Maria O’Connor, Operations Director at Ecogee discusses the importance of closing the green skills gap in order to achieve a net zero economy:
As the urgency to combat climate change grows, the UK Government has committed to achieving a net zero economy by 2050.
On a local level, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, has set the ambitious goal of making the city carbon neutral by 2035, aiming to make Liverpool “the best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business.”
Achieving these targets requires significant economic changes to improve living standards, with new skills being essential to this transformation. These ‘green skills’ are critical for driving economic growth while safeguarding the environment.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) defines green skills as the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes necessary to develop and sustain a resource-efficient, environmentally conscious society.
For the UK to meet its 2050 climate target, all homes, both new and existing, must be retrofitted with energy-efficient measures and low-carbon heating systems. However, a growing gap between the current workforce’s capabilities and the industry’s needs poses a major challenge.
At Ecogee, we view this gap as an opportunity for growth and job creation. Bridging the green skills gap will require collaboration across sectors – in all areas of the country. While it’s no simple task, working together will ensure the UK moves towards a sustainable future.
A key solution is embedding climate change and sustainability into education so that future generations understand the importance of safeguarding our net zero goals.
Upskilling the current workforce is another crucial aspect. At Ecogee, we’re committed to investing in training and development, empowering our team to reach their full potential while contributing to our sustainability efforts.
Effective communication between the Government, educational institutions, and the construction industry is essential to closing the green skills gap. Green skills will become a critical recruitment factor, and businesses that invest in these capabilities will position themselves at the forefront of a sustainable future.
I recently had the chance to discuss this issue with North West Business Insider during a roundtable with city leaders, including Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who outlined his plans for 2035. You can read more about the discussion here – https://www.insidermedia.com/roundtables/closing-the-green-skills-gap
