The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Sustainability SUST Beta

(modified)

Advising and leading sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024.
  • The content of this skill may change before publication.

Guidance notes

(modified)

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • developing policies, standards and guidelines to minimise the environmental impact of IT operations and assets.
  • providing advice on sustainability regulations and standards.
  • establishing and monitoring sustainability metrics and benchmarks.
  • promoting and communicating sustainability policies and programmes.
  • overseeing the implementation of sustainable practices in hardware, software, networks, storage, power supply, maintenance and asset disposal.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

4 5 6

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Sustainability: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(unchanged)

Assesses and reports on how different tactical decisions affect sustainability.

Evaluates factors and risks (political, legislative, technological, economic, social) that impact on operational processes and strategic direction.

Evaluates and reports on the implementation of sustainability measures in specific areas.

Sustainability: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

(modified)

Provides expert advice and guidance on planning, designing and implementing sustainability solutions.

Evaluates and selects sustainability methods, tools and practices to be used in line with agreed policies and standards.

Identifies and recommends improvements to the organisation's approach to sustainability.

Sustainability: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(modified)

Develops and promotes organisational strategies, policies, standards and guidelines for sustainability.

Leads the introduction and use of sustainability techniques, methodologies and tools.