Sustainability Excellence Professional Candidate Handbook
Updated November 2024
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Last updated
Updated November 2024
Last updated
COPYRIGHT 2024 Green Business Certification Inc.™
Information in this handbook represents current policies and procedures for the SEA and SEP credentials. Information in this handbook supersedes the information contained in any previously published handbooks. All information and guidelines are subject to change.
Please read and understand the entire handbook, including all policies, procedures and consequences.
The Sustainability Excellence credentials have been designed by sustainability practitioners, for sustainability practitioners, through global collaboration and expertise. The goal of these credentials is to serve as global benchmarks for sustainability professionals, providing industry-recognized credentials that can be carried across national borders by:
bringing cohesion and definition to the emerging profession of sustainability
providing credibility for employers and assurance of a standard level of competency of a sustainability professional
imparting evidence of competency for practitioners in the field, furthering their credibility, influence and career advancement opportunities
The Sustainability Excellence credentials define and standardize the competencies employers, and seekers of consultants should expect from sustainability professionals.
In 2016, the (ISSP) launched the ISSP Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA) and ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional (ISSP-CSP) credentials. These were acquired by (GBCI) in November 2019 and renamed in December 2020 to the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP). GBCI is the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practices globally.
GBCI offers two Sustainability Excellence credentials available to sustainability practitioners:
Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA): This is an introductory level credential for individuals who are new to the field of sustainability but have sufficient education and training to pass a test on basic knowledge and understanding of key sustainability concepts. The SEA is a prerequisite for the SEP.
Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP): This credential is for experienced sustainability practitioners who demonstrate a combination of sustainability-related work experience and formal education.
Engage stakeholders: Skills and knowledge related to collaboratively working with stakeholders to forward a mutually satisfactory beneficial agenda.
Plan sustainability strategies: Create a comprehensive, long-term and inclusive approach to the systematic implementation of sustainability vision and initiatives.
Implement sustainability strategies: Managing the ongoing activities related to successful integration and fulfillment of sustainability goals.
Evaluate and report sustainability efforts: Collect, analyze and report the results of sustainability metrics.
Adjust plans: Continuously review efforts and adjust to meet emerging needs and opportunities.
Ongoing professional development and education activities are required to maintain and renew the SEP credentials every two years.
The Sustainability Excellence Professional credential is awarded to those practitioners who demonstrate sufficient education and knowledge of sustainability concepts and issues by passing the SEP exam and competence in the tasks and responsibilities required of people working in the field. SEP applicants must meet the following criteria:
Pass the SEA exam
Submit an application providing evidence of eligibility for the SEP exam, including:
Proof of a bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
Evidence of one of the following:
At least five years of sustainability-related professional experience within the last ten years; or
At least four years of sustainability-related professional experience within the last eight years and an additional year of full-time sustainability- related education or training; or
At least three years of sustainability-related professional experience within the last six years and an additional two years of full-time sustainability-related education or training
Three (3) references attesting to your work as a sustainability professional.
As a reminder, SEP applications must be reviewed and accepted before applicants may schedule and take the SEP credential exam.
GBCI, along with Prometric, enforces a strict policy regarding acceptable identification to maintain the integrity and quality of the SEP exam and to ensure all candidates have access to a consistent and fair exam check-in process. All IDs must be plasticized or laminated by the issuing authority at the time of issue. Your ID must be in the original form it was issued; duplicates, photocopies, or digital IDs will not be accepted.
You are required to provide one form of valid government-issued identification that contains ALL the following four elements:
Your name must EXACTLY match the name (in Roman characters) you used to register for the exam
A recent, recognizable photograph that looks like you
Your signature
Be unexpired and include an issue date and an expiration date
What if my ID does not EXACTLY match the name used to register for the exam?
If you do not contact GBCI in advance and your legal ID does not EXACTLY match the first and last name you entered when you registered for your exam, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your exam registration fee.
IDs with names printed solely in non-Roman characters are not acceptable.
If you legally only have one name during registration enter ‘No Name’ in the first or last name fields as applicable.
Examples of identification that typically comply with requirements include:
Passport
Driver’s license with a printed signature, including date issued and date of expiration
Current government-issued photo ID with signature, including date issued and date of expiration
Green card, permanent residence card, or H-1B visa
Military ID that includes date issued and date of expiration
National ID
What if my primary ID does not meet all the identification requirements?
If your identification does not include a recent photograph, your signature, and an issue and expiration date, you must provide a secondary identification (with the same first and last name in Roman characters) that includes the outstanding required elements. Remember, at the time your secondary identification was issued, the issuing authority must have laminated it.
Examples of secondary identification that typically comply with the requirements include:
Work-issued employee ID card
School ID card
Library card
Health insurance card
Credit card (due to security reasons, credit cards are not accepted as a form of secondary identification during the check-in process of remotely proctored exams.)
India residents presenting an India PAN card or India voter ID that does not include a date issued and/or an expiration date, must also present a second form of identification (with the same first and last name and signature), which does include an expiration date. Unexpired credit card with a printed signature can only be used at test centers as a secondary form of ID.
