Sustainability as a Business Imperative
In recent times, sustainability is more than just a buzzword advocated by global policy frameworks; it is an imperative for businesses to survive. Investing in green skilling, therefore, has shifted from being ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have’. In order to decode what these terms translate in terms of business outcomes, organizations need to understand how green skills help employees meet regulations and stay competitive in a changing economic landscape.
What is Green Skilling?
Green skilling refers to equipping individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to adopt sustainable practices in their work. This can range from using energy-efficient technologies to reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. For instance, a construction worker learning to install solar panels or a factory employee being trained in eco-friendly manufacturing processes are both examples of green skilling. As businesses prioritize sustainability, these skills are becoming essential for long-term success and environmental responsibility.
Rising Green Skill Demands as backed by figures
Industry trends back this stated benefit of sustainability-oriented skilling. A 2024 Deloitte report notes that one in three consumers (35%) express anxiety about climate change, with this figure rising to one in two (50%) among younger consumers aged 18 to 34. Additionally, LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2023 indicates that between 2022 and 2023, the share of job postings requiring at least one green skill increased by nearly 22.4%, while the share of talent with such skills grew by 12.3%, highlighting a growing demand for sustainability expertise across industries.
Ensuring Inclusive Access to Green Jobs
However, while businesses adapt to these trends, it is equally crucial to ensure that marginalized youth are not left behind in the transition to greener jobs. Many young individuals from underserved communities face barriers such as limited access to quality training, financial constraints, and a lack of awareness about emerging green job opportunities. Inclusive green skilling initiatives must address these challenges by offering affordable, accessible, and industry-aligned training programs. Special efforts should be made to ensure gender inclusivity, with targeted outreach and support systems for women and other underrepresented groups entering sustainability-driven professions.Sambhav Foundation’s Commitment to Green Skilling
At Sambhav Foundation, we recognize the urgency of equipping marginalized youth with the skills required to participate in the green economy. Our skilling initiatives focus on practical, employment-oriented training in key sustainable sectors. We offer specialized courses in Solar Panel Installation, EV Technician Training, Tech-Enabled Farming, and Circular Economy-based recycling of waste fabric into designer clothing. So far, we have skilled close to 16,000 young men and women in solar panel installation, equipped 20,500 farming households with smart farming solutions to increase their yield organically and trained about a 1000 young men and women in EV assembly technician roles. These programs provide young people with technical expertise, while instilling a mindset of environmental responsibility.Beyond technical training, we also emphasize holistic development by integrating life skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship into our green skilling programs. By collaborating with industry leaders and sustainability-focused organizations, we ensure that our trainees are equipped with both the knowledge and the network to secure meaningful employment in emerging green sectors.A Collective Call to Action for a Sustainable Future
As the demand for sustainability-oriented skills continues to rise, it is imperative that we collectively invest in building an inclusive workforce that is prepared for the jobs of the future. We invite CSR partners, donors, and industry stakeholders to join us in scaling our green skilling initiatives. Together, we can create pathways for marginalized youth to access sustainable livelihoods while contributing to a greener, more resilient economy. By fostering an equitable transition to green jobs, we not only uplift individuals and communities but also build a workforce that is ready to meet the evolving demands of a sustainable future.
