The Green Career Digest #4: Elevating Product Positioning with Sustainability and ESG Principles
Lubomila Jordanova
CEO & Founder Plan A & Co-Founder Greentech Alliance │ Obama Leader │ MIT Under 35 Innovator │ LinkedIn Top Voice
In today's market, consumers and stakeholders increasingly prioritise sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors when evaluating products. For professionals in companies producing physical goods, integrating these principles is essential for enhancing product positioning. This edition of Green Career Digest explores strategies to effectively incorporate sustainability and ESG into product development and marketing.
1. Understand the ESG Landscape
Begin by comprehensively understanding ESG criteria relevant to your industry. This includes environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. Familiarity with frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the [Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) can guide your efforts.
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2. Conduct a Sustainability Assessment
Evaluate your product’s lifecycle—from raw material sourcing to disposal—to identify areas for improvement. Assess energy consumption, waste generation, and social impacts.
3. Innovate with Sustainable Design
Incorporate eco-friendly materials and processes into product design. Consider modular designs for easier repairs and upgrades, promoting longevity and reducing waste. Adopting circular economy principles can further enhance sustainability.
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4. Engage Stakeholders
Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal teams to align on sustainability goals. Transparent communication fosters trust and encourages collective action toward ESG objectives.
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5. Implement Robust ESG Metrics
Establish clear metrics to monitor and report on ESG performance. Regular reporting not only tracks progress but also demonstrates commitment to stakeholders. Utilize established standards to ensure consistency and credibility.
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6. Communicate Your ESG Commitment
Effectively market your product’s sustainability features. Highlight certifications, eco-friendly materials, and social initiatives. Authentic storytelling can resonate with consumers and differentiate your product in the market.
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7. Invest in Continuous Learning
Stay informed about evolving ESG trends and regulations. Participate in workshops, courses, and industry forums to enhance your knowledge and adapt to new challenges.
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By integrating these strategies, professionals can enhance their product’s market position while contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future.
Further Learning Resources
To deepen your understanding of sustainable design and ESG principles, consider the following free online courses:
Access industry-specific courses to increase your sustainability knowledge. Register for upcoming sessions or request on demand content.
Offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this course covers the context, motivations, frameworks, and perspectives necessary to build a deeper understanding of sustainability and to form a solid foundation for sustainable design.
Provided by the University of British Columbia, this course introduces students to a range of rating systems including LEED, Integrated Project Delivery, and green construction practices.
Offered by the University of the Arts London, this course provides a hands-on introduction to integrating sustainability within the design process, applicable to all design disciplines.
This course delves into the design process to impact the world with sustainable, forward-thinking strategies, exploring how to source leftover production material and explore unorthodox approaches to elevate your design.
The SDG Academy offers over 50 free Massive Open Online Courses taught by a global faculty from the United Nations, The World Bank, and various universities, covering topics related to sustainable development.
Engaging with these resources can equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead sustainability initiatives within your organization.
Recommended Books
1. “Sustainable Design: Ecology, Architecture, and Planning” by James Wines
This book provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable design, integrating ecological principles with architectural and planning practices.
2. “The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design” by Lance Hosey
Exploring the relationship between sustainability and beauty, this book outlines principles for the aesthetics of sustainable design.
3. “Positive Development: From Vicious Circles to Virtuous Cycles through Built Environment Design” by Janis Birkeland
This work discusses how design can move beyond sustainability to create net-positive impacts on the environment.
4. “Worldchanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century” edited by Alex Steffen
A comprehensive resource on global innovation, offering solutions and ideas for sustainable living and design.
5. “Waterscapes: Planning, Building and Designing with Water” by Herbert Dreiseitl and Dieter Grau
This book focuses on the integration of water in urban design, emphasising sustainable and aesthetic approaches.
Engaging with these resources can enhance your expertise in sustainable design and ESG principles, empowering you to make informed decisions that positively impact both your products and the environment.
Job Opportunities This Month
Recommended by LinkedIn
FASHION / LUXURY
🇮🇹 - ESG & Sustainability Manager - Alpinestars - Link
🇫🇷 - Responsable du Développement Durable - Parfums Christian Dior - Link
🇧🇪 - Sustainability Communication Manager - Stanley/Stella - Link
🇮🇹 - Sustainability Director - STELLA by Stella McCartney - Link
🇳🇱 - CSR Manager - Suitsupply - Link
TECH / IT
🇧🇪 - Sustainability Manager - Aluvision NV - Link
🇫🇷 - ESG Strategic Account Director - Arrow Electronics - Link
🇫🇷 - ESG Specialist - Howmet Aerospace - Link
🇬🇷 - ESG & Sustainability Senior Executive - Kaizen Gaming - Link
🇳🇱 - ESG Controller - Royal Schiphol Group - Link
🇫🇷 - Climate Action Manager - SPIE Operations - Link
BANKING / VC
🇨🇿 - ESG Compliance Officer - CREDITAS Group - Link
🇫🇷 - Responsable Adjoint Pôle RSE & Risques climatiques - Crédit Mutuel - Link
🇩🇪 - ESG Risk Manager - Deutsche Bank - Link
🇲🇹 - ESG Assistant Manager - KPMG Malta - Link
🇫🇷 - Management group Reporting ESG - PwC France - Link
🇫🇷 - Manager Projet CSRD Reporting RSE - Primexis | Conseil opérationnel et expertise-comptable - Link
INDUSTRY
🇫🇷 - Chef de pôle RSE & packaging - ALDI France - Link
🇩🇪 - Praktikum Sustainability Reporting & Governance - Jungheinrich AG - Link
🇫🇷 - Global Environmental Operations Lead - Technip Energies - Link
STAFFING / RECRUITMENT
🇪🇪 - ESG reporting Manager - CVKeskus.ee - Link
🇳🇱 - Senior Risk Manager ESG - Hamlyn Williams - Link
🇫🇷 - Directeur de Pôle RSE/ESG - Kariera.fr - Link
INTERNSHIP
🇫🇷 - Sustainable Materials Research Assistant - BALENCIAGA - Link
🇧🇪 - Internship ESG Reporting - ING Belgium - Link
Next month: How to integrate sustainability across all departments?
Environment & Energy | Sustainability Management | ESG | Sustainable Development | Climate Change | Landscape Management | Natural Resources Management | CSR | ICT | Tri-Lingual WORKING FOR SUSTAINABILITY FOR ALL !!
2moGreat advice. TNX ‼️
Executive Director, Innovation, Strategy & Corporate Sustainability at Excellent Enterprise Solutions International-EESI
2moIntegrating ESG and Sustainability Frameworks into Business Models and Processes can't be overemphasized in increasing the competitiveness of different organisations globally.and strategically positioning products for maximum optimization. Thanks for sharing Lubomila Jordanova
Specialist in international real estate and investments
2moLubomila Jordanova It's a pleasure to get in touch with you. how are you ? Bonjour Madame Jordanova Let me introduce myself, I'm Maxence and I'm French, and I live in Mexico City I just saw your profile on LinkedIn, I'd be delighted to know more about your activity in Europe. In any case, congratulations on what you convey on the networks and your ability to undertake. I remain available whenever you want to talk about business I'm always looking for opportunities to grow in Mexico and Europe and work with the best Regards Maxence Petit Former director of an investment fund. Founder&CEO Maxence Petit international
Strategic Advisor for Business Growth 📈 | Supporting Expats in Thriving Abroad 🌍 | Sharing Insights from Dubai 🇦🇪
2moLubomila Jordanova, great insights on sustainability's rising prominence. Applying ESG principles early delivers competitive advantages.