Professional organizations exist to advance a specific industry and support the interests of field professionals. Joining an association gives you access to benefits such as:
- professional development
- networking and mentoring opportunities
- life-long learning
- designation
- updates on industry standards, ethics codes, and social responsibilities
View sustainability-related associations below.
Business and the Environment
"The preeminent worldwide professional association dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge on supply chain management"
Student Membership: Yes
"Women in Cleantech and Sustainability’s goal is to provide flexible access to our growing community domestically and internationally. WCS is expanding access to its high-quality events by opening them up to a virtual audience. This new virtual membership opportunity allows us to continue to provide high quality content, learn from one another, and connect with professionals from across the cleantech, energy and sustainability industries.
Student Membership: Yes
"A global community of students and professionals who want to become the most effective change agents they can be. Over 100,000 strong, our emerging leaders take on social challenges, protect the environment, invent new products and orient business toward the greater good. In short, we help our members turn their passions into a lifetime of world-changing action."
Student Membership: Yes
"A platform for business to respond to sustainability challenges that were just beginning to break the surface of collective business consciousness."
Student Membership: No
Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation
"A professional development organization that “defines, develops and supports the functions, resources and communities necessary for effective organizational leadership in addressing climate-related risks and opportunities.”
Student Membership: No
"Professional home for people who are preparing for climate impacts in their jobs, in their communities, and in their fields of practice.”
Student Membership: Yes.
“Promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications.”
Student Membership: Yes
Earth Sciences
"A nonprofit organization of over 61,000 members from over 146 countries that "promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.” It does this by "galvanizing a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advance and communicate science and its power to ensure a sustainable future.
Student Membership: Yes
"Provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry"
Student Membership: Yes
Ecosystem and Wildlife Conservation
"Fosters professional development and personal connections" that "advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life"
Student Membership: Yes
"The world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources."
Student Membership: Yes
"The AMWS includes members from all over New England who are "wetland professionals with diverse expertise in wetland functional analysis, mitigation planning, delineation, plant propagation, regulatory policy, research and education."
Student Membership: Yes
"To foster a diverse, international scientific community that creates, integrates and communicates knowledge across the full spectrum of aquatic sciences, advances public awareness and education about aquatic resources and research, and promotes scientific stewardship of aquatic resources for the public interest."
Student Membership: Yes
"Provides its members the services, high standards and best practices needed to be leaders and innovators in animal care, wildlife conservation and science, conservation education, the guest experience, and community engagement"
Student Membership: Yes
"A professional society of 2,500 members, many of whom are scientists, that promotes interest in the study of mammals"
Student Membership: Yes
"NEERS is a non-profit organization with a wide ranging membership from scientific and educational institutions, federal, state, and municipal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the society is to bring together persons actively engaged in estuarine and coastal research and management for informal discussion and exchange of ideas."
Student Membership: Yes
"Advances understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide" by "promoting research in estuarine and coastal ecosystems; supporting education of scientists, decision-makers and the public; and facilitating communication among these groups"
Student Membership: Yes
"Promotes ecological science by improving communication among ecologists; raises the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science; increases the resources available for the conduct of ecological science; and ensures the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental decision making by enhancing communication between the ecological community and policy-makers."
Student Membership: Yes
"The largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related disciplines"
Student Membership: Yes
"A unique international scientific society involved in the advancement of education, research and development in the area of mycorrhizal symbiosis between plants and specialized soil fungi."
Student Membership: Yes
"A scientific society dedicated to advancing the science of mycology – the study of fungi of all kinds including mushrooms, molds, truffles, yeasts, lichens, plant pathogens, and medically important fungi. Our scholarly journal Mycologia is one of the top mycological serials worldwide. Our bimonthly newsletter Inoculum keeps members up to date on fungal news of all kinds. MSA members meet annually to exchange information about all aspects of fungi."
Student Membership: Yes
"Encourages integration among the sciences, arts, humanities, and education; advocates for support of natural history in all its forms, including discovery science, literary and visual arts, and field education; builds and supports an inclusive, collaborative community of naturalists; and promotes formal and informal natural history learning opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and settings."
