The recent UN Climate Summit, and increasing numbers of high profile people taking an interest in the environment, has raised the awareness of green issues to an all time high. But is this awareness being practically applied? Are green practices an integrated part of your organisation’s culture? And, have you ever thought about what more you could do to help further your sustainability practices? Green-skilling has emerged as one of the top workplace trends for the coming year. The implementation of green workplace practices is not only good for the environment, but is increasingly becoming a powerful way of attracting potential employees, clients and investors. Sustainability is the way of the future and both individuals and businesses will have to start thinking – and acting – green. If we consider making green issues a central part of our business strategy by integrating sustainability into all aspects of our business such as the products we make, into operations and processes, and into accounting practices, our businesses will increasingly demand green skills and knowledge. However, despite increased awareness of environmental issues, a recent Green Steps Australian Workplaces Survey has found that most Australian workplaces offer no green skills or sustainability training for staff, do not review staff on environmental performance or address sustainability issues when hiring. What we do in the workplace is as important as what we do in our homes and if we are serious about saving water, cutting carbon emissions and reducing our impact we need employees everywhere to be green skilled. What we do at home only accounts for 20 – 30% of Australia’s energy and water consumption and waste production, which means we can do far more to combat our environmental challenges by addressing sustainability within the workplace. Skills which you could put to use in your workplace include:
- Effective communication to encourage employees to make changes at work;
- Undertaking energy, carbon, waste and water audits to determine the impact of your workplace;
- Planning and implementing environmental sustainability projects;
- Developing behavioural and cultural change programs.
Employers want green candidates
Despite the lack of workplace training, 90 per cent of Australian employers still consider themselves to be ‘environmentally aware’ and 71 per cent said they would favour green-skilled candidates when hiring. Credentials in environment policy, stakeholder relations, corporate social responsibility projects and philanthropy – coupled with good skills in strategy development and implementation – are essential for the contemporary manager keen on developing broader skills and experience. This doesn’t mean you have to specialise in a career in this field. Gaining experience – even in a voluntary capacity – can benefit your career in the longer term. Private companies and public companies see the value of adding to their brand image by having policies in these areas and it is a way of attracting the best employees, clients and shareholders. Organisations often form committees and call for volunteers from the wider organisation to participate, develop and deliver on the corporate strategy. By volunteering to be part of this group, individuals will experience a different role, perhaps, from [what they do] every day. People who undertake voluntary positions or board positions outside their usual work also benefit from this experience as it reveals a passion and unselfish approach to social issues, as well as possessing a well-rounded and healthy interest in what’s happening around you. By investing in these experiences your career options will be broadened, not only in your chosen function. It may also lead to a different path altogether or a move sideways which may benefit your long-term career aspirations. Managers who have a greater knowledge of these areas already on their resume will have the edge over those who do not, as companies become reliant on all their managers to be aware of these initiatives and imbed them into the culture of the firm. They definitely will be the preferred candidates as they will have a head start on what has become key to an organisation’s success and sustainability. Where to start The Environmental Jobs Network, a not-for-profit organisation in Melbourne that helps job seekers find work in environmental industries. Conservation Volunteers Australia and Volunteer Green are two organisations worth considering for pro bono work in the natural environment. Interest groups such as the Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth often have networking events. Professional associations such as the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand or the Australian Association for Environmental Education can give you information about conferences, seminars, courses and the latest publications.
Five things every organisation can do to improve their environmental performance
- Conduct a basic environmental assessment. What is your organisation’s energy and water use and waste production?
- Reduce energy use by encouraging staff to turn computers off at the end of the day.
- Reduce waste by taking away land-fill bins under desks and setting up central waste and recycling stations in staff rooms or kitchens.
- Cut paper use in half by setting double-sided printing and photocopying as a default.
- Build the capacity and green skills of staff by providing green skills training.
