The UW Sustainable Management program is a member of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, Sustain Dane, and has professional affiliations with other organizations that help the bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs stay current with emerging trends in sustainability through the program Advisory Board and business partnerships.
Professional Sustainability Associations
Professional sustainability associations provide resources and opportunities for networking, professional development, career advancement, and mentoring. Forming connections with other industry professionals, or networking, facilitates sharing knowledge, career advice, and experiences with other professionals, and can open the door to job opportunities. Getting involved with a sustainability association as a student can be an important step in your career. Not all associations accept individual members, however, those that accept individual members and extend discounted student memberships are noted below.
Sustainable Business
- Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC): The WSBC is a member-driven, nonprofit organization that supports Wisconsin businesses and sustainability professionals through an array of programming, education, resources, and tools. The WSBC helps build Wisconsin’s sustainable leaders by providing resources and guidance to help drive Wisconsin forward through sustainable business. Student Membership
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): WBCSD is a global, CEO-led community of over 200 of the world’s leading sustainable businesses working collectively to accelerate the system transformations needed for a net zero, nature positive, and more equitable future.
- United States Business Council for Sustainable Development (US BCSD): The US BCSD was founded in 1992 to give leading US businesses a platform to work together to design, implement and scale sustainability solutions. Today, the US BCSD’s cross-sector platforms, projects, and partnerships bring leading companies together to solve circular economy, carbon, energy, water, and equity challenges across North America. The US BCSD is a Global Network partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
- The Sustainability Consortium (TSC): TSC is a nonprofit, membership organization represented by corporations, nonprofits, and academic institutions from around the globe whose mission is to transform the consumer goods industry to deliver more sustainable consumer products.
- American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN): ASBN is a membership organization that develops and advocates solutions for policymakers, business leaders, and investors that support an equitable, regenerative, and just economy that benefits all—people and planet. ASBN and its association members collectively represent over 250,000 businesses.
- B Lab: B Lab is the nonprofit organization behind the Certified B Corporation, a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. A Certified B Corp is legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. B Lab is a community of business leaders driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good.
- Sustainable Brands: A global community of brands who are shaping the future of commerce worldwide. Since 2006, Sustainable Brands’ goal has been to inspire, engage, and equip business leaders and practitioners who see social and environmental challenges as an essential driver of brand innovation, value creation, and positive impact.
- GreenBiz Group: GreenBiz is a media and events company that publishes content on business, technology, and sustainability, and produces events that offer networking opportunities for sustainable business. They also publish industry analysis via their annual State of Green Business reports.
Sustainability
- International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP): ISSP is a member-driven association offering networking and professional development opportunities. ISSP works to make sustainability standard practice throughout the world. Student Membership
- Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: Women in Cleantech and Sustainability fosters an influential network of professionals to further the roles of women in growing the green economy and making a positive impact on the environment. Student Membership
- Green Sports Alliance: The Green Sports Alliance is the environmentally-focused trade organization that convenes stakeholders from around the sporting world (teams, leagues, conferences, venues, corporate partners, governmental agencies, athletes, and fans) to promote healthy, sustainable communities where we live and play. They share resources, experience, and expertise to raise awareness of what’s environmentally possible in sports, business, and society.
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Environment
- Ecological Society of America (ESA): ESA raises awareness of the importance of ecological science and enhances communication between policy makers and the ecological community. Student Membership
- Economics for Equity and Environment (E3 Network): The E3 Network seeks to improve decision making and to further understand the relationship between economy and ecology.
- International Society for Industrial Ecology: Promotes industrial ecology in research, education, industrial practices, and more. Student Membership
- National Association of Environmental Professionals: An interdisciplinary organization of professionals who strive for excellence in environmental ethics and practices. Student Membership
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): The USGBC is committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program—the leading rating system for green buildings and communities worldwide. The USGBC’s mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. Student Membership
Sustainability Career Information
- CareerOneStop: Published by the U.S. Department of Labor. The website has information regarding “green” careers and jobs for exploration.
- Sustainable Career Pathways: Provides sustainability career resources for job seekers, students, and professionals.
READ FURTHER: SUSTAINABILITY CAREERS
Sustainable Business Certifications
A certification can be a valuable credential that demonstrates your commitment to professional development and proves competency in a specialized area of expertise. A few common certifications available to the sustainability professional are listed below, however, GreenBiz has compiled a list of the 33 sustainability certifications you need to know.
Note: the UW Sustainable Management program is not affiliated with any of these programs.
- LEED Green Associate
- LEED Green Accredited Professional (AP)
- International Society of Sustainable Professionals
- WELL AP
Find Your Future in Sustainability
Interested in upskilling in sustainability? In the University of Wisconsin bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in sustainability, you’ll learn solve complex business problems by practicing systems thinking and more. The flexible, online format is an ideal choice for students balancing work and personal responsibilities, and offers easy access to academic advising and student support services.
For more information, contact a helpful enrollment adviser at 1-877-895-3276 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.