Sustainable Jobs: A Brief View of How the Market Defines Them
#SigmaSeries
In recent years, the concept of climate-positive (sustainable) jobs has gained significant traction, reflecting a growing awareness of not just environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices but also the economic gains they bring to both job creators as well as job seekers. As incoming entrants to the workforce react to labor market changes and job transformations, understanding how different organizations define and measure environmentally sustainable jobs becomes crucial.
Recent surveys have consistently shown that younger job seekers, particularly Gen Z, are prioritizing climate-positive and sustainable career opportunities. This shift in priorities will reshape the job market and force companies to reevaluate their talent practices and values. However, as we dive deeper into this topic, it becomes apparent that there is no uniform, comprehensive definition that can be universally applied for problem-solving and incubating solutions.
The presence of varied definitions and understanding creates challenges in measuring the growth of the green economy and developing targeted workforce development strategies. By exploring various approaches to defining sustainable jobs, we can better understand the complexities of this evolving sector and its potential impact on the future of work.
As the inaugural piece in this #SigmaSeries, I aim to provide a high-level overview of the various definitions and approaches currently in the market. While not exhaustive, this exploration will offer insight into the complexity of the issue and shed light on the evolution of these diverse perspectives. Throughout this series, we will continue to delve into additional sources and viewpoints as we work towards developing a cohesive understanding of the topic.
Let's start with the Occupational Information Network (ONET), a prime example in this field. ONET is a comprehensive database maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor, offering detailed insights into a wide array of occupations across the American economy. The ONET takes a nuanced approach by categorizing green jobs into three distinct groups:
Green New & Emerging Occupations: Entirely new roles created by the green economy, such as Biomass Plant Engineers.
Green Enhanced Skills Occupations: Existing jobs that have evolved to incorporate green skills, like Electrical Engineering Technicians.
Green Increased Demand Occupations: Jobs experiencing higher demand due to the green economy, such as Financial Analysts.
This categorization acknowledges the varying degrees of "greenness" across occupations and highlights the dynamic nature of the green job market. Interestingly, according to the Georgetown University Literature Review of the Definitions and Measurement of Green Jobs while reviewing the ONET definitions, “...that considering an occupation green or not green is misguided. Instead, the report takes an occupational approach, and insists that the focus of labor economists and workforce development should be on the "greening‟ of the economy.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), on the other hand, conceptualizes green jobs as those producing green products and services, involved in greening production processes, or part of the green supply chain. However, measuring jobs in the green supply chain remains challenging through conventional survey methods.
The U.S. Department of Commerce does not have a specific definition for "green jobs." However, it has contributed to the broader understanding of green jobs through research and data collection. The Department's Economic Analysis Bureau (BEA) has conducted studies on the green economy, including the identification of green goods and services. While these studies don't directly define green jobs, they provide insights into the economic sectors and industries that contribute to environmental sustainability, which can indirectly inform our understanding of green job categories.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines green jobs as those that reduce environmental impact while meeting criteria for decent work, including adequate wages and safe conditions. This definition emphasizes the importance of job quality alongside environmental considerations.
Now when we look at different states/regions that have developed their own definitions, we find it reflects regional priorities and economic structures.
California ties its definition to five specific green categories, including renewable energy and energy-efficient production. California tied definitions to green categories through the definition of green jobs employed in the survey instrument is - “How many employees currently produce goods and services in any of five green categories”. For a job to be green the work must be essential to one of the green areas or the primary function of the job is directed at one of the core green areas.
Generating and storing renewable energy
Recycling existing materials
Energy efficient production manufacturing, distribution, construction, installation, and maintenance
Education compliance and awareness
Natural and sustainable product manufacturing (including sustainable agriculture)
Michigan focuses on jobs directly involved in generating or supporting green-related products and services. “Green jobs include primary occupations engaged in the production of green-related products or services and support jobs created by green-related revenue.”
Oregon encompasses a broader range, including jobs in environmental mitigation and related education services. Green jobs were defined as: a job that provides a service or produces a product in:
1. Increasing energy efficiency
2. Producing renewable energy
3. Preventing, reducing, or mitigating environmental degradation
4. Cleaning up and restoring the natural environment
5. Providing education, consulting, policy promotion, accreditation, trading and offsets, or similar services supporting categories 1-4
Says the Texas Workforce Commission, The greenness of jobs even within a single occupation will vary according to the nature of the firm or establishment, the current project or specific work assignment and the specific employer‟s workplace rules and policies.
These state-level variations demonstrate the challenge of creating a one-size-fits-all definition for green jobs. The diversity in definitions and approaches reflects the complex and evolving nature of the green economy. While there's general agreement on core aspects like renewable energy and environmental conservation, the specifics vary widely. This variability underscores the need for continued research and standardization efforts to better understand and support the transition to the growing climate economy.
Moreover, the lack of a uniform definition creates challenges and obstacles for:
Accurate measurement and signaling of sustainable jobs
Development of comprehensive job transition pathways that are actionable and sustaining
Building products and services that bring transparency and accountability to the ecosystem
As we move forward, it's crucial to recognize that the concept of sustainable jobs is not static. The definition will likely continue to evolve as new technologies emerge and our understanding of sustainability deepens. This dynamic nature presents both challenges and opportunities for workforce development, policy-making, and economic planning.
By exploring these varied definitions and approaches, we can begin to appreciate the complexity of the landscape and the importance of developing more standardized measurement methodologies. This understanding is essential for effectively supporting the growth of sustainable employment opportunities and meeting the aspirations of a new generation of environmentally conscious workers.
References
Measurement and Analysis of Green Jobs: Report of the WIC Green Jobs Study Group Work Session Discussion July 2009
Georgetown University Literature Review of the Definition and Measurement of Green Jobs
Measuring the Green Economy, US Department of Commerce, Economic and Statistics Administration
Green Job Metrics by Headwaters Economics
Measuring Green Jobs, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
