The role of the lead sustainability function is changing fast. As companies increasingly recognise the commercial opportunities associated with sustainability, and we move on from an era of compliance to strategy, a new skill set is being demanded in the market place.

This webinar looked critically at the challenges and opportunities sustainable business strategies present and the emergence of the Chief Sustainability Officer as a sustainability leader.

There were presentations from three thought leaders followed by a Q&A session.

Doug Johnston, Director, Climate Change & Energy Solutions, Ernst and Young LLP

Action Amid Uncertainty: The Business Response To Climate Change

• What is the current state of climate change strategies?
• What sustainability management challenges do c-suite executives face?
• How will climate change strategies evolve over the next 3 years?

David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix

Why Sustainable Business Strategies Will Create Chief Sustainability Officers

• Why do strategic changes imply the creation of a new executive role?
• How do we know this is a long-term trend not a short-term fad?
• What can we learn from firms with Chief Sustainability Officers?

Jim Woods, Non-Executive Director, Acre

The Chief Sustainability Officer Role

• Why are CSOs appointed and what skills and expertise do they have?
• What is the seniority and typical responsibilities of a CSO? 
• How will the CSO role evolve in the future?