As the EU sharpens its focus on climate leadership - setting the stage for a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 - the pressure on companies to deliver meaningful, measurable change has never been greater.

But behind every sustainability report, roadmap, and reduction target is a person - often several - working tirelessly to bring those ambitions to life. These are the sustainability managers translating vision into execution, balancing science, strategy, and internal politics to drive progress from the inside out.

Last year, Coolset launched the Future 15 to spotlight this critical - and often unsung - talent. This year, we’re proud to bring the list back with even more depth, diversity, and impact.

Why we created the Future 15

Sustainability professionals are leading one of the most urgent transformations in business history. Yet their work rarely makes headlines. At Coolset, we believe that recognition matters - especially when it’s paired with substance. Future 15 is about shining a light on the individuals who are not only advancing ESG goals but redefining what modern leadership looks like in the climate era.

These are the rising stars whose influence will shape how industries decarbonize, how companies adapt, and how systems evolve.

What we asked

We asked the same questions as last year - because the fundamentals haven’t changed. This year’s nominees were asked to share:

• A sustainability project they led or significantly contributed to in the past year
  
  
• The measurable environmental, social, or governance (ESG) impact of that project
  
  
• How they integrate sustainability into business strategy and operations
  
  
• What innovative technologies or approaches they’ve introduced
  
  
• The key sustainability challenges facing their industry
  
  
• How they plan to address them
  
  
• And finally, what advice they would give to others entering the field
  

How we selected the 15

Our judging panel reviewed every submission using a detailed scoring framework. We looked at impact, innovation, clarity, and ambition - but also at the ability to deliver practical results in complex organizational environments.

The bar was higher this year. As the field of sustainability continues to grow, so does the calibre of talent. The 15 individuals featured here stood out for their clear thinking, actionable impact, and contagious sense of purpose.

Now, without further ado, meet the change makers (in no particular order) defining the next chapter of corporate sustainability: Coolset’s Future 15 – Class of 2025.

#1 Camilla Cederquist

Role: Manager, Atea Sustainability Focus
Company: Atea
Experience: 6 years in sustainability
HQ location: Oslo, Norway
Industry: Information Technology
Company size: 2,000–10,000

Elevating Nordic voices in global IT

“I lead our initiative Atea Sustainability Focus (ASF) that gathers insights about the Nordic market's sustainability priorities and expectations on suppliers to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the global IT industry,” says Camilla Cederquist. The insights are delivered to the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), a coalition of major tech brands. “This partnership is key to deliver results.”

ASF has given end users a meaningful voice. “ASF is a platform that brings together the industry and its customers which is essential if we are to solve the major challenges our industry faces.” A major outcome has been progress on circularity. “Before, the RBA did not focus on circularity at all, but it is now a major focus.” Key milestones include co-founding the Circular Electronics Partnership and launching Zero Waste Assurance programs.

Building a circular and strategic approach to IT

“Sustainability has been at the core of Atea's business for many years,” Camilla explains. “All our offerings are assessed for sustainability and some offerings are built with sustainability as a foundation.”

Two key goals shape Atea’s impact: “The 1:1 goal – taking back as many devices as we put on the market, and our 100:1 goal – helping our customers cut their carbon emissions so that our handprint is 100 times larger than our footprint.” The company’s annual CSRD-aligned report integrates financial and sustainability data.

Atea also applies technology internally and with customers: “One example for our internal operations is business-intelligence tools that track carbon footprint on an office level… A customer example is the use IoT technology to optimize energy use in buildings.”

Camilla's advice to future professionals

“If you are looking to work in a company, my best advice is combine sustainability competence with business knowledge. The biggest sustainability issue of tomorrow is the redesigning of business models.”

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#2 Cathy Moscardini

Role: Head of sustainability
Company: Depop
Experience: 9+ years in sustainability
HQ location: London, UK
Industry: Software technology
Company size: 201–1,000

Quantifying impact through circular fashion

At Depop, Cathy Moscardini developed the company’s first Environmental Impact Methodology to measure the benefits of buying secondhand. “I led the development of Depop’s first Environmental Impact Methodology to quantify the benefits of buying secondhand clothing... I also embedded the methodology into sales systems and created an internal governance process to comply with Green Claim legislation.”

