Joining a sustainability association can provide the launching pad you need to grow or evolve your business strategy. These organizations open the door to peer connections, industry resources, and professional development opportunities. Find the association that best fits your business objectives and professional interests.
As sustainability professionals, you know that the industry is constantly evolving, from legislative policy updates to emerging and innovative solutions. Keeping at the forefront of these changes is imperative, as is building strong working relationships with leaders across the sector.
Joining a sustainability association or professional organization can open the doors to these peer connections and provide the resources you need to overcome business challenges. Clean tech, climate tech, and ag tech professionals may find these benefits game-changing for the success of their startup.
In addition to entrepreneurs, chief sustainability officers and fellow executives in charge of leading a corporation’s transformation toward sustainable practices benefit from the strategy insights and knowledge-sharing that come from peer discussions and opportunities to build connections with solutions providers.
Sustainability professional organizations on this list have members who work in the sustainability industry, including ag tech, climate tech, and clean tech, as well as leaders who are working toward corporate sustainability goals. Click on a name below to jump down and read more about a specific organization:
Sustainability Associations for Sustainability Startup Leaders:
- AgTech Founders Network
- American Clean Power (ACP)
- American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
- American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN)
- Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
- CleanTech Alliance
- Cleantech Leaders Roundtable (CTLR)
- Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
- Field to Market
- Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC)
- On Deck Climate Tech (ODCT)
- Senior Executive Sustainability Think Tank
- Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)
- Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
- Sustainable Brands (SB)
- Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)
- The Sustainability Consortium (TSC)
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- Women in CleanTech & Sustainability (WCS)
- Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)
Sustainability Associations for Corporations Working Toward Sustainability Goals:
- Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO)
- Ceres Company Network
- Corporate Eco Forum (CEF)
- International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)
The Senior Executive Sustainability editorial team is constantly speaking with leaders in ag tech, climate tech, and clean tech to keep up with new developments and trends in the industry for our collection of sustainability resources. To suggest additions for this resource, please contact Senior Executive Media at editor@seniorexecutive.com.
Sustainability Associations for Sustainability Startup Leaders
AgTech Founders Network
The professional network provides founders of ag tech startups a range of business support resources, including venture capital pitch practice and mentoring sessions. Members can network with peers at private events held in major cities as well as in global and local forums.
- Year Founded: 2011
- Membership Details:
- Starting at $75 annually, based on company size
- Invitation must be requested; membership is based on criteria and requires approval from a committee
- Number of Members: More than 600 in the full Founders Network community
- Headquarters: San Francisco, Calif.
- Regional Chapters: 25 chapters across the globe, including Boston; Denver; Seattle; Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Sydney, Australia; London, England; Berlin, Germany
American Clean Power (ACP)
Advancing clean energy in the U.S. is the mission of American Clean Power, which joins together professionals at companies in the clean power sector including energy storage, wind, clean hydrogen, and utility-scale solar. Members connect with fellow industry leaders to learn best practices, participate in events, have access to industry data, and work to collectively influence policy decisions.
- Year Founded: 2021
- Membership Details: The cost of annual corporate memberships varies based on company type and size
- Number of Members: More than 825
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
The nonprofit organization ASES aims to accelerate sustainable living through renewable energy. Its members receive copies of the quarterly Solar Today magazine, discounted tickets to conferences and events hosted by ASES, and access to an online community, webinars, white papers, and more.
- Year Founded: 1954
- Membership Details:
- Basic memberships range $29-$60 annually
- Professional memberships range $50-$135 annually
- Corporate memberships range $109-$375 annually
- Lifetime memberships range $1,200-$1,500
- Number of Members: Not listed
- Headquarters: Boulder, Colo.
- Regional Chapters: Regional chapters in most states
American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN)
ASBN connects business leaders and investors who are working toward a sustainable economy. Members include entrepreneurs, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, financial professionals, investor groups, and mission-aligned large corporations and executives. Benefits of being a member include online connections and strategic relationship facilitation, annual conference attendance, working groups, and more.
