Understanding green skills and their importance in business

Given the immense climatic challenges we face, the transition to a green economy, where natural assets are managed sustainably, is imperative. We need to get there quickly, and although the transition is already underway, a lack of green skills is threatening to slow our progress.  

As jobs become greener, we will all need to acquire green skills to enable us to perform them more sustainably. These skills are not just reserved for specialised areas of sustainability. Every business function, from HR and IT to finance and marketing, is set to become greener, and just like digital skills are now considered essential, green skills will soon be a critical part of business-as-usual.

What are green skills?

Green skills are the knowledge, abilities and attitudes workers must develop to create and support more sustainable and resource-efficient organisations.

As we transition to a low-carbon economy, there is a growing requirement for green skills to enable companies to create new products and services and make changes to business models and production processes to support sustainability.

Green skills are not only relevant to eco-friendly industries. Green skills are becoming increasingly desirable across the board, with green jobs growing at around four times the rate of the overall UK job market. According to City and Guilds, green skills will soon be an entry-level requirement for almost any role. 

Why are green skills important?

If the UK is to meet its net-zero aspirations by 2050, it will have to look a lot different than it does today. Homes will be warmed by low-carbon heating, transportation will be powered by renewable resources and carbon emissions will be captured and removed. But none of that will be achievable without a huge investment in green skills.

We cannot rely on a new influx of workers to drive this shift to sustainability. Progress is incremental, and the majority of the people who will make up the workforce in 10 years are already in employment. Therefore, to realise our net-zero aims, we must start upskilling our teams and building our future capabilities today.

How are green skills relevant across different industries?

When you think of green skills, your mind probably goes to pollution prevention, environmental protection and ecosystem management. While these skills can help you get ahead in so-called ‘green jobs’, there are also many more green skills and qualities that are relevant across a much broader range of industries.

Renewable energy

A thorough grounding in renewable energy has become an essential skill in many industries. Whether it’s solar, hydro or wind, knowledge and experience of generating, installing and maintaining systems and the benefits they can bring is increasingly desirable. 

Energy efficiency

Understanding how to optimise and reduce energy use is a skill that is already in demand from organisations of every size across a huge range of sectors.

Green supply chain management

Being able to adopt sustainable practices at every stage of the product and service lifecycle, from sourcing and packing to transportation and disposal, can bring tremendous benefits for organisations of every kind. 

Waste management

Every business produces waste. These days, understanding how to minimise waste and process it in the most sustainable way is at the forefront of many organisations’ minds. 

Green building and design

Occupier demand for sustainable buildings in the UK is on the rise, according to the RICS global sustainability report for 2023. However, at the moment, a lack of green architecture and construction skills is slowing progress and preventing sustainable buildings from making a real impact on net-zero targets. 

Water conversation

Water conversation is a green skill that’s relevant to industries ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to building and production. Increasing demand and the impending threat of water scarcity make water management, conservation and pollution control a long-term requirement for many businesses.   

Sustainable transportation

Increasingly, we are switching to more sustainable public and commercial transport, making this a particularly in-demand green skill. There’s also an increasing requirement for eco-friendly transport infrastructure and people who can change the public’s and businesses’ transport choices.

The role of green skills in sustainable business practices

The impact of green skills on a business’s practices will differ depending on the industry. Some sectors may need employees with green skills to help them meet tightening legal requirements around waste management or carbon emissions, while others may want green skills to find new and efficient ways of working. 

Whatever the requirements, bringing people with green skills into the business can be hugely beneficial. The public cares more than ever about sustainability, with Millennial and Gen Z consumers 27% more likely to buy from sustainable brands than older generations. According to Deloitte’s Sustainability and Consumer Behaviour Report 2023, sustainable packaging and products, and reducing waste, are the sustainability practices consumers value the most.

Training and green skills development

The first step in increasing the green skills in your business is to conduct a skills gap analysis.  That will help you identify where those skills are needed. You can then decide whether to bring new people into the business or invest in upskilling your existing teams.

A green skills gap of around 200,000 workers in the UK is making it increasingly difficult for firms to meet their sustainability goals. Green workers are also being hired at a faster rate than non-green workers, which is putting green skills at a premium. 

To introduce more green skills, many employers are starting the process of upskilling their teams. That can be through on-the-job training, external education and extracurricular involvement. Creating a learning-centric culture and making education and training around green skills available to every employee will smooth the transition to a sustainable economy and ensure no one is left behind.

Driving sustainable solutions

At Eddisons, we drive sustainable solutions through experience, innovation and technology. From decarbonisation strategies and sustainable architectural design to green certifications and assistance accessing the Low Carbon Skills Fund, we provide the professional advice and guidance you need. Get in touch today to discuss your green goals with our team.