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Sustainability Evaluation Intern

Commons is an award-winning app that helps people make sustainable spending choices. With the app, consumers discover climate-friendly brands and earn rewards on eligible purchases. Commons is backed by Sequoia Capital, Jay-Z, and the founders of Headspace, Fitbit, and Nest, and has been selected as a TIME100 Most Influential Company of the Year, Apple App of the Day, and a Fortune Impact 20 company.

Level: Graduate

Contract Duration: Open to full-time interns (40 hours/week), part-time interns (15-20 hours/week), or a mixture of both depending on availability; ideally starting with 2-month commitment with possibility of extending

Start Date: ASAP

Project Overview

Commons helps consumers discover and purchase from sustainable companies. The foundation of this is a proprietary rubric and methodology to evaluate publicly available sustainability data.

The intern will work collaboratively with Commons’ Carbon team and CEO. They will be responsible for interpreting and evaluating sustainability information for brands across several product categories, including clothing, shoes, bedding, cleaning products, and personal care products. The intern will be trained on how to input their findings into a pre-defined format.

Key Responsibilities

  • Data Evaluation: Use the provided rubric and tools to assess the sustainability practices of brands, focusing on key metrics such as circularity, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and supply chain labor practices.

  • Avoiding Greenwashing: Critically analyze brand claims for potential greenwashing, ensuring rigorous, objective evaluations.

  • Data Entry: Input all collected and evaluated data into the provided format with high attention to detail.

  • Quality Assurance: Review other team members’ outputs for accuracy and consistency.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with the Commons team to clarify expectations, ask questions, and provide updates on progress.

  • Iteration: Identify and share areas for improvement in the rating process.

Qualifications

  • [Required] Educational or professional background in corporate sustainability, environmental management, or a related field.

  • [Required] Familiarity with key sustainability concepts, including circularity, greenhouse gas emissions measurement and management, energy use, and ethical supply chain labor.

  • [Required] Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

  • [Desired] Experience in collecting and interpreting publicly available data, such as sustainability reports and third-party certifications.

  • [Desired] Experience with identifying and evaluating greenwashing tactics in corporate communications.

Activities & Deliverables

  • Participation in team meetings 1-2 times per week.

  • Weekly updates on evaluation progress.

  • Completed evaluations for the assigned list of brands, following the provided rubric and inputting into the formatted system.

Think you might have what it takes, but not sure you meet every requirement? Research shows that women and marginalized folks tend to only apply when they check every box. If you're passionate about what we're building, please apply. You might be just who we’re looking for.

What You Should Know About Sustainability Evaluation Intern, Commons

If you're passionate about sustainability and want to make a real impact while honing your skills, consider the Sustainability Evaluation Intern position at Commons in Oakland! Commons is an award-winning app designed to help consumers make environmentally-friendly spending choices while discovering and supporting climate-conscious brands. With backing from influential figures like Sequoia Capital and Jay-Z, this is an opportunity to join a mission-driven company recognized as a TIME100 Most Influential Company and an Apple App of the Day. As an intern, you will dive into the details of sustainability practices across various product categories, including clothing, personal care, and cleaning products. Working closely with the Carbon team and our CEO, you will assess sustainability data, identify greenwashing, and ensure detailed evaluations of brand practices. You will receive training on our proprietary rubric and methodology, allowing you to contribute meaningfully right from the start. Whether you're looking for a full-time commitment or a part-time opportunity, you can adapt your schedule to fit your needs. If you're eager to learn, bring attention to detail, and have a background in corporate sustainability or environmental management, we want to hear from you! Join us in making sustainability accessible and rewarding for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sustainability Evaluation Intern Role at Commons
What are the key responsibilities of the Sustainability Evaluation Intern at Commons?

The Sustainability Evaluation Intern at Commons is responsible for using a provided rubric to assess the sustainability practices of various brands. This includes evaluating metrics such as circularity, greenhouse gas emissions, and labor practices. Moreover, the intern will critically analyze brand claims to identify potential greenwashing, ensuring that the evaluations are both rigorous and objective. Another important duty includes inputting the collected data accurately and reviewing the output of team members for consistency.

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What qualifications are needed for the Sustainability Evaluation Intern role at Commons?