Unacceptable forms of ID include, but are not limited to:
Photocopies or duplicates
ID without an expiration date or date of issue
ID with the first and last name printed solely in non-Roman characters
Social Security card
Electronic/digital IDs
Aadhaar cards: For India residents
If you legally have only one name, enter “No Name” in the first or last name fields as applicable. At least ten business days before your scheduled exam date, you must notify GBCI that you only have one legal name and provide us with the name you used to register, and the date and time of your exam. If you are testing in person, the test center location and GBCI will notify Prometric proctors that your legal ID has only one name. If you do not contact GBCI in advance and your legal ID does not EXACTLY match the first and last name you entered when you registered for your exam, you will not be permitted to test, and you will forfeit your exam registration fee.
Special characters (e.g., accents, tilde, umlaut, cedilla, etc.) are not allowed into the first and last name fields. Please enter the corresponding Roman characters in the English alphabet that match what is printed on the ID.
Visit the Credentials page, then select SEP registration. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the exam registration.
Before proceeding further, complete the SEP Application Form, including uploading all necessary materials.
On the Schedule Appointment screen, read through the instructions and click the green forward arrow button on the right-hand side at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next screen. Read through the Policy Notice, answer the age and consent questions at the bottom of the page and click the green forward arrow (Note: GBCI does not collect, store, or use biometric data for any purpose). You will then be asked to enter your exam eligibility ID (EID) and the first four characters of the last name you used when you registered. Please be aware that Prometric's exam scheduling times are listed in a 24-hour notation, also known as military time in the form hh:mm (e.g., 15:00 to denote 3:00 PM, or 03:00 to denote 3:00 AM). It is important to note that if you select a time from 1:00 to 11:59, you are selecting the morning (AM) time slot and not the evening (PM) time slot.
Once you register and pay for your exam, you have 12 months to schedule and take your exam session. If you fail to complete your exam within the 12 months, you will forfeit your registration and must submit a new exam registration and payment to GBCI. If you fail your first attempt at taking the exam, you may register and pay again in the same way as the initial registration. After three unsuccessful attempts within a 12-month period, starting from your first exam attempt, you must wait 90 calendar days before submitting a new registration and payment to GBCI. Candidates must pay the exam registration fee for each exam attempt.
In addition, if you have scheduled an exam at a test center and would like to reschedule it for a remote proctored online exam (or vice versa), you will first need to cancel your exam at the test center and then follow the link to schedule a remote proctored online exam. Applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees may apply.
Rescheduling and Cancelation Policy
Refund policy: Effective January 1, 2025
46 days or more
Yes
Yes
30 to 45 days
Yes, less a $30 cancellation fee
Yes, less a $30 rescheduling fee
4-29 days
Yes, less a $60 cancellation fee
Yes, less a $60 rescheduling fee
0-3 days
No
No
You may reschedule or cancel your exam up to 46 calendar days before your scheduled exam date without incurring a rescheduling or cancellation fee.
If you reschedule or cancel your exam between 30 and 45 calendar days before the scheduled date, a $30 fee will apply.
If you reschedule or cancel your exam between 29 and 4 days before the scheduled date, a $60 fee will apply.
You cannot reschedule your exam after midnight on the third day before the scheduled appointment. (For example, Wednesday appointments cannot be rescheduled after Sunday, 11:59 PM).
If you miss your exam date, fail to reschedule or cancel 3 calendar days before the exam, you forfeit the entire exam registration fee.
When you reschedule an exam, you will receive a new confirmation email from Prometric. Please check your spam filters, quarantine, clutter, and junk folder(s) to ensure you receive the email from Prometric. If you do not, please contact Prometric immediately to confirm that your exam was rescheduled.
You may request accommodations if you have a documented disability that would prevent you from taking a GBCI exam under standard testing conditions. GBCI complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provisions.
Under the ADA, entities that administer standardized examinations must offer the examinations in a place and manner that is accessible to candidates with disabilities. This may require reasonable modifications to the way the exam is administered. Prometric, the exam delivery company used by GBCI, will provide candidates reasonable auxiliary aids and services, except where it may fundamentally alter the validity of the exam results.
Available accommodations include, but are not limited to, a reader, magnifying screen for the computer monitor, a scribe, and extended testing time. If you require the presence of a certified service or emotional support animal during the exam, please indicate this requirement by checking the testing accommodations box during the registration process. You will need to submit the appropriate documentation to support your request. Prometric may not be able to accommodate all requests for remotely proctored online exams due to the testing environment security requirements.
GBCI will review this documentation and, if approved, alert Prometric of the necessary accommodations. Please allow up to 10 business days to receive a reply from GBCI after submitting all your documentation. Please note that once you have requested testing accommodations, you cannot schedule your exam with Prometric until your request is processed. You will be contacted by email regarding the status of your testing accommodations request.
