Are you an eco-warrior looking for an employer who truly cares about the planet? There are tons of companies that help the environment by reducing their carbon footprint and using clean energy sources. When you work for sustainable companies, you can sleep soundly at night knowing that you’re contributing to a better world.

This article identifies the best environmental companies to work for, ways to evaluate potential employers, and how to find jobs for companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibilities. Read on to find out which companies are making positive changes in the world.

More and more companies today are prioritizing sustainable and ethical practices. But how can you tell which companies are truly committed to sustainability, and which ones are just paying lip service? It’s important to evaluate a company or job offer to ensure that an employer’s values align with yours.

Below, you’ll find some key factors you should consider when evaluating a company’s sustainability practices during your job search. These factors will help you identify companies that are sustainable and have evidence to prove it.

1. Look on a Company’s Website

When you research an employer, start by visiting a company’s website. Many large companies will have a section on their website dedicated to sustainability, where you can find information about their environmental and social impact, as well as certifications and awards they’ve received.

You can typically find this information in a company’s “About Us” or “Corporate Responsibility” page. Many sustainable companies also have environmental impact reports that provide metrics on a company’s sustainability efforts, target goals, and environmentally friendly practices.

2. Look for Reports and Certifications

Many companies will publish sustainability reports that detail their efforts to reduce their environmental impact, improve working conditions, and promote diversity and inclusion. You can look for certifications that demonstrate a company’s commitment to meeting sustainability standards.

These include:

  • B Corp: This is a type of certification for for-profit businesses that meet specific social and environmental standards. The certification is issued by the non-profit B Lab organization.
  • LEED: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is awarded to buildings and spaces that meet high sustainability and energy efficiency standards.
  • Fair Trade: Businesses that are certified as Fair Trade meet strict standards of social and environmental responsibility, with a focus on fair labor practices and sustainable production.
  • Rainforest Alliance: The Rainforest Alliance certification is given to businesses that meet standards for sustainable farming and forestry.
  • Cradle to Cradle: This certification focuses on sustainable product design and manufacturing, with an emphasis on minimizing waste and creating products that can be fully recycled and reused.

3. Check Industry Rankings

There are several organizations that rank companies based on their sustainability performance, which can help you compare companies within an industry and identify sustainability leaders.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is a stock market index that tracks the financial performance of companies that are leaders in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The Corporate Knights Global 100 is an annual ESG ranking of the world’s most sustainable companies. Companies must score well across all ESG areas and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements.

4. Use Online Databases

There are a number of online databases that can help you research companies’ sustainability performance, such as CSRHub, EcoVadis, and the Global Reporting Initiative. These databases will provide you with detailed information about a company’s environmental, social, and governance practices, as well as any sustainability certifications and awards they’ve received.

10 Best Sustainable Companies

There are many companies that claim to be “green.” But the companies that are sustainable are working to meet net zero CO2 goals, planting trees, eliminating plastics, and much more. Below, you’ll find details on some of the most sustainable companies in the world and how to find jobs working for them.

1. Google

Google is one of the world’s largest tech companies. It’s known for its standard search engine and wide range of digital products and services such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Android, and much more. The company was founded in 1998 by Stanford University Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

Google is committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy to power its data centers and offices. The company also works to reduce waste through recycling programs and aims to use carbon-free energy 24/7 by 2030, making it one of the most environmentally friendly companies in the world.

According to Google’s 2022 Environmental Report:

  • The company’s data centers are twice as energy efficient as the typical enterprise data center.
  • Its average annual power usage effectiveness (PUE) was 1.10. The industry average is 1.57.
  • Its cloud-based products are carbon neutral.
  • The company saw an 81% decrease in carbon intensity per unit of revenue from 2011 to 2021.
  • Its operations have been carbon neutral since 2007.

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2. Tesla

Founded in 2003 by Elon Musk, Tesla is one of the world’s leading electric vehicle makers and clean energy companies. The company designs, manufactures, and sells electric cars, solar panels, and energy storage systems.

Since 2003, Tesla’s mission has been to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, which is reflected in its electric vehicles and solar products. The company also strives to use sustainable materials in its manufacturing process.

Tesla’s environmental impact reports highlight the company’s achievements in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable energy solutions. In 2021 alone, Tesla’s products enabled customers to avoid emitting over 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) into the atmosphere.

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3. Cisco

Cisco Systems designs, manufactures, and sells network equipment, including routers, switches, security software, wireless devices, and cloud-based services. The company was founded in 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner and now operates in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Cisco focuses on reducing its environmental impact through energy-efficient products and sustainable operations. The company also works to reduce waste, increase recycling, and reach net zero greenhouse gases by 2040.

