Many corporations have already weathered “greenwashing” claims, where companies are called to account for exaggerating their eco-credentials. Now firms are braced for a new challenge known as the “greenlash” — a backlash caused by concerns about the economic costs of imposing net zero.
However, despite this febrile global geopolitical atmosphere, most organisations are increasingly folding sustainability roles into their mainstream corporate structures.
The widespread recognition that sustainability is a business prerequisite for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and the realisation that if a firm is not sustainable, then its business model is, by default, unsustainable, is driving the rapid creation of new job roles such as B-Corp reporter, circular economy consultant and sustainable materials officer.
It’s annual Earth Day on April 22, with the focus on clean energy, but the UK is also emerging as a global leader in evolving traditional business functions into eco-roles, from sustainable supermarket packaging specialists to eco-friendly engineers.
The latest Office for National Statistics figures show there are about 639,400 people employed in tightly defined “green jobs”, 8.4 per cent higher than 2021. However, with more than 200,000 active UK companies upholding ESG values, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) estimates there are now almost a million people employed in wider sustainability roles nationally.
“Sustainability roles aren’t limited to traditionally green fields. While specialised positions in fields such as renewable energy and material science are vital, the transition requires diverse talent across all functions — from marketing to policy development, finance and operations,” Alexandra French, chief executive of the plant-based plastic alternative spinout Xampla, explains.
“We have team members such as our principal scientist who incorporate sustainability strategy into their existing responsibilities, as well as a specialist responsible for our B-Corp reporting alongside their primary role — responsibilities that simply didn’t exist two decades ago.”
The growth in these new “sustainability-plus” roles is being fuelled not only by regulatory changes and consumer demand but also by increased investment activity, with the CBI suggesting that between 2023 and last year, the net-zero economy expanded by 10.1 per cent, contributing £83.1 billion in gross value added.
Pay rates for sustainable specialist roles are about 18 per cent higher than comparable jobs, making them an attractive option for ambitious professionals, so how can the UK harness this pragmatic approach to lead internationally?
The eco-expert Juliette Devillard, from Climate Connection, believes green skills should be taught as “a baseline part of regular jobs”.
She explains: “The next wave of green ideas and leaders will come from everywhere, not just from green companies. Engineering courses need to discuss greener ways of building and finance courses must acknowledge the impact of investments. We should also be encouraging people to ask, ‘How can I be the green champion within my existing company?’”
With 60 per cent of professionals now prioritising an employer’s environmental purpose, ensuring each job role has positive sustainability impact is also an attractive USP for employers keen to improve talent attraction and retention.
For Maisie Kemp, who leads the Changemaking programme at the climate action think tank Subak, switching from a traditional job role to a sustainable one is simple — focus on long-term aims and outcomes. She says: “Taking a decision to lead regeneratively and focusing on collaboration, reflection and long-term systems change rather than short-term wins can deliver lasting impact. Whatever your profession, you can make a positive impact on the planet.”
Essential qualities for your sustainable skillset
Making a sustainable change to your career might be easier than you think. Here is the expert advice from Xampla’s Alexandra French and Pranuthi Chander, chief operating officer at Subak.
Develop dual expertise: Combine knowledge in a specific field with sustainability principles. The most sought-after candidates bring practical skills alongside an understanding of environmental challenges.
Think commercially: Sustainability might be your purpose, but it can come about only if the sums add up. Understanding business models is crucial for advancing solutions that are both environmentally beneficial and economically sound.
Seek hands-on experience: Internships and project work with companies developing tangible solutions provide practical knowledge that theoretical study just never could.
Cultivate resilience: Breakthrough innovations often face setbacks. Persistence, adaptability and maintaining perspective on long-term goals are essential qualities for sustainability professionals.
Focus on measurable impact: In a field sometimes criticised for vague promises, those who can show concrete environmental improvements stand out. Set clear metrics for yourself and your organisation, and hold yourself to them.
Showcase your personality and values: People who choose to work in sustainability generally do so because they have a personal connection to the cause. Don’t be afraid to show why this means so much to you in your application.
‘Focus on work that feels meaningful’
As chief executive of of Xampla, Alexandra French has helped develop material designed to eliminate the most polluting plastics, including the Morro coating used by the takeaway platform Just Eat.
The 48-year-old from Cambridge began her career at the FTSE chemicals group Johnson Matthey, as a development chemist designing new formulations for automotive emission control catalysts.
“The sustainability sector is brimming with innovative technologies addressing our planet’s most pressing challenges. Ask yourself what genuinely motivates you, what problems you feel passionate about solving, and seek opportunities that connect with those drivers,” she said.
“The most successful transitions happen when your personal motivation sits well with the mission of the organisation you work for. Throughout my career I’ve followed my passions and focused on work that feels meaningful. This approach has led me to sustainability leadership, where I can play my small part in really big environmental challenges.”
Immersive office experience can entice WFH staff
Companies struggling to entice staff back to the office are embracing a new trend of “workplace peacocking”. Identified by the workplace fit-out specialist Area, it refers to firms creating visually impressive, experience-led offices, with extreme examples including “immersive happiness rooms”, concierge services for booking holidays and even an entire Monopoly-themed office. Area’s chief executive Gary Chandler said: “Office design is increasingly borrowing from the hospitality sector, who generally do ‘experience’ very well. Neuroscience-influenced design offers a deeper understanding of what helps people feel inspired and engaged.”
‘Job-hopping’ damages long-term career prospects
Changing your job frequently could damage your long-term career prospects with a new study showing 42 per cent of employers are hesitant to hire a “job-hopping” candidate. The report from the recruiter Hays shows private sector employers are significantly more deterred by frequent job changes than hiring managers in the public sector. Hay’s Emma Kwiatkowski said: “Many employers value loyalty and stability and frown upon job-hopping, particularly when there’s no explanation as to why a professional has changed roles so often.”
Businesses back move to improve employees’ rights
More than 3,000 employers have signed up to back the Better Business Act coalition, which hopes to place the rights of employees and local communities on a par with shareholders. The campaign is calling for an amendment to Section 172 of the Companies Act, asking firms to align shareholder interests with those of employees, customers, local communities and the environment. Key firms putting their name to the proposed change include Iceland, Bidfood, Tony’s Chocolonely, the Institute of Directors, Danone, Virgin Group and Elemis.
AI is just the job for CV and cover-letter writing
Just two years after the breakthrough launch of ChatGPT, 59 per cent of jobseekers have integrated AI into their job search. A new report from Adzuna said one in five relies on AI tools for every job application, while 31 per cent reported saving more than 30 minutes per application on average. The most sought-after features include CV and cover-letter writing, valued by 46 per cent and 44 per cent respectively, who utilise AI-powered interview preparation.
Appointment of the week
The Stoll Foundation is seeking to recruit a new chair. Founded more than 100 years ago, the foundation provides supported housing and support services for veterans across schemes in London and Aldershot. The foundation is poised to expand its mission and is looking for a new chair who will bring a fundamental empathy with the needs of military veterans and the challenges they face, particularly with regards to housing and reintegration into civilian life.
Applications are welcomed from any sector, but candidates must have strategic leadership experience and the ability to support the foundation’s executive colleagues to maximise its impact over the next strategic period.
Some trustee or non-executive experience is essential and the successful candidate will have experience of overseeing diverse teams, functions and asset portfolios, and modernising systems and operations. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate how they would maximise the foundation’s assets and influence, to support the the development of a bold new vision.
Apply by May 6 at appointments.thetimes.com
