D.C Directory

Sustainability specialist

Program Host

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

Host Type

Career Training

Program Focus

Green design & construction

Outcomes

Credential

About the Program

Due to the wide variety of their job responsibilities, there is no u201cone pathu201d to becoming a sustainability specialist. While sustainability specialists typically must have a bacheloru2019s degree, there are no formal educational requirements. Common degrees held by sustainability specialists include a bacheloru2019s degree in environmental studies, earth science, environmental science and sustainability, environmental architecture, and design. Sustainability specialists should not only have an interest in environmental stewardship, but they should also be analytical thinkers, problem solvers, and excellent communicators. Much like financial or operations analysts, sustainability consultants collect and analyze data, identify needs, and devise strategies to meet those needs. They write reports, make presentations, lead meetings, and launch sustainability initiatives, so they need to be knowledgeable and confident. As such, desired skills include speaking, writing, critical thinking, and verbal communication. Stay up to date on the latest developments in green building through access tou00a0online coursesu00a0with an annual subscription to theu00a0USGBC course catalog.