You should review the Exam Specifications section of this document to determine your knowledge and readiness to sit for the exams. The Sustainability Excellence Associate exam covers Section 1: Core Sustainability Concepts. The Sustainability Excellence Professional exam covers Sections 2 through 6 of the Exam Specifications.
The SEP exam contains 100 multiple choice questions and is delivered in 2.5 hours. Each multiple-choice question will only have one correct answer option.
The exams have scored questions and unscored questions. All questions are placed randomly throughout the exam, and candidates are not informed of a question’s status, so you should respond to all questions on the exam. Unscored questions are used to gather data regarding how the question performs. This data informs the use of the question in future exams.
The exams are computer-based. Exam questions and answer options are displayed on the screen. The computer records your responses and times for your exam. You can change your answers, skip questions and flag questions for later review.
If taking the SEP exam, be prepared to commit 2 hours 50 minutes. Total exam time is broken out as follows: An optional 10-minute tutorial, the 2.5-hour exam, and an optional 10-minute exit survey.
If you need to take a break before completing your exam in a test center, you may do so by raising your hand for assistance. Testing time is NOT suspended. Be aware that if you exit the test center or end the exam session by pressing “Finish” within your exam before completing the exam, the exam cannot be restarted, and the exam session and fee are forfeited.
Please note that breaks are not permitted during remote proctored online exams. It is strictly
prohibited for you to be out of the webcam’s field of vision at any point while taking the exam. If you leave your seat during the exam, except when authorized to leave by the Remote Proctor at the end of the exam, your exam session and registration fee are forfeited.
The exams are available in English.
Exams undergo a maintenance process, in which the questions are evaluated based on performance; poorly performing questions are removed and replaced with new ones.
Study materials
The amount of time needed to prepare for an ISSP exam is dependent on each individual and their familiarity with the exam content. GBCI recommends that candidates give themselves at least a month to prepare using the resources linked above.
Two months before your exam (test center or remote proctored online delivery)
For remotely proctored online exams: One week before the exam
Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 is the minimum resolution required; 1920 x 1080 recommended
Operating System: Windows 8.1 or higher | MacOS 10.13 or higher
MacOS Ventura 13.0 to 13.2.1 are not supported; please upgrade to 13.3.1 before testing. Note iPad/Android tablets are not currently supported. Microsoft Surface or similar can be used only when configured in laptop mode.
Web Browser: Latest Google Chrome
Webcam Resolution: 640 X 480 pixels external for desktops, internal for laptops
Microphone: Enabled. Bluetooth headsets are not supported
Internet Connection: Speed 1.0 Mbps or greater
Only a laptop or desktop computer can be used to take the exam
No dual-monitor configurations are permitted for testing (e.g., a desktop with two monitors or a laptop with a separate monitor)
Desktop monitors with built-in cameras are not acceptable since it will prevent a comprehensive and effective 360-degree security check. If you are using a desktop computer, you must have an external camera connected via USB.
Computers must be undocked
Before launching the ProProctor application, ensure all computer-sharing programs, (e.g., TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, UltraViewer) are closed. The use of any such programs is strictly prohibited. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in disqualification from taking the exam and forfeiture of the exam fee
If you use a wireless connection, position your device where you receive the strongest signal. Make sure that there are no other devices (phones, tablets, gaming/video streaming devices or TVs) or users connected to your internet connection for the duration of your exam. Lack of internet bandwidth or inconsistent internet bandwidth during your exam are the most common causes of incomplete connection or lost contact with ProProctor.
To ensure the integrity of the Sustainability Excellence exams, you are required to review and accept a nondisclosure agreement that prohibits any disclosure of exam content:
Exam questions and answers are the exclusive property of GBCI
Exam questions and answers are protected by copyright law. The exam may not be copied or reproduced in part or whole, by any means, including memorization.
Future discussion or disclosure of the exam's content, orally, in writing, or by any other means, is prohibited.
Theft or attempted theft of exam questions is punishable to the fullest extent of the law.
Failure to comply with the agreement will result in the forfeiture of your credential.
Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment. If you arrive at the test site after your scheduled exam time, you will lose your seat and forfeit your exam registration fee.
You must remain in your seat during the exam except when authorized to leave by test center staff. Raise your hand to notify test center staff if:
You experience a problem with your computer
An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message)
You need to take a break (testing time is NOT suspended)
You need the test center staff for any other reason
Accessing personal effects during your exam is a security infraction, and as a result, your exam session may be voided without a refund. Prometric test centers are outfitted with cameras that record each candidate's check-in process and exam experience. These recordings may be reviewed by Prometric test center staff and GBCI in the case of suspected security infractions. If you have a medical condition that may necessitate access to medication (e.g., an insulin pump), you must submit a Testing Accommodation request for approval to GBCI during exam registration.
If you require a break (e.g., to use the restroom), you must abide by the aforementioned security policies. You will be required to repeat the security check before you are permitted to reenter the exam room.
Upon logging into the ProProctor application, you will be prompted to capture a facial image from your webcam, followed by an image of your government-issued ID. Once these steps are completed, you will proceed to meet with a remote Readiness Agent who will guide you through all the security checks before launching your exam.