The results are significant: “Purchases on Depop have helped avoid over 300,000 metric tonnes of GHG emissions... These secondhand sales have also saved an estimated 9.2 billion litres of water.”

Embedding sustainability into business

“Sustainability is core to Depop’s mission to make fashion circular... I work with teams like marketing, product, legal, and insights, to ensure that we deliver against our targets.”

She highlights features like EcoEnclose packaging, the Repop relisting tool, and AI-assisted listings, along with efforts to quantify and offset scope 3 emissions. “We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for our buyers and sellers to shop circular.”

Cathy's advice to future professionals

“If you want to convince people within your business to take action on sustainability, always think about sustainability through the lens of your consumer.”

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#3 Jorick Bots

Role: Sustainability & CSR Manager
Company: ilionx
Experience: 7 years in sustainability
HQ location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Industry: Professional services (consulting)
Company size: 1,001–2,000

Making software sustainability measurable

At ilionx, Jorick Bots is helping drive greener IT with practical tools. “At ilionx we have developed a Sustainability by Design scan that helps clients gain an initial understanding of how sustainable the software they have built or use is. This provides users with insights into which ‘levers’ they can pull to make the software more energy-efficient and, therefore, more sustainable.” The tool is also applied internally, and the team is now measuring the effectiveness of different actions. “We not only raise awareness among our clients about the footprint of IT, but we also offer concrete options that actually make IT greener.”

Driving strategic and sector-wide change

“Sustainability and CSR are part of the ilionx strategy. By positioning them at the forefront of our organization, we both recognize the innovative nature of sustainability and emphasize that sustainability and CSR are much more than just a box-ticking exercise.”

ilionx has also developed a green customer journey with four phases—Rethink, Record, Report, and Reduce—each supported by tailored IT services. “As an IT service provider, we believe that IT plays a key role in the sustainability transition.”

Jorick sees a growing urgency for action. “The emissions from our industry are already greater than those of the global aviation sector… With the rapid development and adoption of AI, the energy consumption of data centers is expected to increase even further.” ilionx is responding by investing in measurement tools, advising clients, and participating in a national coalition to help position the Netherlands as a leader in sustainable digitalization.

Jorick's advice to future professionals

“Just do it. Sustainability can be applied to everything. Even if you haven’t studied it, you can still be of great value to many companies. We need all the help we can get to get everyone involved in the sustainable transition. Also, start measuring as soon as possible... what gets measured, gets managed.”

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#4 Joyce Power

Role: Sustainability Manager
Company: DO & CO AG
Experience: 8 years in sustainability
HQ location: Vienna, Austria
Industry: Food and beverage services
Company size: 10,000+

Building sustainability into systems and strategy

At DO & CO, Joyce Power led the successful delivery of an Ecolabel License for the company’s Events division. “Over the past year, I led the successful delivery of an Ecolabel License for our Events division, awarded after a rigorous audit by Ecolabel Austria… A key ingredient to success at DO & CO has been strong stakeholder engagement — working not just to implement, but to embed sustainability into core functions and operations.” She also aligned digital and ESG goals through an IT ESG Charter.

The work has already been recognized: “The Ecolabel project not only secured our audited license but also earned us recognition as a Sustainable Business (ÖkoBusiness Wien) by the City of Vienna.” Though full impact data will be shared in the upcoming Annual Report, her leadership has unified global waste-reduction projects and embedded sustainability into operations across departments.

Scaling data, impact, and digital alignment

Joyce played a central role in implementing new reporting systems: “I managed the team responsible for implementing the new ESRS/CSRD data collection tool and a separate sustainability reporting platform… rolled out globally to ensure compliance.”

Her approach is grounded in cross-functional engagement. “I aim to identify areas for improvement that support the greatest benefit to our collective agenda. I also ensure that every team member understands the ‘why’ behind sustainability efforts.”

Looking ahead, she sees growing risk from climate and supply chain pressures. “Over the next five years, I expect to see significant changes… lower crop yields, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss… will affect the availability and cost of products and the livelihoods… across our supply chain.”

