When Linda Fisher was named the first chief sustainability officer, at Dupont in 2004, it cemented sustainability as a tenet of corporate leadership. Today the CSO is a role at major companies, and many argue it has been instrumental to progress.
But what happens when the CSO succeeds at “embedding” sustainability initiatives so thoroughly that it becomes a shared responsibility across business units, functional teams and product lines? Does the CSO become irrelevant?
Alternatively, what happens when political headwinds under a climate change-denying administration push environmental action far underground? Is the CSO more essential than ever?
The key question
The question ‘Is the CSO irrelevant?’ was central to a mainstage debate at GreenBiz 26 yesterday. The purpose was less to prove one side or the other, and more to identify which of two teams made the stronger case, to help audience members challenge assumptions and sharpen thinking for the job ahead.
Attendees on site in Phoenix nevertheless made clear through claps and cheers that — not surprisingly, this is their job title after all — they believe the CSO is more relevant and needed today than ever.
In an online poll, Trellis also asked the 50,000 sustainability professionals who are readers of the Trellis Briefing newsletter to respond to a survey to indicate what they think about the rhetorical question too.
Three quarters of the 70 respondents said: ‘No,’ the CSO matters more than ever. The other quarter said: ‘Yes,’ the role of the CSO is irrelevant.
Many of the online survey respondents also briefly explained their point of view. (Indeed, a review of those comments showed that many who said ‘Yes’ incorrectly thought they were also voting in favor of the job. Nonetheless, directionally it’s clear the majority of respondents believe the role is necessary.)
Below are some key points cherry picked from both sides of the argument. While far fewer respondents said the CSO role is irrelevant, their points against it suggest ways it could evolve and strengthen.
Why the CSO matters more than ever
Those who vote the CSO is very needed in 2026 say the role is just getting started.
To make the business case: “Someone is needed at that level to champion the connections between sustainability and long-term business value,” said Mark Weick, managing director at Ernst & Young Climate Change and Sustainability Services.
There’s still much work to be done: “Most companies are far from embedding sustainability into functions. Even if they do, we need one caretaker who ensures different departments are aligned, not siloed, to make better decisions that drive organizations forward addressing upcoming trends and regulations to make future-fit and resilient organizations,” said Krishna Manda, global head of sustainability at Lenzing Group.
To keep politics in check: “Climate action should not be a political agenda item,” said Tim Baxter, regional vice president for corporate accounts at Teknion. “The CSO is needed now more than ever to keep business focused on shared objectives to improve. Without someone focused and with the ear of all senior business leaders within an organization, the risk of politics stepping in to influence decisions goes unchecked.”
Why the CSO is losing relevance
Those who say the CSO is no longer needed did not agree to be quoted about their explanations for why. Still, their anonymous comments offer insight into how the role could evolve and become more effective.
The role is “not necessary,” said one, and added: “Carbon economics are a fallacy. Fossil fuels will always be part of society, they are essential to power the quality of life we have come to expect.”
The CSO has become more of a figurehead. “They don’t have executive power, budget to act, or authority over sourcing.” said this person. “The role ha(s) become influence and PR.”
It does not deliver business outcomes. Said this anonymous person: “It is not a primary source of revenue and a revenue driving function or a necessary compliance function.” This person added: “Companies must become more economic(ally) competitive and revenue-driven or the entities will not survive and jobs will be lost.”