After logging into ProProctor, you should not have to wait more than 10-15 minutes (maximum) for a Readiness Agent to conduct the security check. Waiting longer than that indicates that you may have an incomplete connection with ProProctor, and Prometric is unaware that you are waiting in the “lobby area” for your virtual check-in. If this happens, you should exit the application and relaunch ProProctor.
To warrant a secure testing environment and prevent potential exam exposure, if you are planning to take your exam from a room that has windows or glass doors, it is important to cover them to prevent distractions and exam exposure. Once you start your exam check- in, if you have uncovered windows or glass doors, you will be asked to log-out, cover your window or glass door, and then log back in. It is important to thoroughly prepare your test environment and follow the guidelines to cover the windows or glass doors to minimize connectivity issues from having to log out and logging back in. Covering the windows or glass doors will ensure that your exam remains confidential and free from any unauthorized viewing.
It is crucial to maintain a clutter-free desk in the area where you will be taking the exam. Clutter can be deemed as a potential security threat, which may prevent you from proceeding with your exam.
A digital notepad is available in ProProctor during the exam instead of scratch sheets of paper. Scratch sheets of paper and a pen or pencil are not allowed during the remotely proctored online exam.
A digital calculator is available in ProProctor during the exam to use in lieu of a physical calculator. Physical calculators are not allowed during the remotely proctored online exam.
Upon completion of the virtual security check-in, you will be assigned to a Remote Proctor who will launch your exam and monitor you for the duration of your exam.
It is strictly prohibited for you to be out of the webcam’s field of vision at any point while taking the exam. You must remain in your seat and visible to the Remote Proctor during the exam except when authorized to leave by the Remote Proctor. Contact the Remote Proctor via chat or audio if:
You experience a problem with your computer
An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message)
You need the Remote Proctor for any other reason
Accessing personal effects during your exam is a security infraction, and as a result, your exam session could be voided without a refund. Audio, video, and chat messages are recorded throughout the entire duration of the exam. These recordings may be viewed by Prometric proctoring staff and GBCI in the case of irregularities or suspected security infractions. Please remember that it is very important that you take your exam in a well-lit room with a door that you can close. If someone else comes into the room while you are taking your exam, privacy laws require that Prometric immediately shut down your exam because the individual entering the room has not consented to be recorded. Your exam results will be voided, and you will forfeit the full exam fee.
If you experience a loss of connection from your exam, please follow these steps to contact Prometric via the chat:
Look for the Chat with an Expert button, located on the bottom right-hand side of the page, to initiate a conversation with one of Prometric’s technical support agents.
Any candidate who engages in misconduct or does not comply with the test proctor’s warning to discontinue inappropriate behavior may be dismissed from the testing environment (test center or online), have exam results invalidated or be subject to other sanctions. Fraud, deceit, dishonesty, or other irregular behavior in connection with taking the exam is strictly prohibited.
Your exam results are displayed on the screen at the end of the exam, and a pass or fail score report is emailed to you following your exam session.
Designating your credential
As soon as you have passed the SEP exam, you can use the title “Sustainability Excellence Professional” or “SEP.”
The SEP designation can be used in electronic signatures or displayed on resumes, business cards, websites and public profiles. The credential is to be displayed as: Sustainability Excellence Professional or SEP. Any other representation is incorrect and not allowed.
Certificates
Credential maintenance program
You must fulfill the requirements to maintain your credential.
Because of the need for exam security, GBCI does not release exam questions or answers to candidates. GBCI does not respond to complaints or appeals received more than ten business days after an individual’s exam date and does not respond to complaints or appeals sent to any organizations other than GBCI.
If you experience any problems at the Prometric test center or during a remotely proctored online exam, you must inform test center personnel before leaving the test center or the Remote Proctor before ending your online exam session. Prometric will draft an Incident Report and make it available to GBCI.
GBCI does not modify exam scores under any conditions. In the event of a successful exam content appeal, you will be allowed to retest at no charge; your original exam score will not be changed.
The only way to earn the SEA or SEP credential is to earn a passing score on the exam.
GBCI reserves the right to conduct an audit at any time (including prior to application submission and after a credential has been granted) of all current and past exam applications. Any information contained in your Credential account may be audited and a request for further documentation of any information or claims submitted by you may be made at any time. GBCI further reserves the right to take disciplinary or legal action—including but not limited to revocation of credential(s) – in the event that any conduct discovered during such an audit violates the GBCI Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy, GBCI policy, and/or law.
To protect your right to control score distribution, your exam score is released only to you, the exam taker, and authorized GBCI staff, except as required by law. GBCI does not release exam scores except for use in research studies that preserve your anonymity. Candidate exam scores always remain confidential unless released with the written consent of a candidate.
Official statistics regarding the Sustainability Excellence exams, including all question performance data, individual data and demographic data, are confidential; however, GBCI may publish aggregate, non-identifying information based on such data.
To assist you in your credential examination process, below is a compiled list of helpful reference links. These resources will provide quick access to important information, guidelines and support materials.
