Plan A’s Guide to Being a Chief Sustainability Officer
The role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) has never been more vital. However, the role has never been quite this difficult before.
CSOs are tasked with leading organisations towards greener practices, balancing profit with purpose while ensuring long-term resilience.
Lubomila Jordanova, Founder and CEO of Plan A, has developed a practical checklist to help CSOs navigate this critical responsibility.
Having guided major players like BMW, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas and VISA through their decarbonisation and ESG journeys, Plan A knows what it takes to build a truly sustainable organisation.
Here, we look at Lubomila’s top tips for how CSOs can drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact.
1. Strategic alignment
Sustainability shouldn’t exist in a silo — it must be embedded within the organisation’s overarching business strategy and long-term vision.
Aligning sustainability goals with core business objectives ensures that environmental and social priorities aren’t treated as add-ons but as essential components of the company’s growth.
This alignment also helps secure executive buy-in and unlock investment for green initiatives.
2. Regulatory compliance
With sustainability regulations evolving rapidly, staying ahead of compliance requirements is non-negotiable.
From carbon reporting frameworks to ESG disclosure mandates, CSOs must ensure their organisation adheres to all environmental and social regulations.
Proactively addressing compliance not only avoids penalties but also enhances the company’s reputation with stakeholders.
3. Stakeholder engagement
Sustainability is a collective effort.
CSOs must foster open channels of communication with both internal teams and external stakeholders, including suppliers, investors and local communities.
Engaging stakeholders builds trust, encourages collaboration and ensures that sustainability initiatives address the needs and expectations of everyone involved.
4. Metrics and reporting
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Establishing clear performance indicators allows organisations to track progress towards their sustainability goals.
Transparent reporting — using recognised frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) — demonstrates accountability and builds credibility with investors, regulators and the public.
5. Innovation and continuous improvement
Sustainability is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing journey.
CSOs should encourage a culture of innovation, where new technologies, materials and business models are explored to improve environmental outcomes.
From circular economy initiatives to digital carbon tracking, continuous improvement helps future-proof the organisation.
6. Risk management
Climate-related risks — whether physical, like extreme weather, or transitional, like shifts in regulation — pose significant threats to business operations.
Identifying these risks early allows CSOs to develop mitigation strategies, safeguarding the organisation’s long-term stability and ensuring business continuity in the face of environmental disruptions.
7. Supply chain responsibility
An organisation’s sustainability performance is only as strong as its supply chain.
CSOs must ensure ethical sourcing practices, support suppliers in reducing emissions and collaborate with partners to drive sustainable innovation.
A responsible supply chain not only reduces risk but also aligns the entire value chain with the organisation’s sustainability goals.
8. Community and environmental impact
A company’s operations inevitably affect local communities and ecosystems.
Regularly assessing and communicating the social and environmental impact of business activities shows a genuine commitment to corporate responsibility.
Positive community engagement can strengthen brand loyalty and foster long-term partnerships with local stakeholders.
9. Transparency and communication
Honest and consistent communication about both achievements and challenges builds trust with stakeholders.
CSOs should champion transparency, openly sharing progress and setbacks.
This openness fosters a culture of accountability and encourages collaborative problem-solving across the organisation.
A blueprint for lasting change
All in all, Lubomila's checklist offers a comprehensive foundation for any CSO looking to make a meaningful impact.
From aligning sustainability with business strategy to engaging stakeholders and driving innovation, each step contributes to building a resilient, future-ready organisation.
With the right strategy, leadership, and commitment, CSOs can help businesses not only meet their environmental obligations but also thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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