The "green" jobs market continues to thrive despite economic downturn putting serious pressure on many business sectors throughout the UK, environment & sustainability recruitment specialist Acre Resources says.

Amid job losses across the finance and property sectors, Acre Resources finds a continuing rise in jobs focusing on climate change and corporate social responsibility (CSR) as big businesses continue to push forward with their green agendas.

“Big companies, from retailers to media companies and even petrochemical firms, have made very public pledges around their approach to green issues. They’ve committed to targets around reducing carbon emissions and developing more socially responsible products,” Acre’s Managing Director Andrew Cartland said.

Despite pressures indicated by a looming recession, it is too late for most companies to renege on their environmental commitments.  In fact, from a commercial perspective very little has changed; consumers still want ethically sourced products and environmental responsibility remains a key driver for retailers and FMCGs.  

Between May 2007 and May 2008, Acre has seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of “green collar jobs” within the environmental sector, with the most noticeable rise being in specialist climate change jobs.  In the last 12 months alone, jobs relating to energy reduction and emissions management have increased by 180 per cent.

Companies are realising that managing the impact of climate change represents a huge commercial opportunity, as well as a means of managing risk.  The right team of sustainability professionals can help businesses to not only survive economic unrest, but actually grow in spite of it.

“Many investors are supporting the green agenda as a ‘safe’ option,” Cartland said.
“While oil prices skyrocket, renewable energy solutions look to become more and more viable – the focus on reducing energy and carbon emissions appears ever-more essential for all kinds of businesses.  These market forces, along with heightened consumer demand for ‘green’ and ‘ethical’ products, highlight a lot of reasons as to why the ‘green-collar’ job market is so healthy, credit crunch or not.”

Acre Resources’ data shows:

  • The average salary in climate change in 2008 is £49,000 up 14 per cent from last year
  • Since 2007 the average salary in the wider environmental sector has increased 5 per cent to £34,000
  • Within CSR professionals can expect to earn an average of £40,000 to 60,000 with highest potential earnings standing at £120,000
  • The number of climate change specific jobs has grown by nearly 200 per cent in 12 months
  • 60 per cent  of Climate Change jobs are in South East England with 2/3 of these based in London
  • The overall number of “green collar jobs” has grown by 20 per cent in the last 12 months

Press release, Acre Resources 6/6/08

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