By Aoibhinn McBride on Information Age - Insight and Analysis for the CTO
While proficiency in generative AI has grabbed the most headlines ever since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in November 2022, greentech is increasingly being recognised as one of the most vital sectors for the future.
This is undoubtedly thanks in part to AI itself – it’s estimated that the carbon footprint of training a single LLM in 2019 generated around 300,000kg of CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of 125 round-trip flights between New York and Beijing.
When you put this into perspective alongside a recent UN report which highlights that the next decade is critical in combating the destructive effects of climate change, it’s easy to understand why “green talent” – workers equipped with environmentally-focused skill sets – are more necessary than ever and will play a key role in this effort.
3 jobs hiring in the UK
- Cyber Security Analyst, General Dynamics Information Technology, Molesworth
- Solutions Engineer, Arrow Electronics, Inc., Newmarket
- Application Engineer, GE Aviation, Cheltenham
Key sectors in the green talent movement
So, what is green talent exactly and can anyone with an interest in environmental matters pivot to the sector straight away? Not quite.
To be considered green talent, workers must demonstrate skills that align with environmental principles and attitudes and be capable of actively promoting a sustainability-focused approach when developing business strategies or implementing new technological tools and products.
Three sectors in particular have been earmarked as essential in the fight against climate change: energy production, transportation, and finance.
While energy production is an obvious priority, its scope goes far beyond offsetting AI’s footprint, with electric vehicles (EVs) also in sharp focus thanks to the Sunak government’s hotly debated zero emissions vehicle mandate, which was launched in January 2024.
Meanwhile, the finance sector is also undergoing a green transformation, with many fintech companies leading the charge.
Examples include Stripe Climate, a service that finances tech initiatives dedicated to reducing carbon emissions through a carbon removal purchase tool, and TreeCard, a UK-based fintech that plants trees and offers customer rewards for every purchase made using its wooden debit card.
As a result, skills in carbon accounting, carbon credits, emissions trading, and sustainability reporting are becoming some of the fastest-growing green skills for finance professionals in the UK.
Job titles to watch out for include chief sustainability officers, sustainable supply chain managers, and eco-designers.
Preparing for the future
Data from the World Economic Forum reveals that workers with green skills are nearly 30 per cent more likely to be hired than those without.
Despite the clear opportunities, the statistics surrounding green talent are troubling. Recent data indicates that only one in eight workers is equipped to work in greentech.
Additionally, the demand for green skills is outpacing supply. Just 12.3 per cent of the workforce possesses green skills, while 22.4 per cent of job postings require at least one green skill. Consequently, those with green skills are defying the current tech downturn, as greentech jobs grew by 15.2 per cent between February 2022 and February 2023.
If you’re interested in greentech but worry you lack the necessary eco credentials, there are several ways to effectively upskill.
3 jobs to apply for
- Enterprise Technology Engineer, BP Energy, London
- Product Manager (Technology), Finning International, Cannock
- Technology Engineer, Kier Group, Dummer
The Institute of Sustainability Studies, located near Dublin’s docklands tech hub, offers self-paced online courses in business sustainability, corporate sustainability reporting, and sustainability plan development.
For a more in-depth learning opportunity, the University of Cambridge runs an eight-week online course covering topics such as developing a sustainable mindset, sustainability leadership, and maintaining competitiveness by integrating sustainability strategies.
And for those seeking a shorter option, London Business Training & Consulting offers a six-hour Green Strategy and Sustainability course, which is classroom-based and takes place over one day.
Read more
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How organisations can use AI to drive sustainability efforts – Peter Weckesser, chief digital officer at Schneider Electric, discusses how AI can help businesses drive sustainability efforts
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