For years, my sector, which we conveniently call sustainability country, was dominated by a certain type of professional. An idealistic connector, who sees opportunities everywhere and above all wants to move forward: action! I include myself in this.
But that is changing.
With the arrival of more and more laws and regulations, with the CSRD as a shining centerpiece and for some a millstone at the same time, the 'data-driven expert' also seems to be entering our sustainability domain. It is the blue type, according to the well-known DISC methodology. Analytical, structured and conservative. Such a mixed new composition is of course a good thing, although I notice that we still have to learn to speak each other's language.
A stream of CSRD events
A first proof of the above observation is my timeline on LinkedIn. On it, an almost endless stream of messages announcing CSRD events is announced. Because, new legislation is coming, but how do you implement it properly? How do you get all the sustainability data in order? And how do you make sure you are compliant as a company?
There is a clear need for knowledge among companies, and a new industry is emerging that is eagerly responding. New divisions of accounting firms have been set up, independent sustainability consultancies established. These are staffed by primarily the blue type of professional, who wants to measure first, before really knowing for sure.
As Milgro, we also do our bit at events by sharing our knowledge about the impending reporting requirement. We are idealistic on the one hand; we strive for a world without waste. On the other hand, we color blue, because we want to know in minute detail the nature and extent of each waste stream; that's what our digital dashboards are for, as a basis for sustainable resource management.
Fusion of personality types in the meeting room
I find the second proof in the meeting rooms of companies, where we work with our clients to implement the CSRD. Here blue professionals present complex Excel sheets with ESRS requirements, project responsibilities, tasks, evidence and resources. The idealistic battle sustainability professional at the table tries to make sense of this new language, but you can also hear them thinking: what a lot of work. How much manpower does this take? And wouldn't that be better spent on implementing the company's sustainability policy?
It is a process that every reporting company has to go through. You have to learn how to report. You can also see that as an opportunity. It takes a few years, and perhaps just too much manpower than is desirable. Companies that are already advanced with a sustainability policy have an easier time of it, simply because the data the CSRD demands are already available.
Sustainability land is becoming a diverse mix of professionals, and that ultimately benefits the sustainability of business, if in the right balance. Blue people teach the idealist to work in a more structured way, focused on impact. Conversely, we should not - I still feel part of this group - get sucked too deeply into the details and processes, and continue to emphasize the importance of sustainable and impactful actions, for which the CSRD offers perfect starting points, given the dual materiality principle.
Ultimately, I am convinced that sustainability will become more firmly embedded in the strategy of CSRD-mandated companies that must now go through these growing pains. With this, the sustainability agenda and the professional who represents these goals will gain a mature position in the organization. And that is a big win.
Welcome!
So hereby a warm welcome to the new blue colleagues in sustainability land. Great to have you here and contributing to diversity and effectiveness. Let's complement each other and allow me to challenge you from time to time. Because we do not need to fathom all the details and often really do know enough to take action. It is action that produces new data and insights. And now that we are colleagues, let's agree to celebrate every tangible success. Because a contagious celebration is perhaps one of the most impactful strategies for change.