Joyce's advice to future professionals

For Joyce, success in sustainability starts with deeply understanding the organization you're working within. “Understand the business and its internal processes before attempting to make changes,” she says. “Link company goals, and align department roadmaps—i.e. digital transition with IT.”

She stresses that change doesn't happen in isolation, and building relationships is key: “Stakeholder engagement is crucial—understanding their challenges and explaining the 'why' behind your goals is key.”

Her parting advice is simple but powerful: “Sometimes, you need to fix the soil before you can plant a thriving garden.”

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#5 Laura Tiili

Role: Sustainability Manager
Company: Terveystalo
Experience: 6 years in sustainability
HQ location: Helsinki, Finland
Industry: Health and wellness
Company size: 10,000+

Driving climate action in healthcare

At Terveystalo, Laura Tiili led the company’s commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative. “Over the past year, I led our project to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), setting near- and long-term emission reduction targets aligned with SBTi criteria as the first Finnish company in the health sector.”

She laid the foundation for science-based action by completing Scope 3 calculations. “As part of this, I completed our first comprehensive Scope 3 emissions calculations based on the GHG Protocol... I also drove supplier engagement to promote emission reductions and broader sustainability goals.”

“The project has had a measurable impact... establishing a robust baseline that enables us to set science-based... targets.” It also strengthened governance by “embedding sustainability deeper into business decision-making, aligning our governance structures more closely with internationally recognized standards.”

Integrating ESG into healthcare

“Our purpose at Terveystalo is to fight for a healthier life.” Laura emphasizes sustainability’s role in both operations and strategy: “We integrate sustainability into our strategy by committing to science-based targets... promoting sustainable procurement, ethical business practices, and circular economy principles.”

As the first Finnish healthcare company to set SBTi targets, she notes, “Our innovative climate transition plan not only focuses on emissions reduction but also takes into account the mental health impacts of climate change.”

Facing industry-wide challenges—from data gaps to single-use materials—Laura says, “We plan to address these challenges by strengthening stakeholder collaboration... targeting ‘low-hanging fruits’... while focusing on the areas responsible for the majority of our emissions.”

Laura's advice to future professionals

“Focus on the areas of sustainability that genuinely interest you, and don't give up when challenges arise. Stay open to every opportunity and to learning from different people. Always ask questions to deepen your understanding, and maintain a positive attitude — it will carry you far in your journey.”

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#6 Virpi Paavola

Role: Quality and Sustainability Manager
Company: Maillefer Extrusion Oy
Experience: 6 years in sustainability
HQ location: Vantaa, Finland
Industry: Manufacturing and production
Company size: 51–200

Integrating sustainability into business performance

At Maillefer Extrusion Oy, Virpi Paavola is ensuring sustainability is part of how the company operates and innovates. “I drive the integration of sustainability into our core strategy by aligning ESG goals with business objectives. I ensure sustainability is embedded in product development, operations, and supplier management.”

She’s strengthened reporting and data systems to support this shift. “I have improved our capabilities to better respond to the annual EcoVadis survey. I have defined our CSRD reportable items based on the dual materiality assessment.” The result? “My sustainability work improved the quality and completeness of our ESG data... and improved governance by aligning sustainability reporting.”

To stay ahead of regulation, she’s implemented a future-proofed framework. “I have introduced a structured approach... by combining dual materiality assessment with CSRD and EcoVadis frameworks. I applied digital tools for carbon footprint calculation and integrated sustainability KPIs into operational planning.”

Driving innovation in a competitive landscape

Virpi is clear about the stakes ahead. “The biggest challenge will be achieving true carbon neutrality while maintaining competitiveness.” Her plan: “Driving low-carbon innovation, embedding circular economy principles... and strengthening ESG data management through digital tools.”

She sees collaboration as key: “My goal is to turn sustainability challenges into competitive advantages and lead the way toward a more resilient, future-proof business.”

Virpi's advice to future professionals

“Stay curious, be courageous, and never lose sight of the bigger picture... Collaborate widely — sustainability is a team effort... meaningful change takes time but your work will make a real difference.”

“Sustainability is no longer a separate initiative — it’s integral to the future of business... By working together and aligning business goals with sustainability targets, we can create long-lasting, positive change for both people and the planet.”

