, and engaging on social media helps increase visibility and attracts new clients.

Becoming an in-demand sustainability consultant requires a blend of expertise, credibility, and strategic networking. Start by building a strong foundation in sustainability principles, frameworks like GRI, and industry-specific knowledge. Earning certifications such as LEED, ISO 14001, or GHG Protocol can enhance your qualifications. Showcase your skills by contributing to impactful projects, publishing thought leadership articles, or hosting workshops. Networking is key—engage with industry groups, attend sustainability conferences, and connect with like-minded professionals. Finally, focus on creating tailored, data-driven solutions that deliver measurable value for clients, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor in the field.

I think to become an in-demand sustainability consultant requires the below core aspects to fulfill the expectations of any organization. • Build a Strong Knowledge Base • Leveraging the Expertise and Skill • Developing a Personal Brand • Networking Strategically • Collaboration with Other Experts • Results-Oriented and Promoting the Work • Adapting the Needs of the Market

I am a fresh graduate looking to pursue a career in sustainability and I have found this very helpful. Staying up to date is very crucial as it enables you to answer questions in the best and most relevant ways possible

I think that the most important thing is to set an example. Act sustainably from the smallest things and really experience it.

To stand out as a sustainability consultant, go beyond knowledge—translate it into measurable, actionable solutions. Align strategies with your clients’ unique goals and challenges, staying adaptable and innovative with trends like circular economy models and decarbonization technologies. Build purposeful networks, engaging industries like logistics or tech, and leverage partnerships to drive implementation. Position yourself as a problem-solver, focusing on solutions that deliver cost savings, compliance, and growth. Finally, lead by fostering community and advocating for sustainability. The key is balancing expertise, creativity, and a commitment to real-world impact, making you indispensable in driving meaningful change.

I focused on understanding sustainability principles, environmental science, and relevant regulations. Formal education, like a degree in sustainability studies, is invaluable. Staying updated on trends and innovations ensures I provide relevant advice to clients. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to offering impactful, up-to-date solutions in this ever-evolving field.

To become an in-demand sustainability consultant, focus not just on expertise but on building a robust network of collaborators who share your vision. Sustainability challenges are complex and multifaceted, requiring diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving. Attend industry events, contribute to thought leadership platforms, and actively engage with professionals across sectors. By fostering meaningful relationships and leveraging shared knowledge, you can amplify your impact, build credibility, and position yourself as the go-to expert who doesn’t just solve problems but mobilizes solutions through collaboration.

Gain Practical Experience Work in sustainability-focused roles: Join organizations that value sustainability, such as non-profits, consultancies, or companies with strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Contribute to internal initiatives such as energy efficiency projects, waste management strategies, or carbon footprint reduction efforts. Intern or volunteer: To build a portfolio, you can offer your skills to environmental organizations or local government projects. Freelance or take small consulting gigs: Start small by offering consulting services to small businesses or community projects.

La participación en proyectos relacionados, incluso si son voluntarios al principio, como el trabajo en con ONGs, empresas locales o startups sostenibles puede dar la experiencia práctica que necesitan los consultores en esta área.

Volunteering for environmental projects and collaborating with sustainability-focused non-profits helped me understand real-world challenges. Interning with companies strong in sustainable practices provided insights into corporate integration. I documented my projects and their outcomes, building a portfolio that highlights my impact and expertise, which helps attract potential clients.

One actionable step is to identify local businesses or organizations in need of sustainability initiatives and offer to conduct a pro-bono assessment to gain hands-on experience. Document your findings, propose actionable solutions, and track results. This not only builds your portfolio but also demonstrates your ability to drive impact. Don't forget to share these case studies on LinkedIn to increase visibility and credibility in the sustainability consulting space!

Not only that, i believe credentials comes from being known as a creative problem solver. So not only it ticks sustainability, and the fundamentals, but also emotional storytelling and narratives building that can be used by the client. Sustainability is a mix of being creative for a holistic circular vision. Once you're there, then time and trial and error will build your experience.

Gain practical experience Internships and junior jobs: Work in organizations committed to sustainable development (companies, NGOs, consulting firms). Personal projects: Launch sustainable initiatives (e.g.: association, community project) to demonstrate your commitment. Freelance: Start with independent missions to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Afin de me frotter au terrain, j'ai intégré le collectif Social Green Act - Cultivons votre Impact ! en qualité de Responsable Communication Institutionnelle & Relations Presse. Aussi, notre collectif a intégré l'Incubateur I-Engage Université Paris 8 Saint-Denis : "Nous mettons en œuvre des mécanismes innovants pour financer et accompagner des projets à fort impact social et environnemental, pour un avenir juste et durable." Cela nous permet de conforter notre pratique avec de l'académique (lois, évolutions...). Sur ces bases, notre collectif, se rend sur divers salons dédiés, que cela soit pour assoir nos connaissances sur le sujet, ou nous même intervenir (conférences).

Efectivamente, es importante empezar a construir una relación con el sector a través de voluntariados y proyectos, sin embargo, es necesario que también se sumen conocimientos y en esos espacios se pueda crear una red de networking.

