10th edition of global Sustainability Census report launches

We are pleased to share the latest Sustainability Census report, in partnership with Acre Recruitment, capturing practitioner-led data and trends across the sustainability profession.

The 2026 Sustainability Census offers a global snapshot of the sustainability profession and the trends shaping its future. Developed by Acre and SLR, the report draws on more than a decade of practitioner-led insight to help organisations, consultancies and sustainability teams benchmark performance, plan for the future, and make more informed decisions.

This year's report is based on responses from 2,340 sustainability professionals worldwide, making it the largest global survey of its kind to date. Respondents are based across 76 countries and work for organisations headquartered in 58 countries, highlighting the increasingly international nature of the sustainability profession.

Designed for sustainability professionals at every level, from specialists and managers to senior leaders, the census explores how the profession is evolving across sectors and geographies. Topics include pay and benefits, team structures, career pathways, employee satisfaction, the future ambitions of sustainability professionals, and leadership priorities.

By sharing the findings openly, the report aims to provide the wider sustainability community with credible benchmarks, practical evidence, and a clearer view of what is needed to accelerate progress. As sustainability agendas continue to evolve in response to global economic, environmental and social challenges, the census helps organisations and practitioners better understand the people driving sustainable change around the world.

My own experience echoes a key theme in the data: lasting progress is dependent on people. Having the right skills, understanding, and commitment is fundamental to turning ambition into action. The Census shows this profession is fortunate to benefit from high levels of motivation, satisfaction, and intellectual engagement. However, these strengths cannot be assumed. Sustaining momentum will depend not only on strategy and structure, but on ensuring that individuals are supported, developed, and empowered
to lead change.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the survey and to the teams involved in producing this report. Your input provides an essential foundation for understanding where the profession stands today, and where it needs to go next.

Glynn Roberts, Global Director of Corporate Sustainability Advisory at SLR