A Growing Green Workforce
Environmental Employment is on the Rise
Across various industries, workforce shifts are driven by the growing need for sustainable infrastructure and the broader adoption of low-carbon development – both powerful motivators. Our post-industrialization era has impacted the way we live today, compelling us to focus on what we need – to live better tomorrow. Cleaner air, renewable energy, food security and an emphasis on affordability, all point to a return to our natural resources.
Workforce shifts
Demand grows as the talent pool shrinks
In Canada, it is estimated that almost a quarter of the total working population could retire in the next five years. This is based on the historic recognition that 65 is retirement age. However, the cost of living, the cost of retiring or a preference to stay working may lead some individuals to delay their retirement.
The combination of expansion and replacement has created high demand for skilled tradespeople to support infrastructure growth. Currently, Canadian construction employs 1.6 million people and brings in 7.4% of the country’s’ gross domestic product (GDP) – that’s $151 billion annually. On the flipside, the industry recognizes it contributes a high percentage of greenhouse gas emissions. The Canadian Construction Association strategies propose a cleaner way forward using high-performance technology and implementing life-cycle carbon project assessments to deliver cleaner and greener builds.
The construction industry is facing some unique challenges, as demand grows, the talent pool is shrinking. It is estimated that we will need to fill 300,000 jobs in the next three years with three provinces leading the way: Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
What specialists will we need?
How do we engage new hires?
We can start by sharing what we have already achieved. By showcasing our innovative solutions and projects we lead by example. The sharing typically happens within the industry – to extend our reach we must secure community engagement so people can contribute and experience the positive impacts firsthand.
Invest in training and development in addition to government programs. Within our own organizations we can offer workshops and certifications on sustainable practices and the technologies used to take us there. We can facilitate this by collaborating with schools, colleges and universities to incorporate green infrastructure into curricula, research projects, offering mentorship programs, grants and financial incentives for green projects.
Encourage businesses to prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices to preserve ecosystems. A proactive approach can mitigate risks and ensure long-term business value and resilience leading to increased brand loyalty and customer engagement. ESG initiatives can drive innovation, creating more jobs by encouraging the development of sustainable products, services and processes.
When people feel informed, heard and connected they are motivated to participate and champion the cause. At GINKGO we founded our business on the vision that sustainable building will deliver economically and environmentally. We couldn’t be more excited to see it grow.
