In recent years, sustainability has become a key focus in business strategies, leading to significant changes in how new businesses include the core principles of the circular economy. This shift not only emphasizes the commitment to sustainability but also leads to the development of new professional roles and career paths. An example of this is the growing significance of sustainability consultants, who guide businesses toward environmentally responsible practices.
In this context, the EIT Campus interviewed Júlia Gassol, Senior Project Manager for Circular Business & Metrics at the sustainability consultancy firm inèdit. In the interview, Júlia shared insights into her role and the skills needed to succeed in this position.
What is a sustainability consultant?
Sustainability consultants like Júlia are professionals who provide expert advice and work together with companies with mainly one objective, which is maximising value creation while minimising impacts from a three-pillar perspective: environmental, social, and economic.
Sustainability consultants usually operate within consultancy firms, supporting companies in their transitions toward sustainability and circular economy. Júlia Gassol, our Sustainability Consultant, works at inèdit, a firm which provides four distinct services: Circular Metrics for impact assessment, Circular Business for the design of business circularity strategies and new business models, Eco-design of Products and Services for enhanced environmental performance, and Circular Territory to accelerate the transition of territories towards circularity.
What are the qualities and the skills of a sustainability consultant?
Sustainability consultants work in tasks like data collection, analysis, and the development and implementation of circular strategies or new business models. They also focus on educating and engaging employees to facilitate meaningful change. Critical thinking and a holistic systemic perspective are therefore crucial skills.
In addition to these foundational skills, sustainability consultants benefit from qualities such as creativity and effective communication. Empathy, adaptability, and other soft skills are also important for these professionals. Finally, beyond the technical knowledge of sustainability and relevant legislation, staying updated on current developments is essential.
How do sustainability consultants blend digital innovation and circular economy?
Digital innovation plays a key role in facilitating the transition and integration of circular economy practices within organizations and emerging business models. Júlia provides three examples that better explain this:
- Incorporating sustainability as a transversal element of a company’s management system enables informed decision-making, and thus leading to better performance in circularity and sustainability.
- Integrating technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain into emerging business model such as servitisation models, which contribute to prolonging the lifespan of products through strategies like predictive maintenance or improving material recovery.
- Introducing digital labels to empower consumers to actively participate in the shift towards sustainability. Through digital labels such as simple QR codes, consumers can gain information on optimal product usage, maintenance practices, and repair techniques, all of which enhance circularity from a demand’s perspective.
How can professionals acquire the necessary qualities and skills to become a sustainability consultant?
In our interviewee’s opinion, being motivated about sustainability is the first key element to start or to swift a career to sustainability-related roles. Alongside this, a combination of three key aspects is essential: a solid educational foundation, professional experience, and specific abilities such as out-of-the-box thinking, empathy, and adaptability.
Reflecting on her own experience and that of her colleagues, Júlia has come to the realization that some of these qualities are innate, although they can be improved and refined over time. Working externally with companies, it is essential to understand that sustainability, while a significant objective, is not always the primary focus for businesses. It goes beyond technical skills; having the knowledge is important, but the ability to effectively collaborate with companies is equally crucial.
Given this dynamic environment, it is crucial to stay updated on the skills required for succeeding in the sustainability consultancy sector. Explore the EIT Campus catalogue to discover courses tailored to developing skills related to sustainability and circular businesses, providing an excellent opportunity for upskilling and staying relevant in this rapidly evolving field.
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