58% of environmental professionals believe there is or will be a green skills gap in UK business, findings from the National Environmental Services Survey show.
When respondents were asked about what challenges they foresee in measuring and achieving biodiversity net gain, the most cited answer was the [lack of] knowledge and skills gap.
The National Environmental Services Survey was organised by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Groundwork, and ESS Expo (Environmental Services and Solutions Expo).
One in four respondents indicated a high demand for skills in waste management and the circular economy, followed by over one in 10 calling for expertise in resilience building and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change.
11% said there are green skills shortages in sustainability and environmental management, 8% in carbon management and offsetting, and 8% in environmental law and policy.
99.7% of respondents believe technology has a role to play in accelerating the path to net zero emissions.
Although the sector is feeling both policy and skills demand uncertainty right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
1,498 professionals responded to the survey from across the environmental services industry between April and May 2024.
The survey’s organisers said the findings show acute green skills shortages and the need for educational programmes to equip the workforce with the expertise needed.
Commenting on the survey, 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.”
