What Does a Chief Sustainability Officer Do in 2026?

The corporate world is undergoing a sustainability revolution, and at the heart of it stands a new kind of executive: the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). In 2026, a CSO is not just a figurehead responsible for recycling projects. They are strategic leaders, shaping business models through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities. But what does a Chief Sustainability Officer do exactly, and why is this role essential in today's business landscape?

This in-depth article explores the evolving CSO position, what makes a great sustainability leader, and how you can become one in the coming years.

The Evolving Role of the Chief Sustainability Officer

CSO Meaning and Position in Modern Enterprises

The term CSO stands for Chief Sustainability Officer, a C-level executive who oversees a company’s sustainability strategy, measuring and mitigating its impact on the planet and society. But what does CSO mean in broader business terms? It goes beyond environmental efforts to cover aspects like ethical sourcing, diversity and inclusion, and corporate transparency.

According to the Harvard Business Review, modern CSOs now play a key role in guiding risk management and long-term value creation through ESG integration, making sustainability a business imperative, not a side project.

Why Every Company Needs a Sustainability Leader in 2026

In 2026, regulatory pressure, investor scrutiny, and consumer expectations are all increasing. From new emissions disclosures to mandatory ESG reporting frameworks, businesses can no longer afford to lag on sustainability.

That’s why more organizations are creating or expanding the CSO chief officer role. Companies need a qualified sustainability person or team to translate these demands into strategy.

As seen in Maryland, where the state appointed its first CSO, the trend is going governmental too. Governor Moore’s appointment of a Chief Sustainability Officer underscores how public and private sectors alike are recognizing the value of sustainability leaders.

Chief Sustainability Officer Job Description Explained

Core Responsibilities of a Corporate Sustainability Officer

A Chief Sustainability Officer job description typically includes:

• Developing and overseeing the company’s environmental and social policies.

• Setting and tracking key ESG metrics.

• Reporting sustainability performance to stakeholders and regulators.

• Driving the company’s transition to sustainable practices in supply chains, energy, materials, waste, and beyond.

• Collaborating across departments to embed sustainability into core operations.

These responsibilities vary depending on the industry, but at their core, the corporate sustainability officer acts as a bridge between public accountability and business goals.

As detailed in the Wikipedia overview of the Chief Sustainability Officer, transparency and stakeholder engagement are front and center for today's CSOs.

Difference Between CSO, CSR Officer, and Chief Environmental Officer

There’s often confusion between titles like CSR Officer, Chief Environmental Officer, and Sustainability Officer, but they serve distinct purposes:

• Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO): Oversees all ESG functions, aligning them with corporate strategy.

• Corporate Social Responsibility Officer (CSR Officer): Manages social responsibility initiatives like philanthropy, employee volunteering, and partnerships.

• Chief Environmental Officer: Focuses primarily on environmental impact — emissions, resources, and compliance laws.

So what does a CSO do that others don’t? They own the big picture, bringing together CSR, environmental management, and business strategy under a unified vision.

Key Skills and Background Needed to Be a CSO

Education and Career Pathways to Becoming a Chief Sustainability Officer

The road to a Chief Sustainability Officer job is not one-size-fits-all. However, most successful CSOs have advanced degrees in sustainability, environmental engineering, business administration, or public policy. Many also gain years of experience in related departments before stepping into the CSO position.

For example, someone might start as a CSR leader or corporate responsibility analyst and scale up through increasing levels of responsibility. Others transition from legal or compliance roles with an ESG focus.

The Chief Sustainability Office of Los Angeles County showcases several leaders who have made this transition from city planning, engineering, or nonprofit work to executive-level sustainability leadership.

Required Skills: From ESG Strategy to Stakeholder Engagement

Interested in how to become a chief sustainability officer? Here are some of the skills that HR and boards of directors are looking for in 2026:

• Deep knowledge of ESG frameworks and reporting standards (e.g., GRI, TCFD).

• Regulatory expertise across climate law and corporate disclosure requirements.

• Analytical skills to measure sustainability ROI and assess climate risks.

• Strong communication to influence executive teams, employees, and external stakeholders.

• Leadership and change management — turning green goals into outcomes at scale.

Soft skills matter just as much: negotiation, empathy, and cultural competency are all vital traits for the modern corporate responsibility officer.

The Impact of CSOs on Business and the Planet

How CSOs Drive Corporate Responsibility and Climate Action

A skilled officer corporate social responsibility doesn’t just manage risk — they create opportunity. CSOs help companies pivot toward eco-friendly offerings, open new markets, and reduce unnecessary expenditures related to waste and inefficiencies.

They also lead climate efforts, from net-zero roadmaps to carbon accounting systems. A powerful example? Global consumer brands now pair their sustainability officer strategy with marketing to showcase impact and drive brand value.

CSOs also guide sustainable innovation, embedding circular economy thinking and low-carbon design into product development.

Real-world Examples of Successful CSO Leadership

In 2023, Meghan Conklin became Maryland’s first statewide CSO, setting a precedent for how governments can implement holistic sustainability systems. This reflects a growing trend of head of CSR roles transitioning into broader leadership mandates.

Companies like Patagonia, Microsoft, and IKEA have all earned praise for sustainability advancements led by their CSOs. These leaders have progressed beyond reporting and compliance to becoming influential voices for corporate strategy.

What is a Chief Sustainability Officer’s true value? ROI on ESG efforts, enhanced talent retention, and purpose-driven transformation.

How to Become a Chief Sustainability Officer in 2026

Steps to Enter the Sustainability Career Track

So, what is a CSO of a company really responsible for, and how can you become one? Follow these steps to launch a meaningful career in sustainability leadership:

1. Earn a Foundation: Consider degrees in environmental sciences, policy, or sustainability management.

2. Get Practical: Intern or take roles in ESG, CSR, compliance, or corporate reporting spheres.

3. Learn the Language: Get comfortable with GHG Protocols, sustainability ratings, stakeholder theory, and materiality.

4. Move Laterally: Seek roles that intersect with strategy or operations to understand impact from all angles.

5. Lead Thoughtfully: Publish, speak, and collaborate. Build influence in your organization and the wider industry.

CSOs must be cross-functional thinkers. Starting in marketing, analytics, policy, or operations and then branching into ESG roles is a great path.

Certifications and Industry Standards for Aspiring CSOs

The expanding market for sustainability education offers new pathways into this field. Professional certifications that boost your CSO candidacy include:

• LEED Accreditation (Green Building Certification Institute)

• Certified Sustainability Practitioner (CSR-P)

• GRI Professional Certification

• SASB FSA Credential for Financial Sustainability

Many executives pursuing the CSO position meaning find business schools now offer MBAs with sustainability or impact leadership concentrations.

FAQ

What does a CSO mean in a company?

A CSO, or Chief Sustainability Officer, leads a company’s sustainability strategy, aligning business practices with environmental and social goals.

How is a CSO different from a CSR Officer?

A CSO oversees broader sustainability efforts, while a CSR Officer often focuses on specific areas like philanthropy and community relations.

What are the chief responsibilities of a CSR Officer?

CSR Officer responsibilities typically include managing corporate giving, stakeholder communication, and social impact programs.

Is the CSO role becoming more important in 2026?

Yes, due to rising climate regulations and stakeholder expectations, the CSO is now an executive leadership position with strategic influence.

The role of the Chief Sustainability Officer is more critical than ever. As the world faces pressing environmental and social challenges, CSOs are helping businesses evolve, adapt, and lead the transition to a more sustainable future. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a company looking to build ESG capabilities, understanding the scope of what a Chief Sustainability Officer does is the first step toward lasting impact.