at all costs? Traditional business theory would lead us to seek to maximise short term profit, and dismiss the pursuit of long term aims as an unacceptable imposition on return on investment. Of course the recession has had the effect of throttling back some of the initiatives in this sphere, as companies focus on survival in the short term.
Yet, in spite of this, many of our brightest graduates are choosing to seek employment in companies with sustainability firmly on the agenda. With energy prices increasing, concern for the future availability of resources becoming an issue and growing unease over failure to address international issues such as climate change, there is a growing trend for young talented individuals to be attracted to businesses with a real commitment to the future. Young graduates are looking for security of employment, opportunities for personal development and work in areas that will grow in importance as time goes on and offer them a chance to gain promotion.
Only last week there was a plea from the Scottish oil industry for new talent not to discount them from their plans. Recruiting engineers, chemists and students from other relevant courses is becoming more difficult as many choose to focus on the new emerging opportunities such as renewable’s, energy management and clean technology. Looking at the Scottish Climate Change Act it is clear that our ambitious national targets for reducing carbon emissions will favour support and investment for offshore wave, tidal and wind energy enterprises, carbon capture and storage, low emission transport, energy efficient housing. This path is set out for the coming forty years so it is hardly surprising that those seeking continuity of employment are showing interest in these areas.
This is policy driven, and the environmental industry is now seen as an opportunity for entrepreneurs to invest in. But really this is just the most obvious signs of a departure from a long term strategy of fuelling growth by trade in energy intensive production and the marketing of consumer goods with questionable environmental credentials. Within conventional industry there is a growing realisation that meeting environmental targets is not automatically leading to a reduction in production.
Environmental performance is directly linked to efficiency. Meeting environmental targets allows companies to focus on reducing waste, encouraging lower levels of raw material procurement, and reducing
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costs by focussing on reducing energy consumption and water use. This leads to reduced material costs, labour costs and waste disposal bills. Legislative compliance becomes easier and showing respect for the environment puts out a strong message to current and future staff that the company has a strong ethical culture which is automatically extended to include personal development, consultation and training. The success of the company can be considered a joint venture between the company and staff. Environmental management systems are invaluable in their ability to provide an infrastructure for increased communication and co-operation at all levels and between disciplines. Add to this the confidence given to insurers and investors that environmentally aware companies are less likely to incur massive legislative fines, compensation or reputational problems and a clear logic has emerged in considering the environment in business decision making.
Employment opportunities include working on design for dismantling, design for recycling, life cycle analysis, energy management, environmental management systems, environmental auditing, legislative compliance, materials substitution, waste management, transport management, carbon management, quality assurance, environmental risk management amongst many others. The close relationship between efficiency and environmental performance ensures that expertise is required at every level – from lean production to strategic management. Corporate Social Responsibility reporting is now increasingly seen as a green marketing opportunity. Environmental assurance schemes and eco-labels are answering the call for sustainable products and experts are needed to measure impacts, manage compliance and advise companies on strategy.
The future is bright – the future is sustainable. It must be if we are to escape the worst predictions of scientific and economic experts in this area. Graduates with environmental skills have the opportunity to be part of a quiet revolution for the benefit of all.
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