The State of the Sustainability Profession.

So far, 2026 has been defined by efforts to navigate a turbulent political and economic environment, driven largely by a sharp reversal in U.S. climate policy and a significant withdrawal of capital from ESG investment funds. Together, these shifts have fundamentally reshaped the sustainability landscape. In a newly released report, State of the Sustainability Profession, Trellis shares findings from a survey of more than 500 professionals at companies generating at least $1 billion in annual revenue. The results show that while the pace of investment has slowed, most large businesses remain committed to their climate goals. What has changed is the approach: sustainability has evolved from an era defined by aspirational marketing into one focused on regulatory compliance, risk management, and clear commercial value.

As John Davies, President of Networks at Trellis Group, puts it: “Irritation can turn sand into pearls, and pressure can turn coal into diamonds,” and the current shift represents a transition from high-level advocacy to the technical, data-driven reality of business survival. 

The report shows a workforce that is no longer just advocating for change but is now tasked with managing the irritations of a volatile market. Key findings from the report include:

Changes to budgets and headcounts. 46% of companies have increased their sustainability headcount and budgets over the last two years. Conversely, 25% have cut resources, the highest percentage of spending reductions seen in a decade.

Solidifying public commitments. The majority of companies (57%) have maintained their public sustainability targets, while 24% have actually strengthened them. Only 16% have weakened or abandoned their promises.

A midsize advantage. Midsize companies ($1B to $10B in revenue) are currently more aggressive in their support, with 51% increasing resources compared to 41% of larger corporations (over $10B).

The rise of regulation. 58% of companies are putting a higher priority on sustainability compliance. 

The business case. Making a clear financial case for sustainability is a top priority for 44% of leaders.

Social issues have been sidelined. Social issues, specifically diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), have seen a sharp decline in priority, with 53% of companies reporting they are now less important.

A scale-back of communications. 63% of companies have scaled back their public talk about sustainability or have completely rethought their language.

Coded language. To avoid political sensitivity, many professionals are changing their vocabulary. Common swaps include using energy savings instead of carbon reduction, or resilience and prosperity instead of sustainability.

Politically cautious. Large companies, especially those with federal contracts, are watching their words carefully to avoid offending the current U.S. administration.

A decline in engagement. CEO involvement in sustainability has fallen to its lowest level since Trellis began tracking it. Only 67% of professionals see their leaders as positive toward the field, down from a peak of 86% four years ago.

The leadership team matters. Professionals at companies with CEOs considered dismissive of sustainability are three times more likely to find their jobs difficult and significantly more likely to feel discouraged (69%) than those at companies with engaged leaders (33%).

Lower job satisfaction. 44% of professionals find their jobs less fulfilling than they were two years ago. This dissatisfaction is particularly high among veterans who have been in the field for 16 or more years.

A slowdown in compensation packages. Salary growth has slowed significantly. While manager and director salaries saw modest gains (6-8%), pay for Vice Presidents and CSOs actually fell by 1%.

Future job satisfaction outlook. Only 47% of current professionals believe corporate sustainability offers the most attractive career path for the next five to 10 years. Many are looking toward roles in startups, nonprofits, or consulting.

The research shows the sustainability profession is at an inflection point, transitioning from being aspirational to operationally-focused. As the industry emerges from this period of recalibration, its leaders are becoming the diamonds of the corporate world, hardened by pressure, data-oriented, and resolved to shine on through the storm.

Invert Insights.

💡 Many sounded alarm bells as the current US administration began systematically disassembling corporate sustainability and DEI initiatives around the country. It’s reassuring to see that after 15 months in office, the outlook of sustainability professionals remains positive, as twice as many respondents reported feeling optimistic as pessimistic. While the extensive cuts and political pressure have not been ideal, the profession is standing strong and remaining on course. 

💡 Tumultuous and uncertain times are nothing new for sustainability professionals. The industry has seen several transitional periods, including from 2010-12 during the post-recession struggle, Trump’s first term in office, the pandemic, and the rise of greenhushing backlash. Ultimately, these changes will lead to a stronger and more secure industry that can withstand the ebbs and flows.