Green Jobs: Chief Sustainability Officer

How important is the title, and more importantly the role of, Chief Sustainability Officer?

That is the question I find myself asking as I read about how more and more Fortune 500 companies are naming or hiring - and in some cases creating the position of - a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).

Chief Sustainability Officer, sometimes known by other titles, is the corporate title of an executive position within a corporation that is in charge of the corporation's "environmental" programs. Several companies have created such positions in the 21st century to formalize their commitment to the environment. Normally these responsibilities rest with the Facility Manager, who has provided cost effective resource and environmental control as part of the basic services necessary for the company to function.

Is this another 'green' marketing ploy to attract other large companies to do business?

Is this a way to match the perceived 'environmental awareness' of a competitor in one's industry?

Or is it the realization that the sustainability standards of a company can only exist on their own merit for a short time before they deserve the same attention and focus as the other foundational aspects of business?

Wherever the origin of the position, I hope that it is not a wasted post. I fear the seriousness of the position may be overlooked by a company and, even worse, taken for granted by the person in the actual position.

Even in the current economic climate, the environmental movement is strong in its development and is close to breaking through to become a standard aspect of day-to-day business. So, with that reality in mind, companies need to be prepared and designate a leader to handle this segment of a company's DNA.

Coupled with the trend of hiring a CSO... lower level 'green jobs' are on the rise as well. Colleges and universities are reacting to the trend as well and are now incorporating 'environmental' and 'sustainable' focuses into their undergrad and graduate business curriculum.

It is very apparent, the environmental movement has been one of innovation and action. The trailblazing companies are reaping the benefits now, but they also understand that long term, leadership has to be in place within the organization to continuously monitor the pulse of the green movement within their industry, and throughout other industries.

In the past, some companies were content to follow the trailblazers and let the success spill over so they too could achieve. But with the economy and the detailed scope of the environmental and sustainable movement, it is not a safe bet to count on that theory or approach to keep a company healthy and successful.

Bottom line, what is your company doing to acknowledge the changing paradigms of organizational structure? Where does your company's awareness level rate when looking at 'green jobs' from the top down? Is this lack of recognition affecting your business?

-- CardPak Inc.