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Sustainability

Sustainability science

A blueprint for a better future

Sustainability professionals work to promote practices and strategies that balance environmental, social, and economic goals for long-term resilience. This includes developing and implementing policies, projects, and innovations to reduce environmental impacts, conserve resources, and foster equity. Their work involves analysing systems, measuring sustainability performance, and driving change across industries, organisations, and communities to create a more sustainable future.

The science of sustainability

Being part of the IES provides an opportunity for professionals to connect across disciplines, providing myriad opportunities for interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing and development of systems-led solutions. Sustainability professionals need a working knowledge of nearly all the specialisms within the IES, and there are several relevant Communities for them, including our Climate Action Community.

The IES has a long history of promoting good sustainability practice. We designed the first cross-professional sustainability training in the 1990s and have been at the cutting edge of sustainability ever since. We think that good sustainability practice should never just be a tick-box exercise. Sustainability relies on a strong understanding of science and evidence, and an appreciation of natural systems.
 

Join the IES

Latest IES sustainability work

Futuristic building with green walls integrated in a more sustainable design
Analysis
30/10/2026 - 10:57

Leadership towards an ethical and sustainable future

Highway leading into the horizon, with solar panels next to an optimistic vista
Sector Report
22/10/2026 - 17:28

Gap analysis: Is environmental policy on track in the UK?

Marathon runners
Analysis
22/10/2026 - 16:56

We should better recognise not everyone wins in environmental policy

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Odour
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Transport
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The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) is a charitable organisation; a global professional membership body for environmental scientists.

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