Sustainability Consultant Resume Guide

Sustainability consultants work to help organizations and businesses reduce their environmental impact. They analyze the current practices of a company, develop solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible, and then implement those solutions. Additionally, they provide advice on how to meet sustainability goals through research-based strategies such as reducing waste or energy consumption.

Your knowledge of sustainability and environmental initiatives is unparalleled. But potential employers don’t know how passionate you are about making the world a better place. To make them aware, write a resume that highlights your commitment to sustainable development.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Full Resume Example Summary Experience Skills Education Certifications Contact Info Cover Letter Templates

Sustainability Consultant Resume Sample

Valerie Spencer
Sustainability Consultant

[email protected]
697-965-2414
linkedin.com/in/valerie-spencer

Summary

Diligent sustainability consultant with 5+ years of experience in the energy sector, creating and executing sustainable solutions to reduce emissions. Seeking to join ABC as a sustainability advisor to develop innovative strategies that will help businesses meet their environmental goals while increasing profitability. Proven track record of successfully implementing cost-effective green initiatives leading to an estimated 20% reduction in carbon footprint for clients across multiple industries.

Experience

Sustainability Consultant, Employer A
Murfreesboro, Jan 2018 – Present

Accurately researched and analyzed data on energy use, emissions levels, waste management policies, resource conservation measures and other relevant topics to inform sustainable development plans.
Prepared detailed reports outlining recommended strategies for reducing carbon footprint by 25% in one year; successfully implemented initiatives that resulted in a reduction of 10 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Facilitated dialogue between business stakeholders to ensure their commitment to sustainability objectives; created an effective internal network leading to improved collaboration across departments towards achieving set goals.
Streamlined existing processes associated with environmental protection such as water usage, recycling programs and green procurement procedures resulting in cost savings of $10K per annum for the organization.
Developed comprehensive training materials covering various aspects related to sustainability including climate change adaptation techniques which were used by 200+ personnel during orientation sessions over two years.

Sustainability Consultant, Employer B
Port St. Lucie, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

Collaborated with a team of engineers and sustainability experts to develop sustainable solutions for 12+ corporations, resulting in an average energy savings of 20% and cost reduction by $500K over the course of one year.
Compiled detailed reports on carbon footprints, resource efficiency metrics, waste management strategies and other environmental initiatives; identified ways to reduce costs associated with green operations by 30%.
Introduced 3 new renewable energy sources which resulted in a decrease of 6 tons CO2 emissions per month at major manufacturing plants across the state.
Evaluated current practices used within various corporate departments including marketing, HR & logistics; developed policies that increased operational efficiency by 25%.
Resourcefully implemented upcycled materials into product designs while maintaining quality standards; decreased total production costs by 10% annually without compromising customer satisfaction levels.

Skills

Sustainability
Environmental Awareness
Sustainable Development
Teamwork
Renewable Energy
Energy Efficiency
Sustainability Consulting
Data Analysis
Project Planning

Education

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Certified Sustainability Professional
Association of Sustainability Profession
May 2017

Related Resume Examples

All Examples

1. Summary / Objective

A resume summary/objective is your chance to make a great first impression on potential employers. As a sustainability consultant, you can use this section to highlight the skills and experience that make you stand out from other applicants. For example, you could mention the green initiatives or projects you have worked on in the past, any certifications related to sustainability consulting that you possess, and how your expertise has helped organizations reduce their environmental impact.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Energetic sustainability consultant with 5+ years of experience in creating, implementing and monitoring corporate sustainability strategies. Achieved an average 20% reduction in energy usage for 15 organisations through comprehensive audits and tailored solutions. Led the development of a successful waste management strategy at XYZ that resulted in 30% decrease in landfill waste over 18 months. Committed to helping companies reduce their environmental impact while improving their bottom line.

Enthusiastic sustainability consultant with 5+ years of experience applying environmental and sustainability principles to companies, organizations, and governments. At XYZ Consulting Firm successfully helped clients reduce their carbon footprint by up to 20%, while also helping them save money through improved energy efficiency initiatives. Skilled in researching best practices for sustainable operations and developing customized solutions that meet the needs of stakeholders.

Driven sustainability consultant with 5+ years of experience in the field. Expertise in creating detailed sustainability plans and strategies for organizations, implementing green initiatives and programs, conducting research to identify sustainable solutions, and providing training on best practices. Currently seeking an opportunity at ABC Consulting where I can use my knowledge to create positive impacts by driving change towards a more sustainable future.

Talented sustainability consultant with 6+ years of experience in corporate sustainability and energy management. Adept at developing and implementing projects that reduce the environmental impacts, improve operational efficiency, and increase revenue for clients. Seeking to leverage expertise in green building standards, renewable energy technologies, climate change mitigation strategies, and water resource conservation to be part of ABC’s team.