The Sustainability Excellence certification exams are based upon the Job Task Analysis derived from ISSP’s competency research project conducted in 2010 and generated through a multi- stakeholder process in 2013. The diagram to the right illustrates the six core competency areas required for the job of a “sustainability practitioner.” At the center is a fundamental understanding of sustainability issues, principles, and concepts. The Sustainability Excellence Associate credential focuses on this core competency. Sustainability Excellence Professional credential holders must demonstrate knowledge and related experience in the other five categories and the core conceptual knowledge area.
Each of the six competencies is further broken into specific related job tasks. These tasks and the associated knowledge required to perform them comprise the Exam Specifications. While not a comprehensive study guide, this outline does convey to certification applicants the knowledge areas covered on the exam portion of the certification scheme.
NOTE: The resources provided in the following tables do not represent an exhaustive list of the references or sources needed to gain the necessary knowledge or competencies, nor do their study guarantee successful completion of the Sustainability Excellence certification exams.
Section 1
Core Sustainability Concepts
Demonstrated familiarity with the core issues, trends, concepts and frameworks of sustainability.
Job Task
Related knowledge and competencies
1.1 Explain ideas, concepts and importance of sustainability to various audiences
Demonstrate familiarity with global and local, economic and scientific issues, by describing key trends, impacts and perspectives relevant to sustainability. For example, defining sustainable development, Limits to Growth theory, LOHAS trends, I=PxAxT equation, steady state or circular economy models.
Explain sustainability frameworks and principles such as the Triple Bottom Line,
Identify issues of social justice and social impacts
Explain and apply systems thinking.
Summarize historically significant events related to sustainability such as Brundtland Commission, Kyoto Protocol,
Agenda 21, the various COP’s
Describe current trends in and interplay among various sustainability issues such as waste, water, pollution, social impact, etc.
Explain the importance of sustainable practice and how it can contribute to social, environmental, and business objectives
1.2 Choose and customizing appropriate third-party sustainability resources
List applicable regulatory trends and policies as they relate to sustainability (e.g., whistleblower, Sarbanes-Oxley, ESA, RoHS, WEEE, EuP, Montreal Protocol, IPCC).
Demonstrate expertise in GHG inventorying and its relationship in areas such as buildings, transportation, and materials.
Define sustainability claims, eco-labels and certifications such as EPEAT, Energy Star, LEED, etc.
Describe key aspects of the landscape and architecture/hierarchy of global institutions, frameworks and standards relevant to the organization, its sustainability issues and its stakeholders. For example, GRI, Earth Charter,
Hannover Principles, and Kyoto Protocol
Identify relevant trends, technologies, approaches related to common sustainability initiatives (e.g., energy reduction and production, life cycle assessment, life cycle costing, bioremediation, GEMI, CDP, etc.)
Resources for core sustainability concepts
ISSP Glossary of Sustainability Terms.
Meadows, D (2008). Thinking in Systems, A Primer. Chelsea Green: VT.
Cook, D (2004). The Natural Step, Green Books Ltd: UK.
Hawkin, P., Lovins, A., Lovins, H. (1999). Natural Capitalism, Little Brown and Company: NY.
Section 2
Stakeholder Engagement
Skills and knowledge related to collaboratively working with stakeholders to forward a mutually satisfactory beneficial agenda.
Job Task
Related knowledge and competencies
2.1 Identify, map and prioritize stakeholders and their primary interests or concerns
Define stakeholder and the critical attributes that relate to your organization using tools and models like the stakeholder influence and importance matrix and stakeholder influence diagram
Define the importance and utility of engaging stakeholders in your sustainability efforts
List the critical steps or activities involved in facilitating stakeholder groups
Identify driving forces behind stakeholder motivations
Prioritize stakeholder needs and concerns
Identify ethical frameworks and filters for stakeholder interaction
2.2 Develop a strategy and means of engaging with each stakeholder
Analyze and evaluate key person(s) within each stakeholder group
Define the stages of stakeholder engagement.
Create stakeholder engagement assessment matrix: classify stakeholders as: unaware, resistant, neutral, supportive, leading
Identify points of leverage with stakeholder groups
Select appropriate organizational planning techniques and strategies appropriate for each stakeholder
Access, engage, and include stakeholders, influencers, and trusted advisors in dialogue
Advise employees of stakeholder identities and needs
Create stakeholder register: identification information (name, organization, etc.), assessment information (major requirements, expectations, potential influence on project, etc.), stakeholder classification (internal/ external, supporter/neutral/resistor).
Describe strategies for behavior change management
2.3 Implement and institutionalize procedures for engaging and communicating with internal stakeholders (e.g., senior management, functional leads, line employees)
Discuss company sustainability opportunities in communications
Build consensus and support among diverse stakeholders
Describe strategies for engaging with hostile stakeholders
Explain the relevance of sustainability to all employees to give them guidance around opportunities for them in their jobs.