Student Membership: Yes
"Promote sound scientifically-based conservation of the endangered snow leopard through networking and collaboration between individuals, organizations, and governments."
Student Membership: No
“An international professional organization dedicated to promoting the scientific study of the phenomena that affect the maintenance, loss, and restoration of biological diversity. The Society's membership comprises a wide range of people interested in the conservation and study of biological diversity: resource managers, educators, government and private conservation workers, and students make up the more than 5,000 members world-wide.”
Student Membership: Yes
"A non-profit organization that assists conservationists worldwide in using GIS through communication, networking, scholarships, and training"
Student Membership: Yes
"Serves a global community, promoting freshwater science through membership services, research and information dissemination"
Student Membership: Yes
" An international scientific organization whose purpose is to promote further understanding of freshwater ecosystems (rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries) and ecosystems at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial habitats (wetlands, bogs, fens, riparian forests, and grasslands). "
Student Membership: Yes
"To promote understanding, conservation, protection, restoration, science-based management, and sustainability of wetlands"
Student Membership: Yes
"Represents and serves the professional community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work actively to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and habitats worldwide." It connects "professional wildlife managers, disseminates wildlife science, advocates for effective wildlife policy and law, and builds the active support of an informed citizenry."
Student Membership: Yes
"The world’s most comprehensive conservation organization" that "manages about 500 conservation projects in more than 60 countries
Student Membership: No
Energy
"A national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensure the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies, regulations, R&D technologies, and environmental issues."
Student Membership: No
"Advances energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors" by "conducting in-depth technical and policy analyses; advising policymakers and program managers; working collaboratively with businesses, government officials, public interest groups, and other organizations; convening conferences and workshops, primarily for energy efficiency professionals; assisting and encouraging traditional and new media to cover energy efficiency policy and technology issues; and educating consumers and businesses through our reports, books, conference proceedings, press activities, and websites"
Student Membership: No
"A professional organization with more than 16,000 members worldwide that provides information and networking in the dynamic fields of energy engineering, energy management, renewable & alternative energy, power generation, energy services, sustainability, and all related areas"
Student Membership: Yes
"A network of energy practitioners practicing in natural gas utilities, public benefits associations, regulatory and non-profit entities, vendors, manufacturers and consulting firms” who are “dedicated to improving the delivery and implementation of energy efficiency, energy management and distributed renewable resources”
Student Membership: No
"A building technology society with more than 54,000 members worldwide" that "focuses on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education"
Student Membership: Yes
"A professional organization that works to "change industry standards, develop best design practices and guidelines, advocate for green buildings, develop educational tools to support its members in implementing sustainable design and construction practices"
Student Membership: Yes
"Promotes solar research and development, provides authoritative advice on renewable energy issues worldwide, advocates for a sustainable global solar industry, supports career growth of Young ISES members, and promotes energy education at all levels"
Student Membership: Yes
"A trade organization that promotes energy efficiency to customers with “seminars, workshops, training programs, publications of case studies and guidebooks, and the compilation and dissemination of aggregate industry data”
Student Membership: No
"Advocates for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy by sharing information, events and resources to cultivate community and power progress".
Student Membership: Yes
"Works to create "a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings". USGBC achieves this through its "LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities."
Student Membership: Yes
Environmental Education
"Promotes environmental education through advocacy, pedagogical research, and professional developmental while amassing 16,000 members from more than thirty countries"
Student Membership: Yes
"A non-profit that "works with local residents, experts, and stakeholders to run educational projects for underprivileged youth by utilizing experiential, hands-on learning"
Student Membership: No
"The state affiliate of the North American Association of Environmental Educators that provides professional development opportunities for naturalists and other program administrators."
