20 Best Sustainability Companies to Work For and Why

Sustainability jobs are high in demand and people ask, 'What are the best sustainability companies to work for?' In today's world, there has been a shift of focus from just taking employment for survival to looking for types of jobs that are principled and positively contribute toward the environment. Some are looking for top corporate sustainability jobs, while others are researching sustainability jobs salaries to determine which career will best suit their needs.

Sustainability efforts by organizations have gained momentum, however, some organizations have excelled and this has become their focus. We will look at some of the best sustainable companies to work for, focusing on their practices, culture, employees, and environmental efforts. We gathered information from employee reviews, company reports, industry rankings, and expert opinions to identify the most desirable employers in sustainability. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional seeking a career change, this paper will help you find companies that not only talk about sustainability but also actively work toward it.

1. Patagonia: Pioneering Sustainable Business Practices

Patagonia has long been at the forefront of sustainable business practices, making it one of the most sought-after employers for those passionate about environmental issues. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, this outdoor clothing company has built its reputation on high-quality products and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

What sets Patagonia apart:

• Environmental activism: The company regularly engages in environmental campaigns and donates 1% of its sales to environmental causes.
• Innovative materials: Patagonia continually researches and develops eco-friendly materials for its products.
• Repair and reuse programs: The company encourages customers to repair and reuse their clothing, reducing waste and consumption.
• B Corp certification: Patagonia was one of the first companies to become a certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance.

Employee benefits and culture:

• Flexible work arrangements, including remote sustainability jobs options
• On-site childcare at headquarters
• Paid environmental internships for employees
• Encouragement to participate in environmental activism

Career opportunities at Patagonia span various fields, including product design, supply chain management, environmental science, and marketing. The company's strong mission attracts individuals who are passionate about outdoor activities and environmental protection.

2. Unilever: Sustainable Living Plan in Action

Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, has made significant strides in sustainability over the past decade. Their Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, launched in 2010, set ambitious targets for reducing environmental impact while improving health and wellbeing for billions of people.

Key sustainability initiatives:

• Commitment to 100% renewable energy for operations by 2030
• Zero non-hazardous waste to landfill across global factory network
• Sustainable sourcing of agricultural raw materials
• Reduction of plastic packaging and investment in recyclable alternatives

Employee experience:

• Diverse and inclusive work environment
• Strong focus on employee development and training
• Global career opportunities across various brands and functions
• Agile working policies to support work-life balance

Unilever offers roles in research and development, marketing, supply chain management, and sustainability strategy. The company's size and global reach provide ample opportunities for career growth and impact.

3. Interface: Transforming the Flooring Industry

Interface, a global commercial flooring company, has been a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing since the 1990s. Under the leadership of founder Ray Anderson, Interface set out to eliminate its negative environmental impact entirely.

Noteworthy achievements:

• Mission Zero: Achieved goal of zero negative impact on the environment by 2020
• Climate Take Back initiative: Working to reverse global warming
• Closed-loop recycling system for carpet tiles
• Use of bio-based and recycled materials in products

Workplace culture:

• Empowerment of employees to drive sustainability innovations
• Collaborative and purpose-driven work environment
• Emphasis on continuous learning and personal growth
• Recognition programs for sustainability achievements

Career opportunities at Interface include roles in sustainable design, engineering, sales, and environmental strategy. The company's commitment to innovation makes it an exciting place for those looking to push the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing.

4. Tesla: Accelerating the World's Transition to Sustainable Energy

While primarily known for its electric vehicles, Tesla's mission extends to sustainable energy solutions for homes and businesses. The company's rapid growth has created numerous job opportunities in the clean energy sector.

Tesla's sustainability focus:

• Development of increasingly efficient electric vehicles
• Solar energy products for residential and commercial use
• Energy storage solutions to support renewable energy adoption
• Commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices

Employee experience:

• Fast-paced, innovative work environment
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies
• Stock options and performance bonuses
• Strong emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking

Tesla offers a wide range of careers, from engineering and design to sales and energy advisement. The company's high-profile status and ambitious goals attract talent from various fields looking to make a significant impact on sustainable transportation and energy.

5. Seventh Generation: Household Products with a Purpose

Seventh Generation has been producing environmentally friendly household and personal care products since 1988. The company's name reflects its commitment to considering the impact of its actions on the next seven generations.

Sustainability initiatives:

• Plant-based ingredients and recyclable packaging
• Transparent labeling of all product ingredients
• Advocacy for chemical reform and climate change action
• B Corp certification and commitment to social responsibility

Work culture:

• Mission-driven environment focused on health and sustainability
• Flexible work arrangements and generous paid time off
• Employee volunteer programs and sustainability education
• Emphasis on work-life balance and personal well-being

Career opportunities at Seventh Generation include roles in product development, marketing, sustainability strategy, and supply chain management. The company's strong values attract individuals passionate about creating safer, more sustainable household products.

