Why you should include sustainability achievements in your CV

Why you should include sustainability achievements in your CV

With the recent IPCC Report on climate change being summarised by the UN Chief as ‘code red for humanity’, the onus is on every one of us to adapt and make significant changes to the way we live to reduce our impact on the planet. As both consumers and producers, we can effect change in the workplace as well as at home. The ideas and change that we champion will be welcomed – not just by our current employers but future employers too – these should be included in your CV.

Every job can make an impact

Every role in every organisation can do something to lessen impact on the environment. From broad policy changes, reviewing supplier practices, eco-friendly travel schemes through to reducing single plastic cup use – changes both big and small can make a difference. Many organisations have sustainability teams and committees to share ideas and initiate best practices. Have you joined one of these? If your organisation does not have a sustainability committee then why not create one?

Making a measurable difference

A great thing about reducing our footprint is that it can be measured, audited and recorded. Emissions are grouped into different scopes from 1 to 3 where 1 is emissions directly from your organisation, two are emissions from purchased energy and 3 are indirect emissions such as staff travel. There are also online calculators you can use such as Climate Care or you can calculate your own emissions using DEFRAs carbon conversion factors.

Setting and achieving targets

All good achievements should be quantifiable. Once you know the size of your organisation’s footprint or number of plastic cups used a month, you can set targets to reduce these. Making these targets public is a good idea as it tells your suppliers, customers and stakeholders generally of your commitment to the environment. You can even tie your targets to the global commitment of keeping emissions in line with the 1.5c level of global warming.

Including sustainability achievements in your CV

Your involvement in any initiative to tackle climate change at work is positive and should be included in your CV. The more specific you can be about the initiatives you are involved with the better. Use any facts and figures you can about the results of your actions to further support your achievements. Nothing is achieved in isolation; it is a given that many initiatives will be a team based effort but your role in this should not be underplayed.

Read Also : Why you should never lie in your CV

The climate crisis is present and deepening and all employers are looking at ways to lessen their environmental impact. Showing this on your CV demonstrates your commitment and how you can also help your future employer to make change happen.

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