View LinkedIn profile →

#7 - Helene Maria Eulenstein

Role: Sustainability Manager Germany
Company: Statkraft
Experience: 5 years in sustainability
HQ location: Oslo, Norway
Industry: Energy and utilities
Company size: 2,000–10,000

Embedding sustainability across energy projects

At Statkraft, Helene Maria Eulenstein ensures that sustainability is part of every development project. “Enrolling and implementing the 'Project Sustainability Manager (PSM)' at all development projects at Statkraft... is pivotal in ensuring that sustainability principles are integrated into all stages of project development and execution.”

Covering German operations, she collaborates across departments on issues including climate mitigation, just transition, circular economy, and biodiversity. “This role requires a deep understanding of both social and environmental themes, and the ability to collaborate across different regions and functions to drive sustainability initiatives.”

Her role delivers impact on multiple fronts. “Key indicators include reductions in CO2 emissions, improved resource-use efficiency, and enhanced biodiversity protection.” Socially, it involves “stakeholder engagement and community investment,” and on governance, it “contributes to transparent sustainability reporting based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).”

Aligning strategy with sustainability goals

“At Statkraft, sustainability is deeply integrated into our business strategy and operations.” Guided by roadmaps to 2030, the company focuses on four pillars: Climate, Biodiversity, Circular Economy, and Just Transition. “Our sustainability strategy is an integral part of our corporate strategy... setting the direction for contributing to a green and just transition.”

She has helped structure internal systems to support these goals. “We established an excellent sustainability reporting organization, engaging all relevant stakeholders for all German assets... with an affiliated network to ensure that our expert teams have the necessary expertise.”

Helene's advice to future professionals

“Build a network & stay informed and adaptable. Connect with professionals in the field... Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration.”

“The field of sustainability is constantly evolving... Being adaptable and open to learning will help you stay relevant and effective in your role.”

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#8 - Sari Koski

Role: Sustainability Manager
Company: Metsä Board
Experience: 7 years in sustainability
HQ location: Espoo, Finland
Industry: Manufacturing and production
Company size: 2,000–10,000

Driving transparency and impact through reporting

“At Metsä Board we rely on fact-based and transparent reporting and communication to support our customers on their sustainability journey,” says Sari Koski. In 2024, she led the publication of a CSRD-aligned Sustainability Statement, a customer-focused Sustainability Review, and a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan. “Good success in ESG assessments provides further credibility on our sustainability ambition and actions.”

That credibility is backed by measurable results. “Based on 2024 disclosures, Metsä Board was one of the eight companies globally, which achieved a triple A in CDP's Climate, Forests and Water Security questionnaires. In Ecovadis we again achieved a Platinum level, with our record score of 91/100.”

Linking sustainability to strategy and product innovation

“Sustainability is incorporated into Metsä Board’s strategy, long-term business and investment plans, risk assessments and annual action plans approved by the Board of Directors.” She points to Metsä Board’s goal of fossil-free production and products by 2030. “Our strategic programmes and investment plans are directly linked to this goal.”

Sari emphasizes packaging innovation as key to customer needs. “Plastic reduction and a low carbon footprint of packaging are essential goals for our customers, and we contribute to this through product development, transition to fossil-free operations and 360 Services that support our product portfolio.” The Metsä Board Excellence Centre enables innovation and testing of new solutions, supporting these goals with hands-on collaboration.

Sari's advice to future professionals

“Sustainability is a constant process of change and will never be complete. Therefore working for sustainability requires perseverance.”

“To effectively promote sustainability in a company, you need both commitment of the top management and engagement of the personnel. This means that in the long run sustainability should not only be a separate function, but you should try to find the business benefits of sustainability so that sustainability is integrated into the company strategy and the daily work of all functions in the company.”

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#9 - Irina Bolgari

Role: Sustainability Manager
Company: La Prairie Group AG
Experience: 5 years in sustainability
HQ location: Zurich, Switzerland
Industry: Manufacturing and production
Company size: 2,000–10,000

Making sustainability actionable through automation

“In the past year, I led a project to automate and enhance our company’s carbon footprint calculation approach.” For Irina Bolgari, improving the speed and accuracy of emissions data was critical. “The project involved collecting primary data from key service categories, including marketing, events, and IT services,” and by integrating external tools, “significantly reduced reporting timeline.”