6. Vestas: Powering the Wind Energy Revolution

Vestas is the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer and a key player in the renewable energy sector. The company's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products to its operations and employee practices.

Key sustainability efforts:

• Carbon-neutral operations since 2013
• Circular economy approach to turbine manufacturing and recycling
• Biodiversity programs to protect wildlife around wind farm sites
• Partnerships to develop next-generation renewable energy technologies

Employee benefits:

• Global mobility programs for international experience
• Strong focus on safety and well-being
• Continuous learning and development opportunities
• Employee-led sustainability initiatives

Vestas offers careers in engineering, project management, data science, and renewable energy consulting. The company's global presence provides opportunities to work on large-scale wind energy projects around the world.

7. Natura &Co: Beauty with Purpose

Natura &Co, a global cosmetics group that includes brands like The Body Shop and Avon, has sustainability at its core. The company is known for its use of natural ingredients, commitment to fair trade, and efforts to protect biodiversity.

Sustainability highlights:

• Carbon-neutral operations since 2007
• Sustainable sourcing of ingredients from Amazon rainforest communities
• Cruelty-free products and advocacy for ban on animal testing
• Circular packaging initiatives and refill programs

Workplace culture:

• Emphasis on diversity and inclusion
• Entrepreneurial spirit encouraged through direct selling model
• Focus on employee well-being and personal development
• Opportunities to engage with sustainability projects and communities

Natura &Co offers roles in product development, sustainable sourcing, marketing, and community relations. The company's focus on natural beauty and ethical practices attracts individuals passionate about both sustainability and the beauty industry.

8. Ørsted: From Oil and Gas to Renewable Energy Leader

Ørsted, formerly known as Danish Oil and Natural Gas, has undergone a remarkable transformation to become the world's largest offshore wind farm company. This shift demonstrates the potential for traditional energy companies to pivot towards sustainable practices.

Sustainability achievements:

• 98% reduction in carbon emissions since 2006
• Goal to be carbon neutral in energy generation and operations by 2025
• Phasing out coal use entirely by 2023
• Investment in emerging technologies like green hydrogen

Employee experience:

• Dynamic work environment with focus on innovation
• Strong emphasis on safety in offshore operations
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
• Sense of purpose in driving the renewable energy transition

Ørsted provides career opportunities in offshore engineering, project management, renewable energy analysis, and sustainability strategy. The company's ambitious growth plans in the offshore wind sector make it an attractive option for those looking to be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.

9. Salesforce: Cloud Computing with a Conscience

Salesforce, a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) software, has made sustainability a core part of its business strategy and culture.

Key sustainability initiatives:

• Net Zero Cloud: A product helping other companies track and reduce their carbon emissions
• 100% renewable energy for global operations achieved in 2021
• Commitment to plant and conserve 100 million trees by 2030
• 1-1-1 Model: 1% of equity, 1% of product, and 1% of employee time dedicated to philanthropic causes

Employee experience:

• Flexible work arrangements and emphasis on work-life balance
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program for community engagement
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Strong focus on equality and inclusive culture

Salesforce offers a wide range of roles in software development, data analytics, sustainability consulting, and customer success. The company's commitment to both technological innovation and environmental stewardship makes it an attractive option for those looking to merge tech careers with sustainability goals.

10. IKEA: Sustainable Living for the Masses

IKEA, the Swedish-founded multinational home furnishing retailer, has been making significant efforts to become a circular and climate-positive business by 2030.

Sustainability focus areas:

• Commitment to using only renewable and recycled materials by 2030
• Phasing out single-use plastics from products and restaurants
• Affordable home solar solutions to promote clean energy adoption
• Buyback program for used IKEA furniture to promote circular economy

Workplace culture:

• Strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality
• Extensive training programs and opportunities for career growth
• Employee discount on IKEA products and services

IKEA provides career opportunities in areas such as sustainable product design, supply chain management, circular economy innovation, and retail operations. The company's global presence and commitment to making sustainable living accessible to many people make it an exciting place for those passionate about large-scale sustainability impact.