En sostenibilidad el networking es fundamental. Y es muy fácil hacerlo. Me he encontrado con mucha generosidad y ganas de compartir. ¿Quizás sea que todos trabajamos en nuestro propósito? Muévete, rodéate de los mejores, aprende de ellos, ofrece ayuda, participa en eventos, grupos de sostenibilidad, charlas. Fórmate! haz cursos gratis o de pago, hay miles! Y todo lo que aprendas compártelo.

La unión a comunidades profesionales, la participación en eventos y el uso de plataformas como LinkedIn para conectar con líderes del sector, resultan un aliciente notable para establecer una red inicial. Una red sólida no solo abre puertas, sino que también te mantiene al día sobre oportunidades y colaboraciones.

El proceso de construcción de conocimiento se cimienta de manera importante sobre el conocimiento obtenido a partir de la experiencia propia y también la información compartida por otros. De manera que tener la posibilidad de intercambiar ideas, experiencias exitosas e incluso errores con profesionales que desde diferentes roles trabajan en el área de sostenibilidad, es una buena estrategia para estar a la vanguardia en tendencias y desafíos.

From my experience, to become a sought-after sustainability consultant, broad networking and visibility is crutial. You need to showcase your expertise on regular basis and profile yourself in a unique combination expert areas.

Attending industry conferences, joining sustainability associations, and engaging in online forums allowed me to connect with like-minded professionals. These connections opened doors to partnerships, mentorships, and client opportunities. Beyond work leads, my network became a source of inspiration, fresh ideas, and updates on industry trends, keeping me informed and relevant in the field.

Networking has been a game-changer in my journey. Attending industry events and engaging in online sustainability forums has connected me with like-minded professionals, sparking collaborations and fresh ideas. I’ve found that meaningful conversations often lead to unexpected opportunities, whether it's partnerships or staying updated on industry trends. Building and nurturing relationships is key to long-term success!

Asistir a eventos, participar en foros y formar parte de comunidades especializadas no solo amplía la red de contactos, sino que también permite construir alianzas estratégicas con actores clave del sector. La sostenibilidad es un desafío global que requiere trabajo conjunto entre empresas, organismos reguladores y expertos, por lo que contar con una red sólida facilita la creación de soluciones de impacto. Más allá de la generación de oportunidades de negocio, el valor real del networking en sostenibilidad radica en conectar con personas que comparten la misma visión de cambio y pueden contribuir al crecimiento profesional y a la transformación del sector.

Cuando en 2022 comencé a ser más activa en Linkedin, amplié mi red de contactos aquí. En ese momento no tenía estrategia, sólo me guiaba por temas que me interesaban, como productividad, neurociencia, tecnología, emprendimiento, medio ambiente. Fui tejiendo una bonita red, haciendo cafés cada semana al menos con 1 persona. Así surgió lo que es ahora Dmentes verdes, un proyecto sobre sostenibilidad, innovación y emprendimiento. No nos conocíamos de nada; cada uno está en países diferentes. Esto es sólo una muestra de lo que puedes conseguir si te mueves cada día 1h al menos en redes como Linkedin. Ahora, si trabajas con estratégica, los resultados serán aún más potentes. Eso ahora lo hago mejor, porque tengo un plan.

Join associations: Participate in professional organizations such as Committee 21, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), or local networks. Use LinkedIn: Connect with industry professionals, share relevant content, and position yourself as an expert.

Además del conocimiento técnico, las habilidades como la comunicación, la gestión de proyectos y el análisis de datos son esenciales. Las herramientas digitales y la integración de IA también están redefiniendo cómo los consultores aportan valor.

Analytical abilities help me assess client needs and craft effective strategies. Strong communication skills allow me to simplify complex concepts and persuade stakeholders to embrace sustainability. Project management expertise ensures I can oversee initiatives from planning to execution. These combined skills enable me to deliver impactful solutions and build trust with clients.

En consultoria de sostenibilidad es importante tener un conocimiento general de normas y estándares amplio. Sin embargo, recomiendo especializarse en alguna vertical (social, ambiental, gobernanza) y algún sector industrial/de servicios.

Develop key skills Technical knowledge: Mastery of climate issues, environmental standards and regulations. Understanding of analysis tools (LCA, carbon footprint, circular economy). Project management skills: Planning, implementation and monitoring of sustainable projects. Soft skills: Persuasive communication to convince stakeholders. Ability to work in a team and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts. Problem solving and critical thinking.

Veo sumamente necesario desarrollar habilidades más especializadas. Hay dos perfiles, uno más generalista que termina gestionando la relación con clientes, por ejemplo. Y hay un perfil más especialista que ejecuta y conoce mejor los procesos de los proyectos. En el caso del perfil generalista, debe tener en el mapa qué enfoques están llevando las empresas en general a nivel local y a nivel regional, y el especialista debe conocer a profundidad áreas como medioambiente, programas de valor compartido, derechos humanos, etc. Muchas agencias son reconocidas por ser más especialistas en medioambiente, por ejemplo, siendo un inicio más sencillo que tratar de abarcar mucho. Y luego se puede ir fortaleciendo otros temas.