The results were immediate. “This project significantly improved our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors by reducing the carbon footprint reporting timeline from several months to just a few weeks.” With quicker insights, her team could “dedicate more time to implementing carbon reduction initiatives” and “identified specific actions that will enable us to reach our net zero ambition.”

Aligning sustainability with business value

“At La Prairie, I integrate sustainability into our business strategy by driving cross-functional and industry collaboration.” Irina works closely across departments to make sustainability relevant. “My goal is to identify approaches that align sustainability with the needs of all stakeholders, ensuring it adds value to their work.”

She’s helped embed sustainability into tools already in use. “One innovative approach we've adopted is leveraging our logistics tools to also track transportation emissions.” This enables teams to “monitor emissions monthly, set clear reduction targets, and create accessible dashboards” that inform day-to-day decisions across the organization.

Irina also created an open-access tool to support others in the field. “I developed a free guide to carbon accounting... It was downloaded by 150 people already, and received numerous messages with positive feedback about how it helped simplify a highly technical topic.”

Irina's advice to future professionals

“My advice for someone starting a career in sustainability is to remain agile and adaptable. Corporate environments can be challenging, so perseverance is key. Keep an open mind, identify areas where you can drive meaningful change based on the business context, and focus on making progress, even if it's incremental.”

View LinkedIn profile →

#10 - Katja Wachter

Role: Sustainability Program Manager
Company: EcoVadis
Experience: 4 years in sustainability
HQ location: Paris, France
Industry: Software technology
Company size: 1,001–2,000

Accelerating climate action through innovation

“As leader of our Carbon Taskforce, I drove the execution of our carbon reduction roadmap.” In the past year, Katja Wachter oversaw a wide-ranging set of initiatives: “We transitioned two offices to renewable energy, supported a renewable project in Mauritius through RECs, launched a new office with fully refurbished equipment, and invested in a scientifically verified permanent carbon removal project.”

Her team also sparked internal momentum: “We raised employee engagement through a Carbon Innovation Challenge, harnessing collective intelligence to enhance our reduction plans.” These efforts paid off. “We’ve reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 92% and Scope 3 emissions (per value added) by 57%, both compared to 2019 levels.”

Embedding sustainability into strategy and operations

“In 2024, I led the alignment of our sustainability strategy with the new CSRD regulation.” Katja conducted EcoVadis’ first double materiality assessment and used the findings to set measurable ESG targets. “I helped establish new governance structures... and supported sustainability training for our Board of Directors.”

She also pioneered a unique method to cut travel emissions. “I introduced an innovative carbon budget approach… assigning carbon emission limits to each department.” The result: “Over the past three years, this initiative has led to a 42% reduction in travel emissions per employee by 2024.”

Katja's advice to future professionals

“I transitioned from business management to sustainability and initially felt held back by my lack of theoretical sustainability knowledge. Over time, I realized my soft skills—project management, stakeholder engagement, and change management—were key to my success.”

Her guidance: “Focus on building business acumen and soft skills over memorizing sustainability frameworks.”

She adds, “Sustainability is a team sport... all the initiatives and successes I’ve shared in my application are only possible due to the support of my fantastic team and colleagues.”

View LinkedIn profile →

#11 - Mahmoud Abdelhaleem

Role: Sustainability Manager
Company: Goldbeck Construction Ltd
Experience: 3 years in sustainability
HQ location: Birmingham, UK
Industry: Construction and real estate
Company size: 51–200

Turning sustainability into habit and impact

“The main target was to accurately measure performance on-sites and in our offices, record emissions, and apply a carbon reduction plan based on the outcome,” says Mahmoud Abdelhaleem. He established a monitoring system, trained staff, and launched incentive programs. “I created competitions and incentive programs for best practices, ideas, and initiatives to encourage a sustainable behavior, turning it from an obligation into a habit both at work and in personal lives.”