- Year Founded: 1987
- Membership Details:
- Community membership is $1,200 annually and is for entrepreneurs and small businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue
- Core membership is $2,500 annually and is for entrepreneurs and small to midsize businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue, as well as select financial professionals and business leaders
- Impact membership is $6,000 annually and is for entrepreneurs and enterprises with less than $25 million in annual revenue, as well as select investor groups, foundations, and academic institutions
- Corporate membership is $10,000 annually and is for corporations and institutions with less than $50 million in annual revenue, as well as select investor groups, foundations, and mission-aligned corporate leaders
- Leadership membership is $50,000 annually and is for corporations and institutions with more than $50 million in annual revenue, as well as select investor groups, foundations, and mission-aligned corporate leaders
- Lifetime memberships are available
- Number of Members: Not listed
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
The international organization AEE offers training and certification programs for professional energy engineers and hosts industry conferences and awards programs. Becoming a member enables you to network with energy engineering peers, attend monthly webinars, and gain access to industry journals and discounted industry resources.
- Year Founded: 1977
- Membership Details:
- Individual: Starting at $195 annually
- Corporate: Silver membership is $995 annually; Gold membership is $1,995 annually; Platinum membership is $2,995 annually
- Number of Members: More than 28,000
- Headquarters: Atlanta
- Regional Chapters: More than 100 chapters worldwide
CleanTech Alliance
The alliance joins together clean tech companies of various sizes. Benefits include participation in committees and working groups, business services discounts, and editorial features.
- Year Founded: 2007
- Membership Details:
- Annual Standard memberships are $400 (1-3 employees); $750 (4-7 employees); $1,450 (8-12 employees); $2,150 (13-19 employees); $3,150 (20-49 employees); $4,000 (50 or more employees)
- Gold membership is $6,000 annually
- Platinum membership is $12,000 annually
- Executive Circle membership is $25,000 annually
- Number of Members: More than 1,100
- Headquarters: Seattle
Cleantech Leaders Roundtable (CTLR)
This private online community for leaders in clean tech and climate tech provides a platform for idea-sharing and thought leadership on topics that are top of mind for sustainability leaders. In addition to ongoing peer discussions, members receive access to the membership directory, discounted tickets to industry events, and the opportunity to co-host or sponsor one CTRL event each year.
- Year Founded: 2017
- Membership Details:
- Nonprofits, government agencies, and underrepresented founders: $750 annually
- Individual, introductory membership: $1,500 annually
- Individual, level-one membership: $3,000 annually
- Individual, level-two membership: $5,000 annually
- Individual, level-three membership: $7,500 annually
- Number of Members: Not listed
- Headquarters: Not listed
Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
E2 joins entrepreneurs in sustainability with investors and supporters, all representing a variety of environmental interests including clean energy and clean tech. According to the organization, more than 2,500 companies have been founded or funded by its members. Membership is at the national level, with local access to one of the nine chapters around the U.S., and major membership benefits include the opportunity to shape policy, stay informed on industry trends and legal updates, and network with fellow industry leaders.
- Year Founded: 2000
- Membership Details:
- Associate-level membership is $1,000 annually
- Partner-level membership is $2,500 annually
- Principal-level membership is $10,000 annually
- Executive-level membership is $25,000 annually
- Number of Members: More than 8,000
- Headquarters: New York City
- Regional Chapters: Southeast, Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, Northeast, Midwest, New England, Northern California, Los Angeles, San Diego
Field to Market
This organization enables sustainable outcomes in agriculture by connecting various players in the supply chain, including farming organizations, manufacturers, retailers, and brands. As an ag tech member of the organization, you can build relationships with other member companies and collaborate on ideas and projects related to sustainable agriculture.
- Year Founded: 2006
- Membership Details:
- Two membership tiers (voting and nonvoting)
- Inquire about membership costs
- Number of Members: More than 175
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC)
Professionals and organizations in green architecture, including roofs and walls, are members of the Green Roofs professional organization and have access to an annual market survey report, webinars and webinar recordings, and various event and training discounts. Corporate memberships include media and outreach support, as well as qualified marketing leads for new business development.
