Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO): First 90 Days

As a newly appointed Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), your first 90 days are critical for setting the sustainability strategy and direction of your organization. It's like being a gardener, where you need to evaluate the garden's current state, plan the sustainability goals and strategies, and cultivate a thriving and sustainable garden.

To do this, you need to evaluate the current sustainability landscape and identify any areas of concern or opportunities for improvement. It's like assessing the garden's current state and identifying any areas that require attention, such as soil quality or plant health.

Once you have a clear understanding of your organization's sustainability needs and goals, it's time to develop a sustainability strategy that aligns with the overall objectives. This involves identifying the key sustainability priorities, potential risks and opportunities, and creating a roadmap for implementing the strategy.

But, to execute the sustainability strategy successfully, you need a strong sustainability team that can support your vision and strategy. This is like having a team of skilled gardeners who can cultivate a sustainable and thriving garden.

To foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility, you need to develop sustainability programs and initiatives that address the needs and interests of employees and stakeholders. This may involve implementing sustainability training and awareness programs, eco-friendly practices, and creating a culture of environmental responsibility within the organization.

To streamline sustainability operations, you need to identify opportunities to improve processes and reduce costs. This may involve implementing new technologies or tools to reduce waste, or revising sustainability policies and procedures to reduce bureaucracy.

Effective communication is critical during the first 90 days, both internally and externally. You need to communicate the sustainability vision and strategy clearly and regularly, and engage with stakeholders to address any concerns or questions. This is like communicating with the garden visitors and stakeholders to ensure the garden is thriving and sustainable.