How Green Jobs Can Create Lasting Change

Over 90 percent of the impact most consumer goods companies have on the environment can be attributed to their supply chains. Emissions from supply chains are 11.4 times higher than a company’s own operational emissions, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). That is more than double previous estimates. And since the past eight years are on track to be the eight warmest on record, it’s imperative that business leaders take a thorough audit of their company’s sustainable business practices to improve and optimize wherever possible, especially within the supply chain, as this can account for the majority of a company’s carbon footprint.

Positive sustainable momentum can come in different forms, whether that’s filtering down the supply chain, enhancing production lines, transforming transportation by ditching fossil fuels, or digital innovations. The worldwide movement to address the climate crisis can come in each of these forms and more, but there's one critical piece at the center of it all: green jobs.

Green Jobs

Green jobs directly contribute to tackling climate change, and as with any successful project or company, it’s the talent that's key in achieving any groundbreaking change. Retailers that dismiss the value of placing the ideal candidate in a green role could be unable to make positive movement or prevent the implementation of any impactful changes. While there are no particular experiences or skills that may limit an individual from being the right candidate for a variety of sustainability-driven roles, there are two ways companies can think about green jobs and begin to identify their needs. Once determined, talent experts can help companies identify the types of candidates who could be instrumental in reaching its sustainability goals.

The first is looking at individuals that can think strategically about environmental, social and governance (ESG) and understand the context overall — the big picture folks such as policy advisors and sustainability officers, for example. The primary task of a chief sustainability officer is to develop and execute company-wide strategy that increases overall sustainability while maintaining profitability. This person can identify holes in a company’s sustainable business practices and work towards positive changes like incorporating recycling, waste and pollution reduction, energy and resource conservation, and emissions control.

Some examples include brands that are rethinking packaging strategies, like using dissolvable or compostable film in place of plastic. Others are improving inventory management so products that aren’t in high demand are filled as needed rather than being held in storage. Something as simple as rethinking where and how long a company’s products are stored can result in less space to rent, air conditioning, light and maintenance — all saving money and energy.

Furthermore, if ESG isn’t at the heart of a business, mission-critical talent may not be as attracted to less sustainable companies. A DSJ Global poll found that nearly 72 percent of respondents reported that ESG is important to them when looking for a new job, meaning that sustainable business practices and creating more green roles should be at the top of corporate agendas.

The second way supply chain leaders can embrace greener credentials is to employ experts with highly specialized and technical fluency in low carbon fuels, sustainable procurement, solar energy, or green engineering, for example, which exist in a separate category from policy advisors or CSOs. Companies that have the talent armed with skills and the technical ability to enhance the efficiency of a green supply chain will be more successful in lowering greenhouse emissions from their company and in demonstrating the company’s values, particularly around ESG and attracting top talent across industries.

Where to Go From Here

Sustainably transforming the supply chain is the first step for any retailer looking to implement more sustainable business practices and contribute to the global effort in protecting the world we live in — and sustainably transforming the supply chain begins with the talent at the center of it all. Creating and filling green careers across junior roles and senior leadership will not only lower the supply chain’s environment impact, but it will also attract higher quality talent across all aspects of the business and increase revenue from consumers as the world becomes more aware of greenwashing retailers, ultimately creating cascading supply chain action and promising innovations that help fuel lasting change.

Emily Prendergast is the executive director of DSJ Global New York, a Phaidon International brand. DSJ Global exists to enable exceptional careers around the world; it connects exceptional talent with exceptional opportunities.