Why CSOs Are Becoming Central to Big Business Sustainability

In today’s corporate world, Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) have become critical players. Forbes found that nearly 80 percent of large companies now employ a CSO, and more are collaborating directly with them as the role gains prominence. Many CSOs expect their budgets to grow in the year ahead, and nearly a third are now leading their company’s sustainability strategy. More than three quarters say sustainability is foundational to long-term business planning.

This role is more than symbolism. It is about resilience and real impact. Boards increasingly recognize that long-term strength depends on environmental sustainability, and CSOs are at the heart of bridging the gap between financial performance and sustainability goals. They drive operational changes, promote organizational shifts, and ensure sustainability is woven into strategic decision-making.

Several leaders are setting the bar. At PepsiCo, Jim Andrew has driven the pep+ transformation, cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33 percent since 2015 through sustainability baked into the value chain. Google’s Kate Brandt has stewarded 100 percent renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and circular product packaging, while targeting a gigaton of annual emissions reduction by 2030. At Microsoft, Melanie Nakagawa oversees a US$1 billion Climate Fund and is guiding the company to become carbon negative by 2030 and emissions-free back to its founding.

For organizations looking to achieve similar success, Intertek offers consulting, training, and assurance services that help build robust sustainability strategies, verify performance, and meet evolving regulatory and stakeholder expectations. From carbon reduction plans to supply chain transparency and ESG reporting, Intertek can support CSOs and leadership teams in turning sustainability ambitions into measurable results. https://www.intertek.com/sustainability/