- Year Founded: 1999
- Membership Details:
- Individual: $160 annually
- Corporate: $550-750 for a standard membership; $1,250-5,200 for an advanced corporate membership
- Number of Members: Not listed
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
On Deck Climate Tech (ODCT)
ODCT gathers together climate tech founders, operators, investors, and advisors to exchange ideas and share knowledge as they build climate change solutions. Networking, bi-weekly conversations with small groups, and hearing from top leaders at speaking events are among membership benefits.
- Year Founded: 2019
- Membership Details: Must inquire
- Number of Members: Not listed
- Headquarters: San Francisco
Senior Executive Sustainability Think Tank
The Senior Executive Sustainability Think Tank is a criteria-based digital community for founders, CEOs, and C-suite decision-makers at innovative ag tech, climate tech, and clean tech firms in the U.S. and Canada. It’s an opportunity to connect with industry peers, exchange best practices, and build relationships to grow your business. See if you qualify today.
- Year Founded: Coming Q1 2024
- Membership Details: Application-based; apply to learn more
- Number of Members: 12+
- Headquarters: Not listed
Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)
SEPA is focused on aligning players working toward a sustainable energy future, including utility and electric power companies, regulators and legislators, and customers and stakeholders. Membership is for those with professional pursuits in electric power transformation; benefits include professional networking, participation in working groups, on-demand and live educational opportunities, and member-only content.
- Year Founded: 1992
- Membership Details: Must inquire
- Number of Members: More than 1,000
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
SEIA is dedicated to expanding the solar energy industry and solar power usage in the United States. Members include founders and companies looking to develop their energy business, explore new markets, participate in working groups, and drive policy. Membership divisions include distributed generation, energy storage, manufacturing, solar heating and cooling, solar services and consumers, and utility-scale solar power.
- Year Founded: 1974
- Membership Details:
- Basic membership is $900 annually
- Watt membership is $5,000 annually
- Kilowatt membership is $16,000 annually
- Kilowatt Plus membership is $40,000 annually
- Megawatt membership is $66,000 annually
- Gigawatt membership is $100,000 annually
- Terawatt membership is $190,000 annually
- Number of Members: More than 1,000
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Sustainable Brands (SB)
The Sustainable Brands community includes sustainable business leaders and brand innovators who share strategies and challenges, collaborate to create resources, and discuss new topics and trends. The organization publishes reports and produces several annual conferences in the U.S. and internationally.
- Year Founded: 2006
- Membership Details:
- Available to brands and sustainability solutions providers
- Must inquire for membership costs
- Number of Members: More than 70
- Headquarters: San Francisco
Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)
SPC takes a collaborative approach to achieving sustainable packaging solutions, bringing together organizations and stakeholders across the packaging lifecycle. Members develop partnerships and explore sustainable product ideas. Benefits also include SPC events and access to webinars, reports, technical guides, and a member directory.
- Year Founded: 2004
- Membership Details:
- Small corporation membership is $3,110 annually and is for companies with less than $10 million in annual revenue
- Medium corporation membership is $7,460 annually and is for companies with $10 million to $1 billion in annual revenue
- Large corporation membership is $14,125 annually and is for companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue
- Government and academic institution membership is $1,130 annually
- Number of Members: More than 550
The Sustainability Consortium (TSC)
The Sustainability Consortium is focused on developing science-based solutions and decision-making for the sustainable transformation of the consumer goods sector. The organization brings together companies from all stages of the supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, nonprofits, and governmental agencies. All members have access to sustainable transformation resources and tools, member connection calls, speaking opportunities, and attendance to the annual summit.
- Year Founded: 2009
- Membership Details:
- SME (small to medium-sized enterprise) membership is $5,000 annually
- Small trade association membership is $25,000 and is for associations with less than $50 million in annual assets
- Large trade association membership is $50,000 and is for associations with more than $50 million in annual assets
- Small corporation (companies with less than $50 million in annual revenue): $10,000 for a Standard-level membership; $25,000 for an All-Access membership
- Large corporation (companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue): $50,000 for a Standard-level membership; $100,000 for an All-Access membership
- Small civil societies (less than $50 million in annual assets): $5,000 for a Standard-level membership; $10,000 for an All-Access membership
- Large civil societies (more than $50 million in annual assets): $10,000 for a Standard-level membership; $25,000 for an All-Access membership
- Government bodies: $10,000 for a standard-level membership; $25,000 for an all-access level membership
- Number of Members: More than 100
- Headquarters: Tempe, Ariz.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Members of the U.S. Green Building Council include organizations and solutions providers propelling forward the green building industry. Membership includes exclusive member events, discounts on industry credentials and registrations, and industry-specific promotions.
