EXECUTIVE INSIGHT
There has arguably never been a more critical time for Chief Sustainability Officers ( CSOs ) than right now . Amid global challenges like climate change and the energy transition , resource scarcity and social inequality – not to mention geopolitical unrest – CSOs help lead their businesses through times of uncertainty amid complex regulatory landscapes .
As well as playing a key role in an organisation ’ s efforts to become more sustainable and responsible , CSOs bridge the gap between their operations and the outside world to ensure sustainability is not just a compliance measure , but a core component of their strategy .
One such advocate of CSOs and their significance is GE Vernova ’ s Roger Martella .
Joining GE in 2017 after working within the US government , Roger saw how the private sector could do public good when it comes to environmental and climate change issues . When GE Vernova spun out of GE in April , he became Group VP , CSO and Head of Engagement , Government Affairs & Policy .
“ I feel really privileged that we have the opportunity to have more impact in the energy transition than any other company in the world ,” he says .
Speaking to Energy Digital , Roger talks all things CSO – from how he has seen the role adapt as the world changes , to how those in this important position can influence strategies for achieving net zero , as well as the urgency of reaching energy security along with the importance of carbon capture and storage ( CCS ).
“ WE CAN NO LONGER TAKE THE GRID FOR GRANTED ”
Q . HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE ROLE OF A CSO EVOLVE IN RECENT YEARS ? WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE NEXT MAJOR SHIFTS IN RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR CSOs ?
» There has been a huge evolution that ’ s happened really quickly . Historically – if we were to go back a decade , or even five years – people think a CSO is someone who ’ s here to improve the impacts of the company , to help it have less impact or to improve its impacts on the environment or people . That ’ s still a critically-important role and something we focus on day to day , but the role has evolved much more beyond that .
Three things have changed in recent years . One is that the CSO is increasingly really integrated in the strategic direction and leadership of the company . They ’ re in the boardroom . For example , I ’ ve been in every single board session this year , not in one or two . Now , in addition , we have a sustainability committee . There ’ s been this integration of the CSO into the strategy and strategic direction of the company . Secondly , CSOs are frequently one of the company ’ s leading ambassadors .
energydigital . com 19