2.4 Implement procedures for engaging and communicating with external stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, industry partners, NGO’s community members)
Describe suitable approaches and considerations for managing multi-stakeholder engagements
Build consensus and describe strategies for engaging with hostile stakeholders
2.5 Build relationships across organizational functions
Create sub-groups of engaged employees
Build and nurture leadership and support from key stakeholders
Enlist support of employees and functional leads
2.6 Prepare communications with input from key stakeholders
Produce and control communications, create communications plan, identify communication methods applying current models for effective communication
Resources for stakeholder engagement
Atkisson, A. (2008). ISIS Agreement, Earthscan: London.
Zadek, S., (2007), The civil corporation (2nd ed.), Earthscan, London.
Andriof, J., S. Waddock, B. Husted and S. Sutherland (2002). Unfolding stakeholder thinking: Theory, responsibility and engagement, Greenleaf, Sheffield.
McKenzie-Mohr, D and Smith, W (1999) Fostering Sustainable Behavior, Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.
Doppelt, Bob (2010). Leading Change Toward Sustainability, Sheffield, UK: Greenleaf Publishing, p249.
Husted, B., J.S. Waddock and S. Sutherland, 2003, Unfolding stakeholder thinking 2: Relationships, communication, reporting and performance, Greenleaf, Sheffield.
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK GUIDE) 5th edition, Project Management Institute, ISBN 978-1-935589-67-9
Section 3
Plan Sustainability Strategies
Create a comprehensive, long-term and inclusive approach to the systematic implementation of sustainability vision and initiatives
Job Task
Related knowledge and competencies
3.1 Develop a high-level, long- term sustainability road map
Describe strategic frameworks and planning models (e.g., backcasting, SWOT) and approaches to implementing them
Identify key contributors to the planning process
Relate sustainability vision to core purpose and define a sustainable version of the organization
Establish base line metrics or baseline performance
Apply appropriate tools (e.g., impacts assessment, resource flow diagrams) to identify critical aspects and impacts; inputs and outputs
Distinguish between a sustainability framework and common sustainability standards.
Describe different approaches to developing a plan for an organization (e.g., ADDIE model, hierarchy of competencies
3.2 Articulate the business case for sustainability
Identify business aspects that benefit financially from the application of sustainability principles and practices
Distinguish between Green and Sustainable practices
Short term return vs long-term return
Define the relationship between risk and sustainability
Articulate how sustainability links to business strategy
Identify an organization's key priorities and risks and communicate in business language
Conduct a cost benefit analysis
Recognize and account for externalities
Conduct life cycle costing
Present business case to senior management & obtain approval
Developing an understanding of the context for the organization to which sustainability will be applied
3.3 Articulate a long-term vision of sustainability for the organization and a strategy to achieve it
Identify critical aspects of a sustainability plan that must be met. Distinguish between what is necessary to be sustainable from what is currently feasible
Overcome constraints of current thinking; establish BHAG's
Identify alignment of producer and consumer
Design transmaterialization strategies
Distinguish between vision, goals, strategy, indicators
Identify key benefits that will attract employees to participate
3.4 Create an overarching project framework to support the higher-level framework, that can be operationalized and implemented
Design cyclical process for managing a sustainability plan
Identify existing organizational systems that could be leveraged to create a SMS (e.g., HR, strategic planning, budgeting, training)
3.5 Identify material issues and the relevant key indicators, specific metrics and targets
Devise SMART metrics
Calculate baseline data
Identify obstacles to measuring long-term impacts, externalities, etc.
identify the most common metrics shared across industries and regions
Familiarity with Balanced Score Card and its application to TBL metrics
Explain life cycle costing principles
Identify material issues and apply prioritization techniques
Understand how to determine and create baselines for key indicators
Appropriately design/choose TBL metrics. Distinguish between and appropriately apply leading and lagging indicators;
Qualitative and quantitative metrics
Understand the processes, key terms, standards and approaches to conducting greenhouse gas inventories and audits
Identify the relationship to and application of emerging accounting practices.
3.6 Identify the critical components of an SMS
Define the PDCA cycle
Identify the key attributes of an SMS (e.g., cyclical/iterative)
Understand that implementation is an embedding process and the key elements are training, communication, SOP's and documentation
Check - monitor progress and system so need metrics and audit process and implement a corrective action mechanism
Act - top level strategic and regular revisiting of the whole plan and process
Plan and understand importance of the Management Review
Resources for planning sustainability strategies
UNESCO (2014) UNESCO Roadmap for Implementing the GAP on ESD.
The Natural Step backcasting process
Hitchcock, D and Willard M. The step by step Guide to Sustainability Planning Willard, B. The New Sustainability Advantage, Sustainability Champion's Guidebook.
Deming, E, ISO standards 14000, 26000, Blackburn, W. The Sustainability Handbook.
Wackernagle, Ecological Footprint.
Kaplan and Norton, The Balanced Score Card.
