Sustainability in Your Sector: Exploring the Potential of Professional Sustainability Certification

Originally aired November 27, 2012

Co-produced with the American Planning Association, Second Nature, and the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, this session investigates the need for professional certification in sustainability — measuring the benefits of an industry standard against the challenges of establishing one. Panelists discuss current certifications, how organizations would value a recognized standard, and how stakeholders could work together to define the curricula necessary to professionalize the sustainability field.

Speakers

Jeff Soule

Director of Outreach & International Programs, American Planning Association (APA)

Jeff Soule is Director of Outreach and International Programs at the American Planning Association, where he leads APA’s engagement with international planning communities and manages outreach initiatives. He brings extensive expertise in professional standards, planning certification, and international planning practice, and discusses the nuts and bolts of developing and maintaining an industry standard for sustainability professionals.

Felicia Braunstein

Director of Professional Practice, American Planning Association (APA)

Felicia Braunstein is Director of Professional Practice at the American Planning Association, overseeing the development and administration of APA’s professional standards and practice guidelines. She brings deep experience in credentialing, certification development, and supporting the ongoing professional development of planners and sustainability practitioners.

Ira Feldman

President & Senior Counsel, Greentrack Strategies

Ira Feldman is President and Senior Counsel of Greentrack Strategies and an international leader in environmental standard setting. He discusses the perceived need for professional certification in sustainability and the discussions that have taken place in the field, bringing expertise in voluntary standards, environmental policy, and sustainable business strategy.

Marsha Willard

Executive Director, International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)

Marsha Willard is Executive Director of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and adjunct faculty at Presidio Graduate School. She provides an overview of existing sustainability certificate and training programs, drawing on her expertise in professional development, sustainability management systems, and organizational capacity-building for the sustainability field.

Mitchell Thomashow

Director, Presidential Fellows Program, Second Nature; Former President, Unity College

Mitchell Thomashow directs Second Nature’s Presidential Fellows Program and is the former President of Unity College. He provides an academic perspective on sustainability professional development and certification, drawing on his experience leading sustainability-focused higher education and his work connecting academic sustainability programs to the needs of the emerging sustainability profession.

Rich Goode

Senior Manager, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young

Rich Goode is Senior Manager of Climate Change and Sustainability Services at Ernst & Young, where he advises clients on sustainability strategy, environmental performance, and reporting. He discusses the value that sustainability certification brings to employers, including how credentialed professionals can advance corporate sustainability initiatives and contribute to organizational resilience.

Ed Pinero

Chief Sustainability Officer, Veolia Water North America

Ed Pinero is Chief Sustainability Officer at Veolia Water North America, responsible for integrating sustainability into the company’s operations and strategy. He brings an employer’s perspective on the value of professional certification in sustainability, highlighting how credentialed sustainability professionals contribute to business performance and environmental stewardship.

Larry Falkin

Director, Office of Environmental Quality, City of Cincinnati

Larry Falkin is Director of the Office of Environmental Quality for the City of Cincinnati, where he oversees municipal environmental programs and sustainability initiatives. He discusses the value of professional certification in a municipal context, sharing how credentialed sustainability professionals support local government goals for environmental stewardship and resilient community planning.