- Year Founded: 1993
- Membership Details:
- Individual: Starting at $59 annually
- Corporate: $450 annually for the Organizational membership; $1,500 annually for the Silver membership; $5,000 annually for the Gold membership; $20,000 annually for the Platinum membership
- Number of Members: Not listed
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
- Regional Chapters: 48 USGBC chapters (one in most states), plus several affiliate organization locations
Women in CleanTech & Sustainability (WCS)
This organization provides professional networking and resources for women working in clean tech and sustainability, including startup founders, executives, and entry-level professionals. Members can connect and collaborate in a members-only Slack channel, attend virtual happy hours and webinars, participate in mentorship programs, and access job listings (or post jobs as a corporate member).
- Year Founded: 2011
- Membership Details:
- Individual: $72 for a virtual membership; $147 for a chapter membership
- Corporate: Supporter membership is $2,000 annually; Advocate membership is $5,000 annually; Champion membership is $8,000 annually
- Number of Members: More than 5,000
- Headquarters: San Francisco
- Regional Chapters: Los Angeles; San Francisco
Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)
The mission of WRISE, a nonprofit organization, is to change the energy future by cultivating community, education, and leadership across the renewable energy sector. All members have affiliation with a local chapter and gain access to events, past webinars, forum discussions, and mentoring opportunities.
- Year Founded: 2005
- Membership Details:
- Student or limited income: $35 annually
- New to renewable energy: $75 annually
- Renewable energy professional: $125 annually
- Leadership Circle: $500 annually
- Number of Members: Not listed
- Headquarters: Brooklyn, NY; more than 35 chapters in cities across the U.S. and Canada
Sustainability Associations for Corporations Working Toward Sustainability Goals
Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO)
Through education and credentialing, ACCO aims to develop and support organizational leadership in charge of sustainability practices and initiatives to help enterprises effectively address climate change. Members include leaders from public and private corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. These leaders gain access to training resources and learning activities, a member-only portal, working groups, and events.
- Year Founded: 2009
- Membership Details:
- Individual: Standard membership is $195 annually; Government membership is $145 annually
- Corporate: Basic membership is $2,750 annually; Bronze membership is $5,400 annually; Silver membership is $11,600 annually; Gold membership is $24,600 annually
- Number of Members: More than 125
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Ceres Company Network
Ceres is focused on helping large corporations integrate sustainability best practices and decision-making into their core business strategies. Members include many Fortune 500 corporations, and benefits include access to corporate sustainability experts, peer connections with intentional dialogue on sustainability topics, and an annual Ceres-led engagement for each member company’s stakeholders to tackle its most pressing sustainability challenges.
- Year Founded: 1989
- Membership Details: Must submit a registration form for details
- Number of Members: More than 50
- Headquarters: Boston
Corporate Eco Forum (CEF)
The CEF membership organization is made up of companies, many of which are a part of the Fortune 500, that are committed to sustainability. Senior executives of these member companies, which span more than two dozen industries, are able to discuss challenges, collaborate on solutions, and share best practices with one another. Membership also includes an annual retreat with invitations for three senior executives from each company, virtual meetings, and access to research reports.
- Year Founded: 2008
- Membership Details: Must request an invitation for more information
- Number of Members: More than 75
- Headquarters: Not listed
International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)
Sustainability professionals who are members of ISSP come from more than 90 countries around the globe. In addition to a community platform for members to share ideas in industry-specific channels, the organization provides webinars and courses to help professionals and companies reach the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Year Founded: 2008
- Membership Details:
- Individual: $150 annually
- Corporate: Silver membership is $500 annually; Gold membership is $2,000 annually; Platinum membership is $7,500 annually; inquire about Diamond membership
- Number of Members: More than 60,000
- Headquarters: Morrisville, N.C.
Do you know of a sustainability association or membership organization that should be added to this list? Email us at editor@seniorexecutive.com.