The initiative showed strong ESG results. “Each employee actively sought to reduce their carbon footprint… These new ideas were subsequently implemented across other branches and sites.” On the social side, “The positive behaviors fostered by the strategy greatly enhanced the health and wellbeing of our staff and their broader communities.” In governance, “We achieved several BREEAM certifications... and passed the ISO 14001 audit with only minor issues.”

Low-carbon design and collective innovation

Mahmoud has embedded sustainability across operations: “Integrate low carbon concrete ideas with our prefabricated slabs to minimize the overall carbon footprint during construction.” His modular method, he explains, “eliminates time and resource waste by assembling prefabricated slabs on-site, similar to LEGO assembly.”

Employee input is key to innovation. “We include all employees in this effort, listening to their ideas, as every member has a unique vision... and create an environment where all innovative contributions are appreciated and celebrated.”

Mahmoud's advice to future professionals

“One should start by gaining a solid understanding of sustainability principles as you must believe in what you are doing. Stay updated, network with professionals, and engage in continuous learning. Be passionate, adaptable, and proactive in finding solutions. Focus on making a positive impact through practical, scalable initiatives.”

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#12 - Niina Mikolanniemi

Role: Senior Manager, Sustainability Services
Company: Greenstep
Experience: 9+ years in sustainability
HQ location: Espoo, Finland
Industry: Professional services (consulting)
Company size: 201–1,000

Enabling strategic sustainability for Nordic businesses

“With Greenstep sustainability services team, I consulted and advised large and medium-sized clients in various industries in preparing and executing sustainability strategies and CSRD reporting,” says Niina Mikolanniemi. For many, this was a starting point. “For many of the companies we worked with this was the first time they created sustainability roadmaps and measurable sustainability targets for climate, social and governance topics.”

The team helped businesses take structured, strategic action. “We supported over 50 companies in the past year to identify sustainability risks and opportunities and set measurable sustainability targets... This helped customers prioritize action as well as communicate about their progress to internal and external stakeholders.”

Tools, data, and impact through integration

Greenstep leads by example: “Greenstep actively promotes sustainability in its operations with targeted action to reduce emissions, promote employee wellbeing and promote good governance.” In 2024, the firm served over 2,700 customers and committed 10% of its result to new energy over the next five years.

Their work is backed by technology. “Greenstep supports its clients with a clear framework and tools for sustainability work and CSRD reporting... including tools for double materiality assessment.” This includes automated emissions tracking: “Automatic carbon emission calculator for expenses in Bezala... and linking carbon emission calculation in Netsuite ERP systems.”

Niina's advice to future professionals

“Be curious and build a strong network around you. Learn to talk about sustainability in a concrete and business oriented way to engage with people beyond the ‘sustainability bubble’.”

“Challenge the companies you work with to set ambitious sustainability change agenda and targets, but also celebrate small successes.”

View LinkedIn profile →

#13 - Ella Thomson

Role: Sustainability Manager
Company: OVO
Experience: 3 years in sustainability
HQ location: Bristol, UK
Industry: Energy and utilities
Company size: 2,000–10,000

Empowering people to lead climate action

“I spearheaded a new climate training program at OVO, creating tailored learning ‘playlists’ that connect every role to our sustainability goals and address key climate risks and opportunities,” says Ella Thomson. She also led bespoke sessions with leadership and curated the company’s “Day Zero” sustainability summit: “Talks from leadership and presenter Kate Humble, live cook-alongs with chef Gaz Oakley, and a volunteering drive.”

The initiative sparked meaningful engagement. “Our Peakon scores now sit at an all-time high of 8.8 out of 10,” she shares. “The first 4 learning modules are now essential training companywide.”

From double materiality to nature-positive action

“In 2024, I secured senior leadership approval for OVO to become an early adopter of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD).” Recognising nature’s critical role in climate solutions, she developed a strategy “to connect OVO’s people, customers, and operations to nature-positive action.”

She also led OVO’s first Double Materiality Assessment: “Starting from a blank slate, I developed a clear, methodical plan... mapping out stakeholders from across the organisation and facilitating a collaborative process that will drive OVO’s future sustainability priorities.”

