In order to become more resource-efficient and sustainable, many organizations and businesses seek out the services of a green consultant. These professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to guide businesses through transitions to green technologies or practices, and can assist in ushering real and lasting change.

If you decide to pursue this career after completing environmental studies, there are a few things you can do to help yourself stand out as a top professional. Here are some examples of good practices to follow.

Help Organizations Understand the Economic Benefits of Sustainability

For government agencies, private businesses, and pretty well any other kind of organization, budget is likely to be a large concern for day-to-day operations. That’s why being able to help organizations understand that sustainability initiatives can help cut down on waste, resource use, and cost, can be a great way to entice them to hire you as a consultant.

In completing sustainability studies, you can get a good grounding in how to develop green initiatives that will fit into an organization’s model and plans. This might involve simple measures, like turning off facility lights after work hours, or more intensive action, like eliminating as much paper as possible from the office. Use your training to craft the right plans for each business’s specific needs and goals, and be sure to highlight how much money they can save after an initial investment in you and your plan. This can be a great way to make yourself stand out as an expert who gets the results organizations are after.

Clearly Communicate Your Ideas

Communicating ideas relating to environmental science can be complicated. Because of this, people who are interested in sustainability, but who lack a scientific background, may require that environmental science concepts be explained to them simply and politely.

Avoiding complicated jargon, finding ways to explain issues like global warming in a politically neutral way, and concentrating on immediate and local effects are all great tactics to get your message across. They can help you express environmental concepts clearly, in a palatable manner, and in a way that underlines the difference that green initiatives can make. All of these can contribute to an organization and its leaders being more receptive to suggestions you make as a consultant.

Environmental sustainability degree programs that emphasize teaching communication skills can help you quickly develop your skills, and become an expert at improving awareness of sustainability within organizations that need it.

Specialize in Your Current Field After Sustainability Studies

Community organizations, governments, and businesses of all sizes might want to hire a green consultant to help make their operations more sustainable. While completing a great training program will provide you with the necessary skills to succeed as a consultant for any of these kinds of organizations, there can be some benefit in specializing.

Have you worked in manufacturing for several years? You might have special insight into the industry, and be able to find unique suggestions for how to clean up an operation. Or perhaps you have a background in local government, in which case you might know some tricks for creating good legislation that would help your clients engage in new sustainability plans.

It’s great to pursue any interesting and exciting challenges that come your way, but if you want to make a name for yourself as a green consultant, you may find starting where you are already familiar is a good idea.

Do you want to study to become a green consultant, but wonder where you’ll find the time?

Make your own schedule with a sustainability Master’s online program at Unity College!