Sustainability specialist

Sustainability specialists manage issues and develop sustainable solutions to reduce an organisation's effect on the environment and improve efficiency.

Also known as

Sustainability consultant, sustainability officer, environmental and sustainability manager, sustainability and climate change adviser, environmental consultant, chief sustainability officer, land and water manager

Work environment

Usually work regular business hours
Usually work in offices and may travel locally and nationally
Need to communicate well, identify and solve problems and make decisions

Salary information

MOST COMMON

UPPER

LOWER

$63.6K-$110K 63558

Typical tasks

Manage environmental impacts of organisations
Develop sustainable business strategies and practices
Check environmental goals and progress
Assess cost of products, projects and services
Set business rules and guidelines
Advise on business and environmental matters
Prepare financial reports and budgets
Write reports on business sustainability
Research environmental issues
Assess legal rules and requirements

Outlook

Sustainability is becoming more important as New Zealand organisations respond to climate change, environmental reporting, resource use and customer expectations. Businesses and public agencies are working to reduce emissions, waste and environmental impacts while adapting to climate risks. International reporting frameworks and supply-chain expectations influence local organisations, although the pace of change varies by sector and regulation.

What employers and industry want in graduates

Understanding of climate, environmental and sustainability issues
Ability to collect, analyse and report environmental information
Practical problem-solving to reduce waste, emissions or resource use
Knowledge of relevant standards, reporting frameworks and regulations
Clear communication that helps others understand sustainability goals
Ability to work with different teams and balance environmental and business needs

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Tips from AUT graduates

“There’s so much opportunity to influence positive outcomes and help shape a culture where business and sustainability support one another. Sustainability is constantly evolving, adapting to the systems and environments it sits within.”

Chloe VosSustainability Advisor, Briscoe GroupBachelor of Business

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