Ella's advice to future professionals

“Perfection should not be the enemy of progress. It is almost always better to get started on something that can have real world impact—we don’t have the time to waste! Iterate and innovate from the learnings you have to improve.”

View LinkedIn profile →

#14 - Gijs Groen

Role: Sustainability Manager EMEA
Company: Solmax
Experience: 2 years in sustainability
HQ location: Montreal, Canada
Industry: Manufacturing and production
Company size: 2,000–10,000

Building circularity into infrastructure

“Over the past year, I led a project that turned an unrecyclable waste stream into a circular solution by building a dedicated ecosystem of partners,” says Gijs Groen. By collaborating across the value chain, “we co-developed the first viable process for recycling heavily soiled geotextiles.”

The results were substantial: “Around 500,000 kilograms of material were successfully recovered and reused.” Of this, “400,000 kg of attached sand was reused in construction, and 100,000 kg of plastic was recycled and reintroduced into Solmax’s production, creating a closed-loop system.”

The impact was more than environmental. “Solmax committed to a fair and stable recycling price... This ensured shared ownership, safeguarded local jobs, supported the long-term viability of the recycling ecosystem, and decreased dependency on virgin raw materials.” The project also raised the bar for product stewardship: “Solmax took an important step towards product stewardship by integrating full lifecycle responsibility into its operations.”

Orchestrating sustainability across systems

“At Solmax, I first created internal awareness by establishing a shared understanding of sustainability, acknowledging that while we are not yet a sustainable organisation, we strive to be a responsible one.”

Collaboration, he believes, is key: “We act as an orchestrator, bringing together like-minded organisations... This is particularly important in the conservative, regulated, and risk-averse construction sector.” For Gijs, the company’s role is clear: “Our role is to build ecosystems that support scalable, real-world solutions and help shift the sector towards more sustainable, circular infrastructure.”

Gijs's advice to future professionals

“Stay curious, be patient, and take action; even small steps matter. Build a strong network, communicate often, and always keep the bigger picture in mind.”

Gijs is motivated by impact where it’s needed most. “I choose to focus my energy on making the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors more sustainable because this is where bold thinking and a willingness to challenge the status quo are most needed.”

“As Kennedy said, ‘We do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.’”

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 #15 - Kristian Sandberg

Role: Sustainability Manager
Company: Nolato AB
Experience: 3 years in sustainability
HQ location: Torekov, Sweden
Industry: Manufacturing and production
Company size: 2,000–10,000

Driving science-aligned climate action

“Nolato’s SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) validation project included a comprehensive Scope 3 screening and calculation to identify and quantify value chain emissions,” says Kristian Sandberg. The targets, aligned with the 1.5°C pathway, were validated by the SBTi. “This validation confirms that Nolato’s climate strategy is robust, science-aligned, and supports a credible transition toward a low-carbon economy across the entire value chain.”

The impact extends beyond emissions. “The validated SBTi targets signals serious climate ambition to investors, customers and all other stakeholders... and are used as a strong differentiator in procurement processes and sustainability indices.”

Integrating sustainability from design to reporting

“Nolato integrates sustainability into its strategy by aligning with frameworks like the UN Global Compact and SBTi, setting science-based climate targets, and reducing emissions across Scope 1–3.” Sustainability is embedded in product development, governance, and financial planning, with transparent reporting through the Annual Report.

He highlights their Eco-Design Model and circular material strategy: “Nolato emphasizes sustainability from the outset by integrating environmental considerations into the design phase... advising customers on reducing resource use, reusing components, and designing for recyclability.”

The results are tangible. “A collaboration with a healthcare customer resulted in a 55% reduction in the carbon footprint of a urine catheter by substituting fossil-based plastics with renewable alternatives.”

Kristian's advice to future professionals

“Starting a career in sustainability can be incredibly rewarding and impactful... Stay curious and humble, embrace experiences, build practical skills, network and learn, be solutions-oriented and don’t accept hurdles as fixed; they can often be overcome with creativity and persistence!”

View LinkedIn profile →

Help us spotlight the next rising stars in sustainability

Know a sustainability manager making a meaningful impact who didn’t make the list? We want to hear from you! Make sure to reach out so we can consider them for next year’s list of nominees.