Closing the Green Skills Gap: Leveraging Quality Infrastructure for a Sustainable Workforce

ISO 14001 and Quality Professionals' Role in Navigating the Global Shift Towards Green Jobs.

As the world strides towards a green economy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) anticipates the creation of 60 million new jobs by 2030. However, the ILO emphasises that this green transition hinges on the availability of relevant skills and training. In its global report, 'Skills for a greener future: a global report,' the ILO defines 'green jobs' as those that contribute to environmental preservation or restoration.

In light of this, the question arises: How can a quality infrastructure play a pivotal role in addressing the global green skills gap, and what actions can quality professionals take?

ISO 14001:2015 as a Stepping Stone:

ISO 14001:2015, titled 'Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use,' emerges as a key player in equipping individuals with the skills needed for the green workforce. According to ISO's interpretation of LinkedIn's Global Green Skills Report 2022, knowledge of ISO 14001 was identified as one of the top 10 skills added to LinkedIn profiles in the last five years.

The latest ISO survey indicates a worldwide total of 420,433 valid ISO 14001 certificates, with 17,378 in the UK alone. The standard mandates organisations to identify the environmental aspects they can control or influence, considering a lifecycle perspective, and to determine significant impacts based on established criteria.

However, challenges exist, especially for smaller businesses, in articulating their lifecycle and determining significant aspects. Some organisations struggle with criteria, opting to label all aspects as significant, which is not only impractical but also non-compliant with the standard.

Overcoming Implementation Challenges:

To address these challenges, businesses are urged to adopt a systematic approach to environmental management. Implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) with the goal of enhancing environmental performance involves fulfilling compliance obligations and continually improving the EMS to achieve environmental objectives.

However, the root cause of misunderstanding often stems from factors such as poorly designed EMS implementations or reliance on non-accredited certifications. Official interpretations and concise training courses are recommended to bridge knowledge gaps, enabling businesses to adopt a lifecycle perspective effectively.

Achieving a Balanced Approach:

Sustainable development is achieved through a balanced approach, considering economic, social, and environmental pillars. A systematic examination of impacts across functions, activities, and locations, considering normal, abnormal, or emergency situations, allows businesses to prioritise effectively.

By exploring opportunities in the supply chain, benchmarking impacts, and adopting a comprehensive model, organisations can enhance their environmental performance. This holistic approach not only aids in prioritisation but also facilitates the alignment of resources, skills, and qualifications with the organisation's objectives.

Summary:

In summary, addressing the green skills gap requires businesses to adopt a lifecycle perspective aligned with their profile and supply chain presence. Leveraging ISO 14001 and the guidance of quality professionals, organisations can confidently navigate the complexities of the green transition, contributing to a sustainable workforce for the future.

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