Professional Role and Responsibilities
Aaron Ling currently serves as the Director of Sustainability at Sustana, a manufacturer specializing in premium, sustainable fiber-based products and services, including Sustana Fiber and Rolland Paper. In this capacity, Ling is primarily responsible for driving the implementation of Sustana's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and advancing the company’s sustainability strategy. His role includes leading efforts to support the clean materials movement and to integrate circular economy principles into Sustana's operations. As a part of his mandate, Ling focuses on sustainability target setting, ESG reporting, scenario analysis, and promoting accountability linked to sustainability growth.
Sustana is a Blackstone portfolio company, highlighting Ling’s role within an organization under private equity oversight, which typically demands rigorous sustainability metrics and impact tracking.
Experience and Expertise
Aaron Ling brings over 17 years of experience in corporate sustainability, with a broad expertise in ESG strategy development, reporting, and sustainable innovation. He has a strong background in environmental stewardship and is known for his leadership in advancing sustainable business models within the fiber and recycled paper industry.
He is recognized for his ability to translate sustainability from concept to actionable strategy, underscoring his focus on making sustainability tangible and accountable.
Educational Background and Certifications
- Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Concordia University.
- Completed executive or professional development education at Harvard University, including public speaking and presentations.
- Holds multiple accreditations and certifications related to sustainability and engagement, including:
- Strategic Data Storytelling
- Presenting with Confidence
- Fundamentals of Public Participation and Engagement
- Health and Safety Foundation certifications
- Accredited professional from the Green Building Council of Australia, indicating international recognition in sustainability practices and building standards.
Professional Recognition and Contributions
- Ling’s work has been recognized by multiple awards and honors in the environmental and sustainability fields, including acknowledgments from:
- American Water Works Association Academic Achievement Award
- Appointment to the Royal Society of... (partial data, but indicates notable professional recognition)
- His contributions to engineered geomedia for stormwater recycling illustrate technical leadership bridging scientific research and applied systems, unlocking environmental benefits such as water reuse.
- Active in thought leadership forums and sustainability conferences, presenting on topics such as driving societal impact assessment, clean material innovation, and corporate sustainability transformation.
Company Context and Strategic Focus
At Sustana, Ling plays a pivotal role in helping the company maintain full control over its recycled fiber supply chain and advance its rebranding as a clean materials company. There is emphasis on eco-friendly practices being essential to a sustainable future, a message Ling actively promotes. Sustana's strategic direction under Ling’s sustainability leadership includes engaging with stakeholders to foster innovation and accountability in sustainability metrics.
Location and Network
- Based in the Greater Montreal area, positioning him within a vibrant sustainability and innovation ecosystem.
- Active on LinkedIn ([aaronling1](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronling1/)) with consistent updates demonstrating ongoing leadership in sustainability and related community or corporate activities.
This profile reflects Aaron Ling as a highly experienced sustainability leader with a strong technical foundation and a comprehensive approach to driving Sustana’s ESG goals and sector leadership, supported by credible academic credentials and professional certifications.
