ISTEP Network
Strengthening the sustainability workforce to accelerate real-world progress
Sustainability commitments are expanding rapidly across industries and geographies, but delivering meaningful outcomes still depends on the people doing the work. Today, sustainability professionals are expected to translate ambitious goals into action across operations, supply chains, reporting, and organizational change often with limited time, limited support, and limited access to practical resources.
The ISTEP Network (Industry Sustainability Transition & Engagement Partnership) was created to help close that gap. ISTEP is a global collaboration designed to strengthen the sustainability workforce through shared learning, practical tools, and peer connection—helping individuals and teams move faster from intention to implementation.
Why ISTEP Matters
The workforce is the bottleneck—and the multiplier
Sustainability progress is not just a strategy problem. It’s an execution problem. Even the strongest goals can stall when implementation teams are stretched thin, operating without consistent support, and forced to reinvent approaches in isolation.
ISTEP exists because capability is one of the most powerful levers for accelerating global sustainability progress. When sustainability professionals have access to proven tools, trusted peer communities, and real-world implementation insight, organizations are better equipped to deliver results at speed and at scale.
By strengthening the workforce, ISTEP helps enable:
faster execution of sustainability programs and roadmaps
more consistent delivery across sites, suppliers, and regions
reduced duplication of effort through shared resources and templates
greater resilience and retention among sustainability professionals
clearer pathways for students and early-career talent entering the field
What ISTEP Is
ISTEP is a structured, scalable support system for the sustainability community to bring together professionals, universities, emerging talent, and expert partners to learn and progress together.
The network combines:
Practical tools and templates that reduce reinvention and support implementation
Webinars and knowledge sessions focused on real-world delivery
Peer connection and community learning, including discussions and problem-solving
Access pathways for students and universities, strengthening career readiness and workforce development
ISTEP is intentionally built as a collaborative, mission-driven model to strengthen sustainability capability across sectors and regions.
Where ISTEP Began
ISTEP was founded through a concept developed in collaboration with the University of Bath and Fosterra.
Through years of sustainability work across organizations, we saw a consistent pattern: sustainability teams are expected to lead transformative change, yet many lack the community, tools, and implementation support required to move as fast as the challenges demand.
At the same time, universities and students are eager to engage but often struggle to connect academic insight with real-world sustainability delivery.
ISTEP was created to bridge these gaps by connecting professionals, universities, students, and experts in a shared network designed to build capability and accelerate progress.
Fosterra’s Role
Fosterra is a global consulting firm committed to advancing sustainable practices through award-winning programs and technology platforms. Across hundreds of sustainability initiatives, we’ve seen a consistent truth: real progress depends on the people putting sustainability into action every day. But too often, those teams lack access to practical tools, shared learning, and peer support.
That’s why Fosterra is sponsoring ISTEP: to strengthen the sustainability workforce, build confidence and capability in front-line professionals, and accelerate meaningful change.
Who ISTEP Is For
ISTEP is designed for people and organizations who want to accelerate sustainability progress through shared learning and implementation support, including:
Sustainability professionals looking to build capability, find peer support, and access practical tools
Universities supporting student readiness, career pathways, and real-world engagement
Students and early-career talent seeking guidance, community, and exposure to real sustainability work
Expert partners who can contribute resources, lead sessions, and help others progress
Mission-aligned NGOs and sponsors who want to expand access and scale impact
Join the Network
Sustainability progress accelerates when more people are supported to deliver the work effectively. Whether you’re leading initiatives inside an organization, building pathways for students, or contributing expertise - ISTEP offers a meaningful way to participate.
Join upcoming events, contribute resources, explore partnership, or connect with us to find the right path.