11. Impossible Foods: Revolutionizing the Food Industry

Impossible Foods is at the forefront of developing plant-based meat alternatives, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Environmental impact:

• Production of plant-based meat uses significantly less land and water compared to animal-based meat
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions in the production process
• Continuous research and development to improve sustainability of ingredients and processes
• Partnerships with restaurants and retailers to increase accessibility of sustainable food options

Employee benefits:

• Mission-driven work environment focused on global sustainability
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge food technology
• Emphasis on innovation and creative problem-solving
• Comprehensive health benefits and stock options

Impossible Foods offers sustainability roles in food science, research and development, marketing, and sustainability & environment strategy. The company's rapid growth and potential for global impact make it an attractive option for those looking to address climate change through food system innovation.

12. Allbirds: Stepping Towards Sustainable Fashion

Allbirds, a footwear and apparel company, has gained popularity for its commitment to using natural, renewable materials and transparent sustainability practices.

Sustainability initiatives:

• Carbon footprint labeling on all products
• Commitment to reduce carbon footprint to near zero by 2030
• Use of innovative, sustainable materials like eucalyptus tree fiber and sugarcane-based EVA
• Regenerative agriculture practices for wool sourcing

Work culture:

• Fast-paced startup environment with a focus on sustainability
• Encouragement of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
• Strong emphasis on transparency and ethical practices
• Employee volunteer programs and sustainability education

Allbirds provides opportunities in sustainable product design, material innovation, supply chain management, and brand marketing. The company's commitment to reimagining sustainable fashion makes it an exciting workplace for those interested in the intersection of style and environmental responsibility.

13. Ecosia: The Search Engine that Plants Trees

Ecosia is a unique tech company that uses profits from its search engine to plant trees around the world, combining digital services with direct environmental action.

Key features:

• Revenue from search ads funds tree-planting projects globally
• Carbon-negative operations through renewable energy use and tree planting
• Transparent reporting of tree planting activities and financial records
• Privacy-focused search engine that doesn't sell user data

Employee experience:

• Purpose-driven work environment with direct environmental impact
• Flexible work arrangements and focus on work-life balance
• Opportunities to visit and participate in tree-planting projects
• Flat organizational structure encouraging employee input and innovation

Ecosia offers roles in software development, digital marketing, environmental project management, and business development. The company's innovative approach to combining technology with environmental action provides a unique opportunity for those looking to make a tangible impact through their work in the tech sector.

14. Beyond Meat: Pioneering Plant-Based Protein

Beyond Meat is leading the way in creating plant-based meat alternatives that are both environmentally sustainable and appealing to consumers.

Sustainability impact:

• Plant-based products require significantly less water and land use compared to animal-based proteins
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions in production process
• Continuous improvement in packaging sustainability and recyclability
• Partnerships with major food chains to increase accessibility of plant-based options

Workplace culture:

• Fast-paced, innovative environment focused on sustainability and health
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge food technology
• Strong emphasis on research and development
• Comprehensive benefits package including stock options

Beyond Meat provides career opportunities in food science, product development, sustainable sourcing, and marketing. The company's rapid growth and potential for transforming the global food system make it an exciting workplace for those passionate about sustainable nutrition.

15. Ecolab: Water, Hygiene, and Energy Technologies

Ecolab is a global leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services, helping businesses operate more sustainably and efficiently.

Sustainability focus:

• Solutions that help clients reduce water and energy consumption
• Circular economy approach to product design and packaging
• Commitment to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050
• Digital solutions for real-time monitoring and optimization of resource use

Employee benefits:

• Global career opportunities across various industries
• Strong focus on employee development and training
• Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Recognition programs for innovation and sustainability achievements

Ecolab offers roles in chemical engineering, data science, sustainability consulting, and sales. The company's wide-ranging impact across multiple industries provides opportunities for those interested in applying scientific and technological solutions to global sustainability challenges.

16. SunPower: Leading the Solar Revolution

SunPower is a U.S.-based company that designs and manufactures high-efficiency solar panels and systems for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.

Key sustainability initiatives:

• Produces some of the most efficient solar panels in the industry, maximizing energy production
• Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver solar panels, emphasizing sustainable design and manufacturing
• Circular economy approach with a solar panel recycling program
• Commitment to reach 100% renewable energy for operations by 2030

Employee experience:

• Innovative work environment focused on advancing solar technology
• Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Employee stock purchase program and comprehensive benefits

SunPower offers careers in solar engineering, product development, installation services, and renewable energy consulting. The company's focus on pushing the boundaries of solar technology makes it an exciting place for those passionate about accelerating the adoption of clean energy.

17. Siemens Gamesa: Harnessing Wind and Hydrogen Power

Siemens Gamesa is a global leader in the wind power industry, producing both onshore and offshore wind turbines. The company is also investing in green hydrogen technologies.