Student Membership: Yes
"Provides administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as the business that serve them, with thought leadership and essential knowledge resources; outstanding opportunities for professional development; and a unique framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge created by sustainability initiatives"
Student Membership: No
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
"Envision a world in which engineering is a mainstream word in homes and communities of color, and all Black students can envision themselves as engineers. In this world, Blacks exceed parity in entering engineering fields, earning degrees, and succeeding professionally."
Student Membership: Yes
"ASCE and its members are dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future in which human society has the capacity and opportunity to maintain and improve its quality of life indefinitely, without degrading the quantity, quality or the availability of natural, economic and social resources."
Student Membership: Yes
" A national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community."
Student Membership: Yes
A society that promotes industrial ecology as a framework for providing “innovative solutions to complicated environmental problems” and “facilitates communication among scientists, engineers, policymakers, managers and advocates who are interested in better integrating environmental concerns with economic activities."
Student Membership: Yes
"An international, nonprofit association that provides leadership for the application, education, training, research, and development of industrial engineering"
Student Membership: Yes
"A professional society that educates and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics"
Student Membership: Yes
"Focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers."
Student Membership: Yes
" An international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in the fields of information technology, computer science and related S.T.E.M fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry. "
Student Membership: Yes
"Focuses on STEM educational awareness programs for students from kindergarten to career. Great Minds in STEM™ provides resources for recognition and recruitment of Hispanics in STEM on a national level, connecting multi-areas of engineering and science arenas to the general population."
Student Membership: No
"The foremost Latino organization for the development of STEM leaders in the academic, executive, and technical communities. The mission is to promote, cultivate, and honor excellence in education and leadership among Latino engineers and scientists."
Student Membership: Yes
"To enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master’s and doctoral levels in engineering and science."
Student Membership: Yes
" A non-profit professional organization dedicated to assisting black and other minority students and professionals in fully realizing their potential in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits in chemistry, chemical engineering, and allied fields."
Student Membership: Yes
"An inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM"
Student Membership: Yes
Environmental Health and Safety
“A professional association that empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability. NAEM provides peer-led educational conferences, benchmarking research and an active community for sharing solutions to today's corporate EHS and sustainability management challenges.”
Student Membership: No
Environmental Journalism
"An international organization of 1,400 journalists whose mission is “to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues.”
Student Membership: Yes
Environmental Law and Policy
"Fosters the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice"
Student Membership: Yes
“A global alliance of attorneys, scientists and other advocates collaborating across borders to promote grassroots efforts to build a sustainable, just future.”
Student Membership: No
"Serves as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process."
Student Membership: No
A society that uses " a computer-aided approach to policy analysis and design. It applies to dynamic problems arising in complex social, managerial, economic, or ecological systems — literally any dynamic systems characterized by interdependence, mutual interaction, information feedback, and circular causality."
Student Membership: Yes
Environmental or Ecology Economics
"A not-for-profit membership organization" that "harnesses economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society"
Student Membership: No
An "international professional association for economists working on the environment and natural resources" which provides a forum for "exchanging ideas, stimulating research, and promoting graduate training in environmental and resource economics"
Student Membership: Yes
An international scientific association which "contribute to the development and application of environmental and resource economics as a science in Europe; encourages and improves communication between teachers, researchers and students in environmental and resource economics in different European countries; and develops and encourages the cooperation between university level teaching institutions and research institutions in Europe"
Student Membership: No
Food and Agriculture/ Food Security
"A professional organization of men and women whose educational and career objectives fall within the broadly defined field of agriculture and natural resources. It is dedicated to the highest levels of scholarship, leadership, integrity and service."
Student Membership: Yes
"The largest statewide, member-based sustainable farming organization in the United States" which "seeks to improve the economic viability, environmental soundness and social responsibility of food and farming systems in Pennsylvania and across the country"
Student Membership: No
"One of the oldest organic farming associations of "farmers, gardeners, and consumers who work to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations"
Student Membership: No
Forestry
"A professional organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals that practice and promote ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry."
