Sustainability at Work

Sustainability at Work is a compelling guide for anyone who seeks both a successful career and a career that makes a positive difference in society.

Containing career advice of great value to students and professionals, and explaining how one can integrate sustainability into future roles, this book’s appeal extends far beyond those well versed in sustainability thinking. The text includes an easy-to-follow structure―the SURF Framework―that anyone wondering how they can make a difference in the workplace can apply. In this thoroughly revised new edition, Marilyn Waite builds upon recent career trends to include two all-important themes that are redefining sustainability: justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and climate-related career pathways. In addition, practical advice for finding and creating roles that correspond to one’s preferences and purpose is elaborated. The book explains how real people in a plethora of sectors can have a positive impact on people and planet. Professionals from a variety of backgrounds and locations explain how they brought a sustainability approach to various sectors, including agriculture, business, economics, and financial services, education and research, entertainment and media, health care, law and policy, and science and technology. The breadth of stories covers individuals working on five continents in various levels of responsibility.

Through inspiring narratives and a structured framework, Sustainability at Work illustrates how sustainability can be incorporated into every imaginable career to impact the quadruple bottom line: environment, economy, society, and future generations.

Marilyn Waite’s vision is a world where sustainability values of social justice, environmental consciousness, intergenerational equity, and economic health drive decision-making and business practices. A sustainability expert and practitioner, she has addressed audiences globally on sustainability in careers, finance, textiles, climate change, water, and energy. Marilyn holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Princeton University. She serves on several boards and investment committees.