Entenda a necessidade de seu cliente e ofereça soluções simples e eficientes. Mantenha se atualizado quanto as tendências de mercado e a futuras regulações que possam gerar novas demandas, relatórios setoriais e projetos de lei podem indicar um caminho a seguir.

Los clientes buscan resultados. Aprender a diagnosticar problemas específicos y presentar soluciones viables personalizadas, que consideren las características y limitaciones de cada entidad.

I start by thoroughly assessing their operations to identify improvement areas. Then, I develop customized strategies that align with their goals and values. Balancing environmental impact with economic viability is key, ensuring the solutions I propose are both practical and cost-effective. This approach helps clients implement sustainable changes that truly make a difference.

Comme étant consultant en développement durable vous serez responsable sur les conseils ques vous donner aux entreprises en matière de développement durable

Balancing sustainability with economic viability is key to driving meaningful change. In my experience, collaborating closely with clients to understand their operational challenges helps in crafting practical, cost-effective solutions that align with their long-term goals. Implementing incremental changes, such as optimizing resource use or enhancing efficiency, often leads to significant environmental and financial benefits. A tailored, results-driven approach ensures sustainability becomes an integral part of business strategy.

Alineado con generar redes de networking, es importantes estar presente en grupos y comunidades donde se solicitan servicios o se consultan dudas y esto permite posicionarse como referente

Deliver tangible results Clients are looking for consultants who can demonstrate tangible impact (emission reduction, energy savings, reputation improvement). Measure and communicate the results of your interventions.

Sosteniblidad sin comprometer la competitividad. Desde mi centro tecnológico, nuestro enfoque se basa en la investigación aplicada y el desarrollo de soluciones innovadoras en economía circular y descarbonización. Colaborar con empresas para comprender sus procesos nos permite diseñar tecnologías que optimizan el uso de recursos, reducen emisiones y convierten residuos en nuevas oportunidades de negocio. Implementar mejoras progresivas y escalables facilita la transición hacia modelos más sostenibles sin comprometer la competitividad. La clave está en desarrollar soluciones basadas en datos, con un enfoque práctico y alineado con las necesidades reales de la industria.

Uma coisa que achei útil é equilibrar os benefícios com a viabilidade econômica. Pois as ações que levam benefícios ambientais , tem por objetivo levar a um resultado econômico no médio e longo prazo .

Para ser consultor de sostenibilidad debes conocer primero los tipos de emisiones de cada actividad donde te vayas a especializar, las reguaciones y certificados que se necesitan para operar en el pais objetivo

Ser adaptable y resiliente es fundamental! Vivimos en un mundo en constante cambio, pero como decía Alvin Toffler "El cambio es el proceso por el cual el futuro invade nuestras vidas". Así que ejercita la resiliencia, tendrás que luchar contra creencias limitantes como que ser sostenible es un gasto, o que no genera beneficios. Que el cambio climático no existe y muchas otras resistencias. Pero si has elegido dedicarte a esto, ponte la capa de superhéroe, y avanza.

Fundamental el adaptarte, si bien la dinámica pro ambiental es transversal en cualquier parte, es importante conocer las particularidades de cada sitio, para establecer y definir estrategias efectivas desde la óptica de sostenibilidad.

En efecto, este es un campo en cambio constante. Los cambios suceden a nivel legal, social y tecnológico. Un buen servicio de consultoría se basa en facilitar a los clientes información de la que no disponen, por no ser su área de conocimiento. Requiere estar al día en los cambios que se generan en los niveles indicados y en informar a las entidades que puedan incorporar estas novedades en sus procesos. Funcionas como un radar de vigilancia tecnológica que conecta las nuevas soluciones con los problemas o necesidades de las entidades con las que colaboras.

Algunas ideas para empezar: - Empaparte de los problemas actuales en el sector que quieres trabajar - Busca apoyo, mentores (te ahorrará tiempo) - No esperes el momento perfecto

In my view, in order to be successful as a Sustainability advisor for an organisation, one needs to get the buy-in and support from all stakeholders that influence decision making in the organisation. The process of gaining acceptance starts with providing credible responses to the stakeholders' basic concern "What is in it for me ?" This is easier said than done. Understanding the individual stakeholder's values, wins and benefits from the organisation's push towards sustainability is an important first step. Explaining the benefits of such efforts to each stakeholder from his/her own perspective is often the key to ensuring participation in the initiatives. This in turn would ensure success as a in-demand Sustainability Consultant.

Convertirse en un consultor de sostenibilidad muy demandado no se trata solo de conocimientos técnicos, sino de una vocación transformadora. Desde mi experiencia, he aprendido que lo que verdaderamente diferencia a un consultor en sostenibilidad es su capacidad de ver más allá de la normativa y conectar con la esencia de cada organización. No basta con saber, hay que saber escuchar, inspirar y traducir el propósito en impacto real y medible. la sostenibilidad no es una tendencia, es una decisión ética, estratégica y urgente. Por eso creo firmemente en: 1. Aprender constantemente 2. Sumar experiencias reales 3. Crear redes con propósito 4. Desarrollar habilidades humanas y técnicas. Ser consultor de sostenibilidad es liderar con propósito.