4 Trends to Watch in EHS & Sustainability
Nicole Wilkinson
February 20, 2025
Two months into the new year, one thing is clear: EHS and Sustainability practitioners are surrounded by change. As successful and effective leaders, we, too, need to change, adapt, and learn.
Here are four trends to watch in EHS and Sustainability in 2025:
- Dynamic, Real-Time Reporting is Here
We need to look for ways to leverage systems within the business to put EHS at the fingertips of our operators. Data lakes and Power BI allow us to provide real-time, dynamic dashboards and visualizations. AI and machine learning have put us on the brink of moving past proactive capabilities to predictive ones that will allow our programs to drive and deliver even more value. EHS data should not be isolated and looked at periodically or after the fact; it should be part of an operator’s daily life along with other performance and workforce data. - EHS Leaders are Cultural Influencers
So much of what EHS professionals do is based on changing and driving culture. As cultural influencers, we inherently lead with empathy, putting our people first. We are focused on total worker health because we know for our colleagues to be able to bring their best selves to work, their health, wellness, and even financial stability are important. We also need to collaborate with our corporate security teams and help our colleagues understand the measures taken to keep them safe, because we know when a colleague feels safe, we improve engagement and productivity. - Regulatory Frameworks are Being Disrupted
Many of the emerging federal OSHA and EPA regulations will likely be stalled while the new administration moves in and shifts focus and priorities. But issues such as heat illness, ergonomic injuries, workplace violence, PFAS, shareholder and external reporting, etc., are not going away. Many of the states as well as other countries will continue with these rules, and we will need to stay ahead of and respond to this patchwork of regulations both domestically and globally. - EHS is Needed for Both Preparation & Response
Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and flooding continue to impact our colleagues, businesses, natural resources, and supply chain. EHS professionals are in demand to assist with the pre-planning needed to support our business, our people, and our customers. We are also participating on crisis management and emergency response teams to provide the environmental services and colleague support needed to resume and restore business.
Don’t wait to respond to change. As leaders, we need to be ahead of the impacts of change to prepare our organizations and our teams for the future. NAEM’s strong professional network is one constant in our lives where we can find the trusted support we need. The knowledge and the resources we share here will help us go beyond managing through change to actually being change agents within our profession.
Together, we will tackle the challenges that lie ahead and continue to advance our roles and our profession.
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About the Author
Nicole Wilkinson
CVS Health | NAEM Board of Directors
As Executive Director of Corporate Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Nicole provides strategic direction and enterprise oversight of HSE programs for CVS Health. With over twenty years of experience in the development and management of environmental
permitting, compliance, and sustainability programs, she is an accomplished EHS professional with strong leadership and communication skills Prior to joining CVS Health, she managed environmental and safety programs for Dominion Power generation facilities
in the Northeast and Midwest ten years after starting her career as a civil & environmental engineering consultant helping commercial and industrial clients with innovative solutions for site design and environmental permitting services.
She holds a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Roger Williams University and a M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Rhode Island.
She holds a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Roger Williams University and a M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Rhode Island.