Sustainability Officer

As a Sustainability Officer you develop, implement and monitor strategies that reduce an organisation's environmental impact and ensure it meets its corporate social responsibility commitments. You collect and analyse data on energy use, waste, carbon emissions and supply chain practices, then translate findings into practical policies and action plans. Working closely with senior management, operations teams, procurement and external regulators, you ensure the organisation complies with Irish and EU environmental legislation, including emerging Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements. You may also prepare sustainability reports for stakeholders, manage green certification processes and represent the organisation at industry or government forums.

A Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree is the typical minimum route into this occupation, with relevant disciplines including Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, Business with Environmental Management, or Civil and Environmental Engineering at institutions such as UCC, University of Galway, UCD, TU Dublin or ATU. Leaving Certificate subjects that strengthen your application include Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Agricultural Science, Business and Mathematics. Many employers favour candidates who have completed a Level 9 Master's in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Corporate Responsibility or a related field, particularly for roles involving CSRD reporting or policy development. Springboard+ and professional development programmes offered by bodies such as Engineers Ireland and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation also provide upskilling pathways for those moving into sustainability from adjacent roles. No single statutory registration body governs this profession in Ireland, though membership of professional networks such as the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is widely valued. Relevant QQI Level 6 courses in environmental studies can offer a foundation route, though progression to degree level is generally required for professional-grade positions.