The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Sustainability SUST

Providing advice, assistance and leadership to enable the organisation to minimise negative environmental impact.

Updates for SFIA 9

  • There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description).
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

  • developing policies, standards and guidelines to minimise the negative environmental impact of factors such as — but not limited to — hardware, software, networks, storage, power supply, care, maintenance and disposal of assets, paper, packaging or transport
  • advising on regulations and standards
  • benchmarking and establishing metrics and dashboards
  • communicating and promoting sustainability policies and programmes.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

4 5 6

Sustainability: Levels 1-3

This skill is not typically observed or practiced at these levels of responsibility and accountability.

Sustainability: Level 4

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

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

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

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

Sustainability: Level 7

This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.