Green Jobs - Chief Sustainability Officer

Chief Sustainability Officer

What they do: A Chief Sustainability Officer (or CSO) is one of the most senior people in a company. They lead the work to make the whole company greener — cutting emissions, choosing better suppliers, and reporting honestly to staff, customers and the public.

Why it matters: Big companies have a huge impact on the planet. When a CSO does a great job, it can change the way millions of products are made and sold around the world.

Typical UK pay: A senior leadership role: typically £85,000 to £200,000+ in the UK, plus bonuses, depending on the size of the company.

How to get into it:

•      Most CSOs start in other green jobs — like climate scientist, engineer or carbon accountant — and work their way up.

•      A degree in Environmental Science,Business or Engineering is common, often followed by a Master's inSustainability.

•      Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills matter as much as technical know-how.

Photo: ID 92559675 © Leowolfert | Dreamstime.com

Browse More Factsheets

We have a range of over 200 fact sheets on lots of species and environmental issues. Explore them all by clicking the button below.

Our Supporters