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Chief sustainability officer role and sustainability research
The role of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) has gained increasing prominence in recent years, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in business operations and strategies. These CSOs play a pivotal role in steering organizations towards sustainable practices, overseeing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, and contributing to a more responsible and resilient future.
Sources with Information:
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World Economic Forum - The Rise of the Chief Sustainability Officer and Why it Matters: The World Economic Forum highlights the rise of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) in response to the dominance of environmental risks in the global risk landscape. These CSOs are increasingly vital for guiding businesses through climate crises, providing strategic direction, governance support, and issue identification. The role of CSOs is underscored by the Community of Chief Sustainability Leaders, promoting collaboration among business executives for corporate sustainability. CSOs like ADNOC's SVP of Sustainability, Climate Change & ESG, Ibrahim Al-Zu'bi, share insights into their roles in shaping sustainability strategies and stakeholder engagement, both nationally and regionally.[1]
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Harvard Business Review - The 8 Responsibilities of Chief Sustainability Officers: The Harvard Business Review outlines the evolving responsibilities of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs). As the popularity of the term "sustainability" grows, CSOs are tasked with balancing responsibilities across ESG aspects. The authors present eight distinct tasks for CSOs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive attention to each task. This includes fostering sustainability across environmental, social, and governance dimensions, reflecting the evolving role and impact of CSOs in organizations.[2]
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ECO Canada - Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO): ECO Canada provides insights into the role of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) as high-level executives responsible for supervising sustainability initiatives within companies. CSOs operate within the C-suite, providing visionary leadership and collaborating with various stakeholders to create effective sustainability strategies. Essential skills for CSOs include public relations, strategic planning, financial management, and staff leadership. These officers come from diverse backgrounds, contributing to sustainable practices and triple-bottom-line impact across various sectors and organizations.[3]
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Deloitte - The Future of the Chief Sustainability Officer: Deloitte explores the evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) in financial services firms. The CSO is emerging as the "sense-maker in chief," interpreting external sustainability changes and their strategic implications for organizations. This report delves into the CSO's responsibilities, skill set, reporting lines, and contributions to governance. As organizations integrate sustainability across aspects, the CSO's role is adapting to ensure ESG commitments are met and communicated effectively.