What else makes Cisco one of the world’s best sustainable companies? It reduced its global Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 39% from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2022. Also, 89% of its energy came from renewable sources in the fiscal year 2022.

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4. Apple

Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, Apple is known for its consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. The company’s hardware products include the iPhone, Mac computer, and Apple Watch, while its software products include the iOS and macOS operating systems.

Apple has made a commitment to using 100% renewable energy in its operations. The company works to reduce the environmental impact of its products through recycling programs, as well as its eco-friendly product designs and shipping.

There’s a reason why Apple is one of the most sustainable companies in the world. The company aims to make its products 100% carbon neutral by 2030 and eliminate plastics in its packaging by 2025.

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5. BASF SE

BASF SE is a German tech company that produces a wide range of products including plastics, coatings, and chemicals. The company was founded in 1865 by Friedrich Engelhorn and has since grown to be one of the largest chemical producers in the world, operating in over 80 countries.

BASF aims to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Its sustainability strategy includes reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable products and solutions. The company also works to engage stakeholders and promote sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and production sites.

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6. IKEA

IKEA is a Swedish furniture and home goods company that was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad. The company designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories. IKEA is known for its affordable and stylish furniture designs and operates in over 40 countries.

IKEA is committed to using sustainable materials in its products. For example, it produces everything from LED light bulbs to furniture made from recycled materials. IKEA is also working on increasing energy efficiency in its stores and operations and promotes sustainable living through its product designs and customer education.

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7. VMware, Inc.

VMware is a software company that was founded in 1998 by Diane Greene, Mendel Rosenblum, Scott Devine, Edward Wang, and Edouard Bugnion. The company provides cloud computing and virtualization software and services. VMware’s software makes it possible to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server, allowing for more efficient use of computer resources.

VMware focuses on reducing its environmental impact through energy-efficient products and operations. The company also works to promote sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and encourages sustainable transportation for employees.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, VMware actively takes part in restoring and growing trees. It also plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its operations and supply chain by 2030.

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8. Hewlett Packard (HP)

HP is an information technology company that produces a wide range of hardware and software products. The company was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard and has since become a leading provider of personal computers, printers, servers, and software solutions for businesses.

HP is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its Living Progress sustainability program, making it one of the world’s most sustainable companies. The program focuses on three main areas: planet, people, and community. It’s designed to help HP reduce its environmental impact while also creating social and economic benefits for people around the world.

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9. Siemens AG

Siemens AG is a German conglomerate that was established in 1847 by Werner von Siemens. It produces a variety of products including automation systems, medical equipment, and transportation systems. The company is also a major provider of energy-efficient solutions and operates in more than 190 countries.

Through its ESG strategy, Siemens is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable products and solutions. The company’s sustainability efforts have earned it an A- climate change rating for fiscal year 2022.

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10. SAP SE

SAP SE is a German software company that was founded in 1972 by five former IBM employees. The company provides enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations, allowing companies to operate more efficiently and effectively.

SAP has a commitment to using 100% renewable energy in its operations and reducing its carbon footprint. The company also aims to eliminate carbon emissions, waste, and inequality and promote sustainability throughout its supply chain.

The company’s sustainable cloud-based solutions helps businesses make a positive impact on the environment and allows them to track their energy consumption, reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, and more.

Find SAP jobs on Monster.

How to Find Jobs With the Right Sustainable Companies

Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly jobs or want to work for companies that help the environment, here are some strategies you can use to find opportunities:

  • Networking: This is one of the most effective ways to find jobs for green companies. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet other professionals who are interested in sustainability and work for companies who strive for a better world.
  • Leveraging online platforms: There are several online platforms that are specifically geared towards professionals who are interested in sustainability. One of the most popular online platforms is GreenBiz, a media and events platform that provides businesses with information and resources on sustainable practices and clean technology.
  • Engage with professional communities: Professional communities such as the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) and the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) provide education, networking, and job opportunities. Getting involved in these organizations is a great way to stay on top of current trends and connect with other sustainable professionals.

Go Green and Get Hired

If you’re looking for an employer that doesn’t just help you pay the bills, but also helps the planet, complete your profile on Monster and begin your job search. You won’t have to waste countless hours scrolling through job postings. We’ll send them right to your inbox and get your resume seen by hiring managers at sustainable companies to cut your job search time to net zero.

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Toni Frana Career Advice Expert

Toni Frana is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches, and career expert who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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