The National Environmental Services Survey highlights a prevalent concern among respondents about a green skills gap emerging within UK businesses. The greatest challenge anticipated in achieving and measuring biodiversity net-gain was identified as a deficiency in knowledge and skills. Additionally, an overwhelming 99.7% of those surveyed recognise the significant role technology will play in hastening the journey to net-zero emissions.
The findings underscore an urgent need for educational initiatives to develop the necessary expertise, particularly as demand surges for skills in areas such as waste management, the circular economy, climate resilience strategies, sustainability management, carbon management and offsetting, and environmental law and policy.
The emergence of roles such as Chief Sustainability Officer, which saw a notable increase in appointments in 2021 more than the total of the previous five years combined, highlights a shift towards prioritising sustainability within organisations. Despite this, the ESS Expo report indicates that many firms are still struggling to fill these burgeoning roles with adequately skilled candidates.
The research also explored pathways to carbon neutrality, with technology identified as a pivotal tool in bridging the green skills gap. Innovations such as online learning platforms, virtual reality for training, and AI to tailor learning and pinpoint skills deficiencies, are seen as crucial for equipping the workforce to effectively manage the green transition.
Dr. Adam Read, Chief External Affairs and Sustainability Officer at SUEZ and member of the Government’s Green Skills Delivery Group, said: “These results, while not unexpected, are concerning given recent efforts by CIWM and others to highlight the need for future skills. The resources and waste management sector will expand from 150,000 to nearly 450,000 staff in just under a decade and in order to prepare for this, the sector must continue improving its attractiveness and upskilling the current workforce to ensure staff retention.
“There are immense opportunities to rethink engagement and form new partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, and professional bodies. Key skills in demand lie in technology, design, AI, communications, engineering, policy implementation, regulation, and data analysis, plus of course in recycling, reuse, repair, upcycling, and refurbishment
"Although the sector is feeling both policy and skills demand uncertainty right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Together, if we work hard, we can make huge strides in our sector’s transformation and reinvention, delivering exciting new skilled jobs that underpin the fight against climate change.”
Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo, added: “The results of the survey make it abundantly clear that there is a green skills gap across the UK workforce. As we move forward, we are going to see more organisations increasingly chasing sustainability-related goals, driven in part by a younger generation that is passionate about environmental issues. However, these objectives will only be met if businesses are able to acquire the necessary green skills. This lack of preparedness could potentially hinder the UK's ability to achieve its ambitious environmental targets and capitalise on the economic opportunities presented by the transition to a net-zero economy.
“With this in mind, it's crucial for businesses to invest in initiatives that bridge this gap, such as upskilling training programmes, nurturing apprenticeship schemes in green sectors, and fostering collaboration with educational institutions. By working together, we can ensure the UK workforce has the capabilities to deliver a sustainable future.
“At ESS Expo, we’re using our platform to raise awareness and equip businesses with everything they need to navigate this transition. As part of our new series of educational webinars, we recently held our first session on green skills. The webinar was hugely well-attended and featured presentations and discussions on government initiatives, apprenticeship schemes, regional differences, and collaborations between UK universities and the industry. We look forward to continuing this focus at the upcoming event in September.”
The survey, conducted from April to May 2024, involved 1498 professionals across the environmental services sector. The full report is available for free on the ESS Expo website.