The ideal candidate for the Sustainability Evaluation Intern position at Commons should have a strong educational or professional background in corporate sustainability, environmental management, or a related field. Familiarity with key sustainability concepts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and circularity, is essential. Attention to detail and the ability to work independently are crucial, while experience in interpreting publicly available data and identifying greenwashing tactics is desired.

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How does the Sustainability Evaluation Intern contribute to combating greenwashing at Commons?

At Commons, the Sustainability Evaluation Intern plays a critical role in combating greenwashing by rigorously analyzing brand claims and evaluating their sustainability practices. By using a proprietary rubric and examining various metrics, the intern helps ensure that only brands that genuinely prioritize sustainable practices are recognized. This collaborative effort is key to maintaining the integrity of the Commons app.

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What type of training will the Sustainability Evaluation Intern receive at Commons?

The Sustainability Evaluation Intern at Commons will receive comprehensive training on how to utilize the proprietary rubric and methodology for evaluating sustainability data. This training provides the intern with the skills needed to assess brands effectively and ensures they are well-equipped to contribute to the team from day one.

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Can the Sustainability Evaluation Intern position at Commons be part-time?

Yes! The Sustainability Evaluation Intern position at Commons offers flexibility in terms of hours. Interns can choose between full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (15-20 hours/week) schedules to accommodate their availability, making it a great opportunity for those who may also have academic commitments.

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Common Interview Questions for Sustainability Evaluation Intern
What methods will you use to evaluate sustainability practices of different brands as a Sustainability Evaluation Intern?

In this role, I would employ the provided rubric and methodology, focusing on key sustainability metrics, such as circularity and greenhouse gas emissions. I would also ensure that my evaluations are objective and based on publicly available data, staying vigilant in identifying any misleading claims.

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How do you plan to avoid greenwashing when assessing brands at Commons?

I plan to critically analyze brand communications and compare their claims with empirical data, such as sustainability reports and certifications. Staying informed on greenwashing tactics can help me provide a thorough and honest assessment of their sustainability practices.

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Can you describe your experience with data entry and accuracy assurance in previous roles?

In my previous internship, I was responsible for extensive data entry tasks that required a high degree of accuracy. I developed a keen eye for detail while ensuring all data was consistently formatted and reviewed my colleagues' outputs to maintain high standards.

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What excites you most about working with Commons in the Sustainability Evaluation Intern role?

I am excited about the possibility of contributing to a mission-driven company that directly impacts climate change. The opportunity to work collaboratively with a talented team on evaluating sustainable practices aligns perfectly with my passion for environmental responsibility.

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How would you manage your time effectively while juggling the internship responsibilities at Commons?

I would prioritize my tasks based on deadlines and importance, using organizational tools like calendars and to-do lists. Regular updates with my team would also ensure that I stay aligned with expectations and deadlines, allowing for effective time management.

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What sustainability concepts are you familiar with that will help you in this internship?

I have a solid understanding of concepts such as circularity, greenhouse gas emissions management, and ethical supply chain practices. My academic background and previous work experience have equipped me to evaluate sustainability comprehensively.

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Describe a time when you had to analyze data critically. How did you approach it?

During my last role, I was tasked with analyzing sustainability reports. I approached this by systematically evaluating each report against industry benchmarks and relevant metrics to uncover insights and trends, which helped inform our operational strategies.

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Why do you think collaboration is important in a role like the Sustainability Evaluation Intern at Commons?

Collaboration is vital as it fosters a culture of shared learning and improvement. In the Sustainability Evaluation Intern role, working closely with the team allows for diverse perspectives and ideas to be brought together, enhancing the accuracy of our evaluations.

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What improvements would you suggest for the rating process of sustainability evaluations?

I would suggest implementing periodic reviews of the rubric to adapt to new sustainability standards and practices. Additionally, gathering feedback from team members on areas that may require clarification could also enhance the process.

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How do you envision your contributions helping Commons achieve its mission?

By providing accurate and objective evaluations of sustainability practices, I will help Commons create a reliable resource for consumers to make informed choices. My work will directly contribute to promoting genuine sustainability efforts and combating greenwashing.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Internship, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 15, 2025

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