It is widely acknowledged that there is a growing demand across all jobs for candidates with green skills. We need to train individuals and plug the green gaps for future generations, to prevent demand outstripping supply.
It is evident that certain roles can easily be defined as green, but to ensure that all jobs are greener, everyone will be required to apply green skills in their role. A report by IEMA and Deloitte, A Blueprint for Green Workforce Transformation, identifies four shifts in the transition to a green economy:
1
Expansion of skills and scope in existing specialist sustainability roles
2
Increased need for green skills in non-specialist roles
3
Transition of workforces from unsustainable sectors to new roles
4
Demand for green skills in new green sectors and organisations
For those who want to explore the potential for developing a greener career, we’ve collated a list of key jobs and skills that will contribute to the UK green economy, that are in demand now, or will be in demand in the future. These are separated into different areas, however we should highlight that some jobs do cut across a wide range of sectors.
Retrofit and new building design, across commercial, residential and infrastructure
Use of technologies and digitisation for sustainable analysis and decision making
Rapidly scaling up the use and storage of renewable energy
Exploration and implementation of new energy solutions
Large-scale production of more sustainable and circular products
Essential services for delivering more sustainable outcomes across the economy
Balanced management, modification and enhancement of the natural environment
Moving towards green vehicles and encouraging active travel
Keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible through reuse, redesign, repair and recycling