Section 4
Implement Sustainability Strategies
Managing the ongoing activities related to successful integration and fulfillment of sustainability goals
Job Task
Related knowledge and competencies
4.1 Establish effective support and governance structures for the implementation of sustainability strategies and initiatives
Understand governance models, processes, decision frameworks
4.2 Implement an SMS in alignment with accepted standards and protocols
Understanding of the benefits of standardized SMS’s
Familiarity with continuous improvement standards and protocols (e.g., ISO series of standards)
Apply PDCA model and strategies
4.3 Integrate sustainability principles into organizational functions, policies and practices
Define the phases of implementation of sustainability
Change management theory; strategies and barriers to change
Describe the basic approach to life cycle assessment
4.4 Manage complex projects
Define the different process groups of a project (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing).
Classify the project into the project management knowledge areas (integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, communication, risk, procurement, stakeholder).
Analyze and select the appropriate process model components (Inputs, Tools & Techniques, Outputs).
Manage the project per project requirements and plan.
4.5 Communicate sustainability plans and concepts and choose strategies for buy-in from all members and levels of an organization
Plan Communications: who needs it; when is it needed; where should it be stored; what format; how to retrieve it; any barriers to overcome such as language, time zones, cultural, etc.
Familiarity with the strategies and concepts of community- based social marketing
Communications Management Plan:
Wilhelm, K, Making Sustainability Stick
Manage Communications: Determine and limit who will communicate with whom and who will receive what information
Control communications: the process of monitoring and controlling communications throughout the entire project life cycle to ensure the information needs of the project stakeholders are met.
Ensure optimal information flow among all communication participants, at any moment in time.
Analyze Communication dimensions:
Interactive and technology-based
Internal and external
Formal and informal
Vertical and horizontal
Push and pull communications
4.6 Launch and support teams and work groups
Launch and charter teams
Build commitment among team members
Facilitate groups through decision making
Hold teams accountable for results
Lead teams through the stages of team development
List the critical steps in building consensus in groups
4.7 Drive innovation, improvement and continuous learning
Innovation Theory - motivators for adoption, barriers to adoption, etc.
Familiarity with product stewardship, LCA’s
Understanding of the theory of double loop learning
4.8 Distribute communication and determine process for gathering feedback
Ensure two-way communication and assure line manager acceptance
Resources for implementing sustainability strategies
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK GUIDE) 5th edition, Project Management Institute, ISBN 978-1-935589-67-9
Whiteley, A., 1995, Managing change: a core-values approach, Macmillan Education, Australia.
Benn, S., D. Dunphy and A. Griffiths, Organizational Change for Corporate Sustainability (3rd ed.), Routledge, New York.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Kotter, John (1996). Leading Change, Harvard Business School Press: Cambridge
See Husted, B., J.S. Waddock and S. Sutherland, 2003, Unfolding stakeholder thinking 2: Relationships, communication, reporting and performance, Greenleaf, Sheffield.
Fleischer, D. GREEN TEAMS: Engaging Employees in Sustainability, GreenBiz.com
GMIC Guide to Forming a Green Team, Green Meeting Industry Council
McKenzie-Mohr, Doug and Smith, William (1999). Fostering Sustainable Behavior, Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.
Willard, B The New Sustainability Advantage
McDonough, W. and Braungart M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle, New Point Press: NY
Doppelt, B. ((2010). Leading Change Toward Sustainability, Greenleaf Publishing: Sheffield, UK
Rogers E., Diffusion of Innovation
Wilhelm, K (2014). Making Sustainability Stick, Pearson Education: New Jersey
Hitchcock, D. and Willard, M (2015). The Business Guide to Sustainability, Taylor and Francis: London
Section 5
Evaluate and Report Sustainability Efforts
Collect, analyze and report the results of sustainability metrics.
Job Task
Related knowledge and competencies
5.1 Conduct an impact assessment of organizational or community inputs, operations, outputs and stakeholder relationships
Apply impacts assessment models and strategies
Perform cost-benefit analysis & employee motivational studies
Manage supply chains
5.2 Design, implement and maintain data systems for collecting accurate, timely and reliable data (maximally integrated with other data collection systems of the organization).
Conduct validity & reliability studies based on data compiled from comparable organizations.
Design TBL dashboards with leading, lagging, qualitative and quantitative metrics
Determine materiality of metrics and reporting requirements
Perform and review greenhouse gas inventories and audits
Apply prevailing standards for measuring and managing social, environmental and economic impacts.
5.3 Analyze data and draw conclusions about progress.
Apply concepts of materiality, transparency, context, completeness to measures and reports
Selecting, interpreting and reporting on sustainability key performance indicators
5.4 Gather data, case studies, examples, and logically compile and order them
Prepare defensible, readable and accessible reports
Demonstrate understanding of widely accepted reporting formats like CDP, GRI, SASB, IIRC
Resources for evaluating and reporting sustainability efforts
Section 6
Adjust plans
Continuously review efforts and adjust to meet emerging needs and opportunities
Job Task
Related knowledge and competencies
6.1 Maintain and continuously refine management systems
Conduct regular reviews of SMS, plans, strategic priorities, threats and opportunities
Perform annual SWOT & cost-benefit analysis
6.2 Prioritize action based on context, analysis and set targets
Use accredited project management concepts
Recognize and incorporate new and emerging opportunities that have the potential to enhance uptake of sustainability initiatives
Disclaimer
The exam questions listed here were discarded while creating questions for new exams. The questions are provided for your convenience to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of questions on exams.
