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Organizations that strive to have a positive relationship with the global and local environment, community, society, and economy are practising sustainability. Sustainability specialists help organizations achieve a triple bottom line (accountable to people, planet, and profit). To do this, they develop sustainability goals, standards, and practices for organizations.
Sustainability specialists focus mainly on the environment, buildings, and project management In general, they:
Sustainability specialists primarily work in offices. They also may travel to other locations. They may travel to consult with stakeholders, facilitate groups, or gather information. Consultations with stakeholder groups may be held during the day, after regular work hours, or on weekends. Therefore, working days can be long and irregular.
Sustainability specialists need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work. They should enjoy analyzing and documenting data and finding innovative solutions to problems. They should be comfortable managing complex projects and directing the work of others. An interest in current affairs and the environment and a sense of public responsibility are assets.
Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation, so sustainability specialists may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Prior to enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
This is typically not an entry-level position. However, people with project management skills may come into this role from an engineering, architecture, or science-based background. Sustainability specialists must be well informed about:
Most sustainability specialists have post-secondary education in environmental, architectural, engineering, or management fields. Employers generally prefer applicants with several years of related experience as well as related education and training.
For more information about post-secondary schools in Alberta that offer related degree programs, see the following occupational profiles:
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this profession. However, some employers prefer to hire individuals with specialized certifications. Some examples of voluntary certifications include:
Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
Sustainability specialists also are emerging because of an increased need for communities and organizations to incorporate triple bottom line (people, planet, and profit) accounting and life cycle accounting. This includes an increased need for sustainability planning and International Organization for Standardization standards, natural resource management, and sustainability principles.
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for sustainability specialists is unknown.
Sustainability specialists may be employed by or work on a contract basis for:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current salary data is available for this occupation.
Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) website: www.cecab.org
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) website: www.sustainabilityprofessionals.org
Canadian Green Building Council website: www.cagbc.org
Canadian Passive House Institute (CPHI) website: www.passivehouse.ca
Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET) website: cietcanada.com
International WELL Building Institute website: www.wellcertified.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.