Green Your Career: Opportunities in the Emerging Green Economy

Green Your Career: Opportunities in the Emerging Green Economy

Would you like to make a difference in the world and help the environment? Then you might want to consider looking into sharpening your skills for the Green Economy!

The Green Economy is all about investing in sustainable use of resources such as clean energy, reducing pollution, reducing waste, and protecting our natural resources.

It's an emerging economy, which means more and more people are realising how important it is to take care of our planet and more and more companies across many industries and sectors are adopting more sustainable practices. For example, the Singapore Government will invest more than $300 million in the Green Economy, such as research and development in resource circularity and water technologies, green technologies and solutions for buildings, and urban sustainability.

As a result, specialised green jobs are being created and green skills are also being incorporated into many existing jobs to support this demand.

In terms of green skills, here are four main areas you can focus on:

1. Environmental and Sustainability Management

This is about making sure companies and organizations follow regulations and guidelines to protect the earth. For example, you could be a facilities manager who makes sure that the buildings and equipment used by a company are well-maintained, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

The related skills are in high demand and very transferable as they are needed in many different types of industries (from transportation to hospitality) and many different job roles (from facilities management to business development).

2.  Energy, Resource Circularity and Decarbonisation

This is about using resources in smart environmentally-friendly ways. Imagine being the one who finds new ways to harness clean energy or to make urban farming more productive!

With more companies joining the "green team”, there is a growing demand for people who know how to design, build and manage energy systems.

Another area that is important to Singapore is food security. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was harder to get food from other countries, so there is now an increasing need for people with skills in new farming technologies like urban farming, aquaculture, and automation.

3. Green Infrastructure and Mobility

This is about making sure our cities and transportation systems are eco-friendly. For example, you could become a sustainable architect and design buildings that use less energy and have a smaller environmental impact. Skills like designing eco-friendly buildings and transportation systems are in demand. 

4. Sustainable Finance

Sustainable Finance is about making sure money is invested in things that are good for the planet. Imagine being an investment analyst who figures out how to make money and save the planet at the same time!

This is a small but growing trend and examples of related skills include sustainable investment and decarbonisation strategies.

Developing Your Green Skills

Moving into the Green Economy is a rewarding way to make a difference in the world while also having a successful career. If you're passionate about the environment and want to make a positive impact in your work, look into developing your green skills! 

For More Information

For more information about the Green Economy, check out Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2022 for detailed information about green jobs and skills. In particular, the research team has created a meticulous spreadsheet that lists the priority skills and related jobs.

If you are an engineer or a technician, or are planning to be one, take a look at Job-Skills Quarterly Insights: Skills for Engineers and Technicians in the Green Economy. 

Click here for our list of curated courses.