The content of these questions, while representative of the type of questions you can expect, does not necessarily mirror the content that will appear on the actual exams.
Furthermore, your ability to correctly answer these sample questions does not in any way predict or guarantee your ability to successfully answer questions on the actual exams.
What are the four steps of an LCA?
Goal Definition and Scoping, Inventory Analysis, Impact Assessment, then Interpretation
Goal Definition and Scoping, Inventory Analysis, Impact Assessment, then Extrapolation
Process Mapping, Goal Definition, Inventory Analysis, Impact Assessment, then Interpretation
Goal Definition and Scoping, Inventory Analysis, Extrapolation, then Interpretation
A carpet manufacturer changes its business model to switch from a product company to a service company in which it promotes the leasing of carpet tiles instead of selling wall to wall carpet to customers. This is an example of . . .
Cradle-to-cradle
Rematerialization
Dematerialization
Transmaterialization
As the sustainability coordinator, you've just been approached by an NGO (Non- Governmental Agency) to participate in a collective impact initiative for what you consider to be one of the most critical issues in your industry. You see value in this effort, but need to convince your organization to support your involvement. Which of the following rationales would you use to justify your involvement to your leaders?
Your involvement will fulfill your personal target for employee volunteer involvement.
Your involvement will help you manage the long-term risks to your organization.
You will learn a lot about what your competition is doing.
You will be able to mention this association in your report to stakeholders.
What is "backcasting?"
A process associated with life cycle assessments that looks upstream in the value chain to identify impacts.
The process of establishing baseline measures for organizational impacts.
A planning process that involves moving backwards from a vision of an ideal future to the current state.
A process the IPCC uses to track increase in global temperature change.
What would you ask to determine the most material sustainability issues facing an organization?
Which organizational impacts are most likely to influence the decisions of stakeholders?
Which business and environmental trends are most urgent to address?
Which parts of our operation have the greatest potential for cost savings?
Which aspects of our operations would present the greatest risk to the organization if not addressed?
You lead the implementation of an organization-wide sustainability effort for a mid-sized manufacturing firm. A cross-functional steering committee developed a comprehensive, long-term plan under your facilitation. The plan includes several major initiatives, at least two of which require significant participation from line employees. The employees, however, are largely unfamiliar with the concepts of sustainability and jaded by past organizational change initiatives that have come and gone without major impact. Most employees are skeptical when you introduce this new initiative. One of the first projects the organization has slated is an across the board waste reduction effort. This involves the cooperation of employees to assure the newly implemented recycling system you and the committee designed works. What would be your first step in enrolling employees in this effort?
Provide training to all impacted employees on the workings of the proposed waste reduction system. Include hands-on practice of material handling to assure they understand where and how each key material is to be handled.
Convene employees in small groups and invite them to engage in a problem- solving activity which focuses on increasing the efficiency of their processes and making their work more effective and productive.
Recruit employees to participate in a "dumpster dive" to both demonstrate the problem the new system is trying to solve as well as give them firsthand experience with the issue.
Hold work teams accountable for both measuring and reducing the waste in their units. Tie waste reduction results to performance reviews and/or reward systems.
You are the sustainability coordinator for your organization. In the last year you rolled out a series of trainings and briefings that provided all employees at all levels with the essential concepts of sustainability and encouraged everyone to begin thinking of ways that the concepts might be applied to business processes throughout the organization. You simultaneously created a system that enabled employees to submit their ideas to you directly. You have been surprised at the response as it has been far greater than you anticipated. You have been inundated with ideas. You realize now, that you were unprepared for this response. What should be your next step?
Pick the suggestions that have the most merit and begin working on them immediately conveying your successes as they are achieved.
Celebrate and communicate the success of the program and recruit people to help you process the suggestions.
Request additional staffing to help you deal with suggested projects.
Pass the suggestions on to the executive team to process and respond to them.
What does the term "materiality" mean as it relates to sustainability?
The aspects of an organization's operations and activities that lead to the most important positive and negative economic, environmental and social impacts for which the organization can be held accountable.
The social, environmental and financial impact of the materials consumed or produced as part of an organization doing business.
The relevance of an organization's sustainability vision and goals.
The concept of, or applied use of, various building materials or substance
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Global Issues website,
UN Millennium Development Goals,
UN Millennium Eco Assessment,
United Nations Environment Programme (2005). From Words to Action: The Stakeholder Engagement Manual. Volume 2: The Practitioner's Handbook on Stakeholder Engagement.
Business for Social Sustainability (BSR), (November 2011). Stakeholder Mapping,
Duckworth, A. and Moore, R (2010). Social Responsibility: Failure Mode Effects and Analysis, CRC Press
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