A sustainable love story
My name is Chris and I’m in love with sustainability, but it wasn’t always like that. There was a time when I was climbing (quite modestly) the corporate ladder. That changed around 2017 as I began thinking about my life, purpose, and the legacy I wish to leave behind. The love for sustainability came from my need to make an impact after spending some time in New Zealand. I realised that not only did I want to enjoy what was precious to me, but also wanted to protect it. I had a bit of a quarter-life crisis it seems! So, I took the risk and left what was seemingly a secure and potentially progressive career to enroll at Maastricht University. Completing a MSc in Sustainability Science, Policy & Society was the first footprint in what I hope to be a long and fulfilling journey.
As great timings go, I graduated in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown. While I wasn’t especially keen to return to my old job, I used it as an opportunity to sharpen my sustainability tools. My goal was to become a well-rounded analyst, reporter, and advisor. A few milestones included completing an accredited Internal Environmental Management System (EMS) Auditor course through the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA). Now I’m working toward professional recognition with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to specialise in sustainability reporting. While gaining knowledge, I searched to build experience. I had the great opportunity to work as a volunteer analyst with the Committee On Sustainability Assessment (COSA) where I researched Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. While at my current job, I provide project support as a Sustainability Committee Group Advisor for the implementation of sustainability measures and initiatives. Myself and our group, through cooperation and creative thinking, were able to develop plans and implement sustainability strategies. The ultimate goal is to push sustainable development and commitment into all aspects of the company. However, with every new thing, the challenge lies in getting it off the ground. You can face resource limitations, time constraints, autonomy, and commitment to name a few problems.
Like any budding sustainability enthusiast, I am open to new ways of working. With that, what advice would you give someone who is setting up a sustainability team at their company?
In 2020, Christopher Marsh completed his MSc in Sustainability Science, Policy & Society at School of Business and Economics.
Image: Zugspitze, 2021
What do you hope to gain from the UM Alumni Sustainability Community?
My wish for the UM Alumni Sustainability Community is twofold. Firstly, to become a hub to exchange ideas, promote initiatives, and more importantly: inspire! To tell a story that sparks the imagination and motivates the mind to make the world a better place. Secondly, I hope it will be an arena where we can use our creativity and varied knowledge to tackle the problems we face. We are global champions, tasked with confronting challenges. Regardless of the topics or work we are involved in, we should promote awareness, highlight injustice, and take action to create a more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, and secure society.
I look forward to connecting with you all!
Lastly, for anyone interested in a great book: I recommend Chief Sustainability Officers At Work by Chrissa Pagitsas.
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