Student Membership: Yes
"Promotes the cultivation, management, and study of trees through research, technology, and education while fostering a greater worldwide awareness of tree benefits"
Student Membership: Yes
"A global forum that brings together experts from across the world to discuss issues relating to sustainable development, science and technology management. The aim of WASD is to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, information and ideas among academics, scholars, professionals, policy makers, industry and students to improve the mutual understanding of the roles of science and technology in achieving sustainable development all over the world."
Student Membership: No
SAF has become the largest professional society of foresters in the world since its founding by Gifford Pinchot in 1900. Its mission is “to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.”
Student Membership: Yes
General Environment
"An international, nonprofit scientific and educational society that advances the study and practice of geography. It’s members are geographers and related professionals who work in public, private, and academic sectors across more than sixty countries."
Student Membership: Yes
"A global community of people dedicated to quality who share the ideas and tools that make our world work better. With individual and organizational members around the world, ASQ has the reputation and reach to bring together the diverse quality champions who are transforming the world’s corporations, organizations and communities to meet tomorrow’s critical challenges."
Student Membership: Yes
"Today's premiere leadership organization advocating the interests of women in science and technology. For nearly 40 years, the Association for Women in Science has fought for equity and career advancement for women – from the bench to the board room."
Student Membership: Yes
"A large, interdisciplinary organization that’s a nexus for the most recent information on environmental planning, research and management."
Student Membership: Yes
"The world's leading not-for-profit professional membership association for the project, program and portfolio management profession"
Student Membership: Yes
"An international honor society of science and engineering researchers; membership by nomination and election only"
Student Membership: No
A society that promotes industrial ecology as a framework for providing “innovative solutions to complicated environmental problems” and “facilitates communication among scientists, engineers, policymakers, managers and advocates who are interested in better integrating environmental concerns with economic activities."
Student Membership: Yes
The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is an independent research organisation that aims to deliver positive change on a global scale.
Student Membership: No
Social Ecology
"The world's largest organization of individuals interested in anthropology" that "promotes the science of anthropology, stimulates and coordinates the efforts of American anthropologists, fosters local and other societies devoted to anthropology, serves as a bond among American anthropologists and anthropologic[al] organizations present and prospective, and publishes and encourages the publication of matter pertaining to anthropology."
Student Membership: Yes
"Promotes the integration of anthropological perspectives and methods in solving human problems throughout the world; advocates for fair and just public policy based upon sound research; promotes public recognition of anthropology as a profession; and supports the continuing professionalization of the field."
Student Membership: Yes
"An international organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. With more than 7,000 members, the society represents professional, student, and avocational archaeologists working in a variety of settings including government agencies, colleges and universities, museums, and the private sector"
Student Membership: Yes
SMANA is a membership organization serving the professional needs of behavior change agents in Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the United States. SMANA's members are change agents from all sectors: social marketers, behavioral scientists and economists, conservation psychologists, environmental educators, behavior change communicators, entertainment educators, health communicators, design thinkers and the list goes on.
Student membership : Yes
Urban and Regional Planning
“Provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.
Student Membership: Yes
"New Urbanists share the conviction that our physical environment has a direct impact on our chances for happy, prosperous lives. Our movement includes professionals, leaders, advocates, citizens, and other like-minded organizations working to identify and address the range of issues impeding the development and redevelopment of well-designed neighborhoods, public places, commercial corridors and rural environments.
Student Membership: Yes
"A non-profit that is "dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide"
Student Membership: No
Water Resources Management
"A technical and educational organization of 36,000 water quality professionals that provides “bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide.”
Student Membership: Yes
"The largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water. 50,000 members “provide solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.”
Student Membership: Yes
"A non-profit organization that advances the water resources management, research, and education skills of engineers, educators, foresters, biologists, ecologists, geographers, managers, regulators, hydrologists and attorney"
Student Membership: Yes
"A global reference point for water professionals" that helps them "create innovative, pragmatic and sustainable solutions to challenging global needs"
Student Membership: No
"A dynamic organization of over 2100 highly qualified and motivated water and wastewater professionals from throughout New England, who volunteer their time, energy and expertise in order to preserve, protect and manage" New England's water environment
Student Membership: Yes