Passionate sustainability consultant with 7+ years of experience helping organizations reduce their environmental impact and develop responsible corporate strategies. At XYZ, reduced overall carbon footprint by 40% through waste management initiatives, renewable energy investments, and efficient water usage protocols. Seeking to join ABC Consulting in order to provide meaningful insights for clients looking to become more sustainable.

Determined sustainability consultant with over 10 years of experience developing and implementing sustainability strategies for a variety of organizations. At XYZ, built a comprehensive environmental management system resulting in reduced energy consumption by 30%. Specialize in helping businesses achieve their carbon neutrality goals while minimizing long-term costs associated with transitioning to sustainable business practices.

Skilled sustainability consultant with 5+ years of experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies for businesses. Experienced in driving sustainable practices through stakeholder engagement, data analysis, market research and policy development. Proven ability to identify and assess risks associated with environmental issues while leveraging best industry practices to achieve cost optimization objectives.

Detail-oriented sustainability consultant with 5+ years of experience developing comprehensive sustainability plans for businesses. Seeking to join ABC Company in order to drive environmental and social impact through creating actionable, data-driven strategies that reduce carbon footprints. Recent successes include a 20% reduction in energy consumption at XYZ Corporation and an increase in air quality by 15%.

2. Experience / Employment

The employment (or experience) section is where you talk about your work history. It should be written in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job listed first.

Stick to bullet points when talking about what you did; this will make it easier for the reader to take in all of the information quickly and efficiently. When writing out each point, provide detail on what was done and any quantifiable results that were achieved as a result of your efforts.

For example, instead of saying “Created sustainability plans,” you could say, “Developed comprehensive sustainability plans for three large-scale companies resulting in an average reduction of 10% energy consumption.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

Advised
Assessed
Monitored
Analyzed
Evaluated
Implemented
Developed
Researched
Educated
Facilitated
Collaborated
Optimized
Streamlined
Reported
Presented

Other general verbs you can use are:

Achieved
Compiled
Coordinated
Demonstrated
Expedited
Formulated
Improved
Introduced
Mentored
Participated
Prepared
Reduced
Reorganized
Represented
Revised
Spearheaded
Structured
Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

Demonstrated strong knowledge of sustainability strategies, energy management systems and renewable energy technologies to develop comprehensive consulting reports for over 15 clients.
Improved the overall environmental footprint of a major manufacturing company by 20% through efficient resource utilization initiatives and waste reduction programs.
Developed an effective carbon neutrality plan that resulted in cost savings of $10K+ per quarter for a large retail chain’s operations across 10 locations nationwide.
Formulated actionable recommendations on green building design and construction practices based on extensive research into latest trends in sustainable development; boosted client engagement rates by 25%.
Confidently provided expert advice regarding climate change policies, legislation & regulations to empower businesses with data-driven insights needed to comply with industry best practices at all times.

Expedited sustainability initiatives in 3+ organizations, resulting in a 25% reduction of energy consumption and an estimated cost savings of $5,000.
Reorganized operations to create more efficient processes and reduce waste by 30%, leading to increased productivity levels across the company’s departments.
Diligently analyzed industry trends and consulted with stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies that improved environmental performance by 15%.
Assessed current systems for potential improvements related to sustainability goals; successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing plants by 23%.
Achieved certifications such as ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Standard within 10 months of being hired at all sites under management scope worldwide.

Monitored and analyzed current sustainability practices and policies of 5+ clients, devising strategies to reduce carbon emissions by 20% while cutting operational costs by 10%.
Advised senior management on best methods for achieving their sustainability goals; implemented initiatives which increased recycling rates from 30% to 50%, saving $15K in waste disposal fees annually.
Revised and introduced new environmental regulations across multiple departments; substantially reduced air pollution emission levels with the help of innovative energy-efficient technologies within 6 months.
Substantially improved resource efficiency at 3 different manufacturing sites, diverting 70 tons of materials away from landfills last year through a successful waste management program.
Analyzed data generated from various sustainable systems and processes, producing detailed reports that enabled companies to track progress towards green objectives more accurately over time.

Spearheaded the implementation of sustainability policies and initiatives to reduce the environmental footprint of a large manufacturing company, resulting in an 18% reduction in carbon emissions month-over-month.
Optimized operational processes and procedures for improved resource efficiency within facility operations; saved $80K in energy costs over 8 months.
Reliably conducted audits on existing infrastructure and facilities to identify areas needing improvement or upgrades with respect to environment health & safety standards, completing 5 projects ahead of schedule without any errors or delays.
Represented the organization at international conferences regarding sustainable practices, delivering presentations that educated audiences about environmentally friendly practices companies can adopt into their daily operations while reaping financial benefits from them too.
Utilized advanced analytics software tools such as MATLAB & Tableau to analyze data related to waste management systems, developing reports which quantitatively outlined cost savings potentials along with associated risks and mitigation strategies for consideration by senior executives.

