A recent survey has uncovered a concerning perception among professionals that the UK is not ready for a sustainable future.
The National Environmental Services Survey, conducted by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), the Environmental Services Association, Groundwork and ESS Expo collected responses from 1,498 industry professionals, and found that 58% believe there is an existing or impending green skills gap within UK businesses.
A significant knowledge and skills gap was identified as the main challenge in achieving biodiversity net-gain. A notable 99.7% of those surveyed also agreed that technology will be crucial in accelerating the journey to net-zero emissions.
A separate report paints a less than glowing picture of how employees view their employers’ sustainability initiatives. The report published by AimHi Earth based on a survey of 1,727 professionals has further highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among employees regarding their employers’ response to the climate crisis. A striking 77% of employees expressed unhappiness with their bosses’ lack of action towards mitigating climate change. The report also indicated that 78% of employees felt ill-equipped to communicate their company’s sustainability strategy, with 55% admitting their knowledge was only superficial or they did not know where to begin.
The demand for specific green skills is clear, with one in four respondents calling for training in waste management and the circular economy. Additionally, more than 12% of respondents of the CIWM survey see a need for skills in climate change adaptation and resilience building. Other areas where skill shortages were reported include sustainability and environmental management, carbon management and offsetting, and environmental law and policy.
Despite the increase in sustainability-focused roles, such as Chief Sustainability Officer, with more hires in 2021 than in the previous five years combined, businesses still struggle to find qualified candidates for these positions.
The CIWM survey also highlighted the potential of technology to bridge the green skills gap. Online learning platforms and virtual reality simulations were noted as innovative methods to deliver specialised green training, while artificial intelligence could tailor learning to individual needs and identify workforce skills gaps.
So, what can employers do to be greener?
Employers looking to showcase their dedication to sustainability can integrate eco-friendly practices into their recruitment process, such as by embedding sustainability criteria into job descriptions and interview questions. It is becoming increasingly important for employees in all roles to possess green skills, not just those in sustainability-focused positions. To facilitate this, employers should foster a culture that prioritises learning and provides comprehensive training in green skills to their entire workforce.
Other recommendations from these reports include developing comprehensive strategies with clear standards, monitoring and evaluation, and communicating transparently with stakeholders to demonstrate genuine commitment. Furthermore, companies could improve their sustainability communications by establishing measurable sustainability indicators and targets, communicating actual performance, encouraging employees to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, and linking bonuses to sustainability targets.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming insight for more details on how employers can become greener!
