Today, Diversity in Sustainability, a non-profit network focused on increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in the field of sustainability, collaborated with Acre to launch its inaugural State of Diversity and Inclusion in Sustainability Survey.
The survey, which is the first to look into identifying areas of improvement across the sector for equity, diversity and inclusion, is designed to develop a baseline understanding of today’s state of EDI in sustainability professions across multiple industries.
While the field of sustainability focuses on creating a better future for our planet and society, initial research shows a lack of diversity amongst practitioners. Heather Mak, co-founder, Diversity in Sustainability says, “We recognize the necessity of continuing the momentum of decades of activism and collective action on issues of civil rights, social and environmental justice, and we are committed to creating tangible change in the field of sustainability to ensure future solutions are equitable and inclusive.”
Richard Wright, Chief Executive at Acre said “We’re pleased to be a partner of this survey, as we join Diversity in Sustainability in accelerating the EDI agenda. We recognise Acre’s role in driving systemic change for the industry. Unlocking our understanding of EDI is crucial within the sustainability market as we move towards an inclusive society.”
The survey is open now until March 23, 2021, and all sustainability practitioners regardless of industry are encouraged to participate. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and participants we will be asked to provide their perspective on:
How diverse is the sector across race/ethnicity, immigration status, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social mobility/class, education, religion, national origin, disability, neurodiversity, and caregiver status?
What barriers to entry are faced in entering the field of sustainability?
Have individuals experienced inclusion and equity within sustainability organisations?
How do sustainability organisations support equity, diversity and inclusion?
The survey is 100 percent confidential. No participant names or contact details will be published or made available to any third parties at any time. The findings will be published and shared with the industry in late summer 2021 and will help inform both Acre’s and Diversity in Sustainability’s future planning and efforts.
To complete the survey, please go to www.diversityinsustainability.com.
In completing the survey, you will be:
Connecting your personal and professional experiences to global conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Contributing to the gathering of insights on barriers to professional development and career progression.
Informing Diversity in Sustainability’s understanding of areas where the sector needs to improve its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Benchmark your organization against the industry in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Influencing the services that Diversity in Sustainability will offer to create more equitable outcomes in the sector.
We would like to hear from anyone who is part of the sustainability professions, which are broadly defined as:
Community/public affairs
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability
Sustainable design - product/graphic/service/packaging/other
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Education - higher education, outdoor education, youth education
Environment, Health and Safety
Environmental science and/or engineering
Green buildings
Indigenous relations
International development/humanitarian assistance
Law - environmental or social law, policy and/or regulation
Philanthropy and not-for-profit (including foundations, associations, social NGOs, campaign/advocacy groups)
Renewable energy
Responsible investment/investor relations
Responsible sourcing/procurement
Social enterprise
Support/enabling function/organization to one of the roles above (e.g. recruitment, accountancy, marketing, communications)
Heather Mak, co-founder, Diversity in Sustainability: “We want to thank our Founding Partner, Acre, and our many distribution partners in their efforts to help us circulate this survey throughout the large and varied sector of sustainability.
For any questions regarding the survey, please contact Diversity in Sustainability at info@diversityinsustainability.com or Acre at mail@acre.com