Mentored a team of 5 in sustainability initiatives, leading them to reduce energy consumption by 40% and generate $4500 savings in the last quarter.
Reported on environmental impacts from company operations, analyzing data such as waste water production & emissions levels; presented key findings to executives at bi-monthly meetings.
Reduced paper usage for all office documents by 80%, spearheading an electronic filing system that optimized storage space and improved workflows across departments.
Structured a comprehensive plan for implementing sustainable practices into daily business operations, resulting in an estimated 20% increase in efficiency over the next 6 months without additional investments or staff resources.
Independently managed projects related to reducing carbon footprint within budget constraints; achieved a 23% reduction of CO2eq output while saving 25 hours per month on average.

Implemented sustainable business practices in over 50 companies, resulting in a 10% reduction of overall energy consumption.
Presented findings on the economic and environmental benefits of green initiatives to executive management teams; successfully secured funding for new sustainability projects.
Educated staff across multiple departments on eco-friendly habits by designing comprehensive training programs and leading informative workshops.
Coordinated with local vendors to acquire renewable materials needed for office renovations, reducing costs by $10K while ensuring compliance with all sustainability standards and certifications such as LEED & ISO 14001 certification requirements.
Competently developed strategies that enabled businesses to meet their financial goals whilst simultaneously decreasing their carbon footprint by 20%.

3. Skills

Skill requirements will differ from employer to employer – this can easily be determined via the job advert. Organization ABC may be looking for a consultant who is experienced in developing sustainability strategies, while Organization XYZ may need someone with expertise in green building design.

The skills section of your resume should reflect the job you are applying for; this will help ensure that it passes through any applicant tracking systems used by employers and reaches the right person.

You can also elaborate on certain key skills throughout other sections of your resume, such as the summary or experience section. This will give recruiters more insight into why you would make an ideal candidate for their role.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

Analysis
AutoCAD
BREEAM
Business Development
Business Strategy
Carbon Footprinting
Climate Change
Communication
Corporate Social Responsibility
Data Analysis
Editing
Energy
Energy Audits
Energy Efficiency
Engineering
English
Environmental Awareness
Environmental Education
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Issues
Environmental Management Systems
Environmental Policy
Environmental Science
Event Management
Fundraising
Green Building
LEED
Life Cycle Assessment
MATLAB
Nonprofits
Program Management
Project Planning
Renewable Energy
Report Writing
Revit
SketchUp
Social Media Marketing
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategy
Sustainability
Sustainability Consulting
Sustainability Reporting
Sustainable Business
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Energy
Teaching
Team Leadership
Teamwork
Time Management
Waste Management

4. Education

Adding an education section to your resume will depend on how far into your career you are. If you recently graduated and have no work experience, include an education section below your resume objective. However, if you have plenty of relevant sustainability consulting experience to showcase, omitting the education section is perfectly acceptable.

If an education section is included in your resume, make sure to mention courses or subjects related to sustainability that could be beneficial for a consultant role.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills in a particular field. Having certifications can give you an edge over other applicants, as it shows that you are committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends and standards.

When applying for jobs, make sure to include any relevant certifications on your resume so hiring managers know what qualifications you possess. This will help them determine if your skill set is suitable for their organization’s needs.

Certified Sustainability Professional
Association of Sustainability Profession
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Valerie Spencer, this would be Valerie-Spencer-resume.pdf or Valerie-Spencer-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Providing a cover letter with your job application is highly recommended. It’s a great way to make an impression on the hiring manager and give them additional insight into who you are as a professional.

A cover letter should be made up of 2 to 4 paragraphs, separate from your resume. This document allows you to express why you’re the perfect fit for the role by providing details that aren’t already mentioned in your CV or other documents.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Aniya,

As an experienced sustainability consultant, I am excited to apply for the position of Sustainability Consultant at your company. With a proven track record in developing and implementing sustainable business practices, I am confident that I can make a positive impact on your organization.

In my previous role as Sustainability Manager at [company name], I was responsible for leading the development and implementation of the company’s sustainability strategy. This involved working with all departments to identify opportunities for improvement, setting targets, and monitoring progress against these targets. As a result of my work, the company was able to reduce its carbon footprint by 10% within two years.

I have also developed strong relationships with key stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, and government agencies. These relationships are important in order to drive change and create mutual benefits from sustainable practices. For example, I worked with suppliers to develop more efficient delivery routes which not only reduced emissions but also saved the company money.

I believe that my experience and skills would be a valuable asset to your team. I am eager to use my expertise to help your organization achieve its sustainability goals. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Valerie