Sustainability SUST
(modified)
Assessing, applying, advising on and leading environmental sustainability practices to reduce impacts and meet organisational objectives, standards and obligations.
Proposed changes for SFIA 10
The proposed changes recognise that sustainability capability is practised both through specialist sustainability roles and through sustainability responsibilities embedded in other professional roles.
Adding Level 3 gives clearer recognition to practitioners who apply established sustainability methods, assess impacts and make recommendations within defined areas. The existing Level 4 is revised because, as the current lowest level, it also carries work that can more appropriately be distinguished at Level 3.
The skill description, guidance and Levels 4–6 are adjusted to create a clearer progression from applying sustainability practice through to organisational leadership, while maintaining boundaries with other SFIA skills.
Guidance notes
(modified)
Sustainability in SFIA describes professional practice focused on environmental sustainability in digital and technology activities. It may be used in specialist sustainability roles or as a distinct responsibility within broader roles.
Activities may include, but are not limited to:
- applying sustainability methods, standards and assessment criteria
- assessing environmental impacts, risks, trade-offs and improvement opportunities using relevant evidence
- interpreting sustainability requirements, regulations and standards
- establishing and monitoring sustainability measures, baselines and benchmarks
- recommending and coordinating actions to reduce environmental impact
- developing sustainability policies, standards, guidelines and governance arrangements
- promoting adoption of sustainability practices across products, services, operations, assets and supply chains.
Sustainability considerations may also be embedded in other SFIA skills. Where the primary work is architecture, engineering, operations, finance, sourcing or another professional practice, the relevant skill should be used; SUST applies where the work includes distinct sustainability assessment, advice, methods, governance or leadership.
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.
Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.
Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.
Level 1
Level 2
Sustainability: Level 3
(new)
Applies established sustainability methods, standards and criteria to defined areas of work.
Uses and interprets relevant evidence to assess environmental impacts and conformance with agreed requirements.
Identifies sustainability issues and improvement opportunities and makes recommendations within established practices.
Communicates findings and supports the implementation and monitoring of agreed sustainability measures.
Sustainability: Level 4
(modified)
Assesses sustainability implications of changes, products, services or operational practices involving multiple or competing factors.
Selects and applies appropriate sustainability methods and measures to evaluate options, risks and trade-offs.
Provides guidance to stakeholders and coordinates implementation of agreed sustainability measures within a defined area.
Evaluates effectiveness and recommends corrective or further action.
Sustainability: Level 5
(modified)
Provides authoritative advice and guidance on planning, designing and implementing sustainability practices within a significant area.
Selects and adapts sustainability methods, tools and measures in line with organisational policies and standards.
Ensures sustainability assessments and practices are applied consistently and effectively.
Identifies opportunities to improve organisational sustainability approaches and recommends changes.
Sustainability: Level 6
(modified)
Develops and leads implementation of organisational sustainability strategies, policies, standards and governance arrangements for digital and technology activities.
Leads adoption of sustainability methods, measures and practices across significant areas of the organisation.
Engages senior stakeholders to influence priorities, investment and decisions affecting sustainability outcomes.
Monitors external developments and their implications for organisational sustainability approaches.