Sustainability achievements:

• World's first recyclable wind turbine blade for commercial use offshore
• Commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, including its value chain
• Development of hybrid and storage solutions to enhance renewable energy integration
• Pioneering efforts in green hydrogen production using wind power

Workplace culture:

• Global and diverse work environment with projects across the world
• Strong focus on innovation and technological advancement
• Comprehensive training and development programs
• Emphasis on safety and well-being in all operations

Siemens Gamesa provides tons of environmental sustainability jobs opportunities, such as in wind turbine design, offshore engineering, green hydrogen development, and renewable energy project management. The company's position at the forefront of both wind and emerging green hydrogen technologies offers exciting prospects for those looking to shape the future of renewable energy.

18. First Solar: Thin-Film Solar Technology Pioneers

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions, known for its advanced thin-film module technology.

Key features:

• Produces solar modules with one of the lowest carbon and water footprints in the industry
• Committed to responsible solar throughout the product life cycle, including take-back and recycling program
• Continuous research and development to improve solar panel efficiency and reduce costs
• Involved in utility-scale solar projects worldwide

Employee benefits:

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge solar technology
• Global career opportunities with projects across different continents
• Strong focus on employee safety and well-being
• Comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities

First Solar offers roles in photovoltaic research, manufacturing engineering, project development, and sustainable supply chain management. The company's commitment to advancing solar technology and large-scale implementation makes it an attractive option for those looking to make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector.

19. Northvolt: Sustainable Battery Production

Northvolt, a Swedish company, is building a network of gigafactories for lithium-ion battery production, with a focus on sustainability and circular economy principles.

Sustainability focus:

• Aim to produce the world's greenest battery, with a minimal carbon footprint
• Powered by 100% renewable energy in its operations
• Developing recycling technologies to create a closed-loop battery industry
• Partnerships with automotive companies to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles

Work culture:

• Fast-paced startup environment with rapid growth opportunities
• Diverse and international team
• Strong emphasis on innovation and problem-solving
• Chance to be part of building a new industry from the ground up

Northvolt provides career opportunities in battery technology, chemical engineering, sustainable manufacturing, and clean energy storage solutions. The company's mission to enable the European transition to renewable energy through better battery solutions makes it an exciting workplace for those passionate about clean technology and energy storage.

20. Enovix: Next-Generation Battery Technology

Enovix is an advanced lithium-ion battery development company focused on increasing energy density and safety in mobile devices and electric vehicles.

Key innovations:

• Patented 3D cell architecture that significantly increases energy density
• Focus on silicon anode technology to improve battery performance
• Developing batteries with faster charging capabilities and longer lifespan
• Potential applications in electric vehicles, mobile devices, and energy storage systems

Employee experience:

• Cutting-edge research and development environment
• Opportunity to work on technology with potential for significant global impact
• Collaborative culture that encourages innovation
• Comprehensive benefits and stock options

Enovix offers roles in battery engineering, materials science, manufacturing process development, and sustainable technology implementation. The company's focus on revolutionizing battery technology provides exciting opportunities for those looking to contribute to the advancement of renewable energy storage and electric mobility.

Why These Companies Stand Out?

These 20 companies excel in sustainability for several reasons:

1. Innovative Approaches: They're not just following trends but setting them, often pioneering new technologies or business models.
2. Holistic Sustainability: Their efforts extend beyond environmental concerns to include social and economic sustainability.
3. Transparency: Many of these companies are leaders in sustainability reporting and disclosure.
4. Employee Engagement: They often involve employees in sustainability initiatives, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
5. Long-term Commitment: These companies have demonstrated sustained commitment to sustainability over time, often setting and achieving ambitious long-term goals.

What is the future of sustainable workplaces?

As we look to the future, several trends are likely to shape sustainable workplaces:

1. Increased Focus on Circular Economy: Companies will increasingly design products and processes for reuse and recycling.
2. Net-Positive Impact: Moving beyond "do no harm" to actively regenerating natural systems.
3. Integration of AI and Sustainability: Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize resource use and predict environmental impacts.
4. Employee Activism: Growing employee involvement in shaping corporate sustainability policies.
5. Climate Resilience: Preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change on business operations.

Conclusion

The companies in this article are leaders in sustainability across various industries. From renewable energy to consumer goods, they show that success can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. These businesses offer not just jobs but careers with purpose, allowing employees to make a positive impact while growing professionally.

What sets them apart is their genuine commitment to sustainability in all areas, including employee well-being. They prioritize work-life balance, personal growth, and meaningful engagement with environmental initiatives.

As sustainability jobs continues to shape the future of work, these companies provide exciting opportunities for those looking to align their careers with their values. Whether you’re starting out or seeking a change, these organizations offer the chance to be part of a global movement towards a greener, more sustainable future.