The shift towards a greener economy is happening fast, but there’s a big problem—there aren’t enough people with the right skills to support it.
Companies, governments, and universities all recognise the need for green skills, but there’s a gap between what’s needed and what’s available. So, who should be responsible for fixing this? Is it business leaders, educators, or policymakers?
The rising demand for Green Skills
Green skills are abilities that help businesses reduce their environmental impact. They range from technical skills like carbon accounting and sustainable procurement to soft skills like stakeholder engagement and environmental awareness.
According to World Economic Forum’s the Future of Jobs Report 2025 , demand for green skills grew by 22% in the past year, yet the supply of people with these skills continues to lag. If this trend continues, by 2050, there will be twice as many green jobs as there are qualified candidates to fill them.
Without skilled workers, businesses will struggle to meet sustainability targets, comply with regulations, and keep up with supply chain expectations. So, how do we fix this?
The role of Business Leaders
Business leaders must drive the green agenda from the top. Without executive buy-in, sustainability initiatives often fail to gain momentum.
How leadership can help:
- Align sustainability with overall business goals.
- Allocate budgets for training and development.
- Integrate sustainability into performance metrics.
- Set measurable sustainability targets and track progress.
A 2024 IBM study found that organisations deeply embedding sustainability into their operations are 75% more likely to report improved revenue and 52% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. This underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into core business strategies. Leaders must view green skills as an investment in long-term business success rather than a compliance exercise.
How education providers can help
The green skills gap isn’t just a business problem—it’s an education problem too. Universities, colleges, and training providers must do more to equip students with the right skills before they enter the workforce.
- Integrating Sustainability into courses
Sustainability shouldn’t be limited to environmental science degrees. Business, finance, and engineering courses should include sustainability modules to ensure that graduates have the skills needed for green careers.
A survey by the Institute of Student Employers found that 68% of employers believe graduates lack sustainability knowledge needed for modern business.
- Partnering with Businesses
More collaboration is needed between universities and employers. Offering internships, apprenticeships, and industry-led courses ensures that graduates enter the workforce ready to apply green skills in real-world settings.
What Policymakers need to do
Governments also play a vital role in closing the green skills gap. Some countries are already investing in sustainability training, but more needs to be done.
Key policy recommendations:
- Funding for green skills training: Government-funded training initiatives can help businesses upskill their workforce.
- Incentives for green hiring: Tax breaks or grants for businesses that hire and train workers in sustainability-related roles.
- Stronger regulations: Mandating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting means businesses must hire people with green expertise.
A report by PwC found that the UK will need 250,000 new green jobs by 2030 to meet net-zero goals.
A shared responsibility
So, who should close the green skills gap? Everyone.
- Business leaders must embed sustainability into strategy.
- Educators must prepare students for the future.
- Policymakers must create the right incentives and support structures.
Without action, the gap will continue to grow—putting climate targets, economic growth, and business sustainability at risk. Now is the time for businesses, governments, and educators to step up and invest in the green workforce of the future.
How we can help
At Sustainable X, we specialise in supporting business leaders who want to bridge the green skills gap within their teams. Our approach helps organisations:
- Upskill their workforce through tailored sustainability training and green skills development.
- Align sustainability with business strategy, ensuring that green initiatives contribute to long-term success.
- Stay ahead of regulations and market trends by integrating sustainability into their operations.
Whether you need help developing internal training programmes, accessing expert-led workshops, or embedding sustainability into your leadership strategy, we’re here to support you.
Book a consultation with us today to explore how we can help your business lead the way in sustainability. Let’s build a greener, more skilled workforce—together.