It is commonly assumed that sustainability imposes an economic strain, adding extra costs for businesses and consumers. However, this notion isn’t accurate: the development of a green economy is paving the path for an array of career and job opportunities. New sectors are arising, focusing on producing more environmentally-friendly goods and services, as existing companies strive to enhance their sustainability. Despite this growth, the industry is still nascent, and there is a significant requirement for employees to acquire and update skills for sustainability-related jobs.
Elena Wrelton serves as the environmental compliance manager for Elves, an Irish-based compliance scheme for end-of-life vehicles, operating on a not-for-profit basis. Wrelton comments that some firms are gradually improving their processes, benefiting the environment and operation efficiency simultaneously. Other businesses are concentrating on the production of significant goods in the sustainability sphere, like wind turbines. Although renewable energy transition is a positive step, certain sustainability concerns, such as recycling wind turbines, need addressing.
Chris Collins, the Ireland country president for Schneider Electric, witnesses the emergence of new roles consistently. He elucidates, “New titles like chief sustainability officer, sustainability manager or director are surfacing, whose job is to gauge and manage the business’s environmental impact.”
According to Wrelton, there will be a surge in sustainability-related careers. She brings attention to the rising popularity of the concept of the circular economy, which is viewed as a method to achieve broader sustainability objectives. This approach emphasises the importance of a comprehensive view, considering the entire product life-cycle and its fit within bigger systems.
For instance, an item’s impact should be evaluated at each stage ‒ design, production, end-of-life, as well as the business model delivering the product to the final consumer. The product should be designed for a prolonged lifespan, capable of being fixed and, eventually, high-quality recycling once reusing is no longer viable. The business model should support these actions, perhaps through product take-back or refurbishment opportunities. She concludes, “Sustainability will be more embedded in our daily activities, impacting a majority of job roles.”
Collins notes that not all individuals working in this sector necessarily have “sustainability” included in their job title.
“Sustainability is increasingly becoming the cornerstone of organisation cultures. Whether this is influenced from management or adopted by employees, it is an inclusive task. For majority of businesses, the focus is on integrating this practise in their routine operations, necessitating a broadened mindset.
Collins indicates that although views are steadily evolving, a significant number of leaders continue to hold a misconception that endeavors to reduce CO2 emissions and minimize carbon footprints negatively impacts their profitability.
Contrary to this belief, informed investment in technological platforms capable of overseeing and automating electrical setups in buildings, business headquarters, firms’ data centres, manufacturing factories, and industrial locations is proven to yield a more efficient, trustworthy, protected, and sustainable business.
In response to this, UCD’s Innovation Academy is offering several sustainability courses, guided by Dr. Thomas Macagno, the course director and the lead for educational innovation. According to Dr. Macagno, the focus is on facilitating the management of change.
“I aim to establish us as a pioneer in sustainability education, combining innovation with sustainability to make us distinct,” says Dr. Macagno. “Rather than imposing changes, we assess the current state of your organisation and ensure sustainability becomes an action rather than merely a concept.
People are being trained by us to deal with tangled matters, providing them with apt tools and methodologies,” continues Dr. Macagno.
Collins indicates their firm’s research that highlights the possibility of creating two million new jobs in the US and Europe through the adoption of clean energy technology.
“The shift toward renewable energy presents complex issues and potential, which are essential for creating a globally sustainable future. It likewise necessitates investment in new infrastructure and skills to safeguard our workforce and facilities for the future. Each new role we develop contributes to our customer’s goal of achieving their net zero targets, and fortifying the green economy,” believes Collins.
A portfolio of sustainability courses is offered by the UCD, from undergraduate to CPD. There are three level eight undergraduate courses, each focusing on sustainability from different perspectives, such as business and economics, social sciences, policy and law, and environmental sciences. Core modules explore global perspectives on sustainability and involve interdisciplinary research, a professional placement and field work in both Ireland and Europe.
DCU offers a BSc course in environmental science and technology, lasting for four years at level eight. This program focuses on equipping students with essential scientific knowledge and practical abilities essential for understanding and safeguarding our environment. TUS has a level seven BSc program in environmental science and climate. Through this course, students learn about environmental management, laboratory work, field studies, and mapping, among other vital skills.
In terms of postgraduate learning, UCD provides MSc, postgraduate diplomas, and certificates in environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on overcoming sustainability difficulties in several domains such as agriculture, industry, green technology, and resources management. Classroom instruction takes place online and is supplemented with virtual seminars, podcasts, and discussion boards.
Trinity College provides a 10-month postgraduate certification course in sustainable development for businesses, conducted part-time over a year, giving out 30 academic credits.
To continue professional development, the UCD Innovation Academy offers a professional certificate course in innovation for sustainability. This course promotes innovation and creativity, focusing on design thinking, thus enabling learners to acquire broader skills beyond the scope of sustainability, fostering creative mindsets within their professional environments.