FAQs
What is a green job?
Green jobs contribute to better environmental outcomes and/or increased sustainability. These are set to boom in the 21st century as we move towards a global low carbon economy. Green jobs range from low-skill, entry-level positions to high skill, higher-paid jobs, and provide opportunities for advancement in both skills and wages.
Are Green Jobs niche jobs?
No. Green jobs were initially considered niche because they filled specific roles such as eco-tourism or recycling. However, now, as we move to a low carbon economy, all of our workplaces can be cleaner and greener and most jobs will need to take on a shade of green.
What about overseas Green Jobs?
Green Jobs are a hot topic internationally. President Obama has commited the United States to introducing a carbon pollution reduction scheme and has pledged to create 5 million new green Jobs. Germany’s renewable energy workforce grew from 160,000 to 236,000 in just two years between 2004 and 2006 after they strengthened their renewable energy laws. The UK plans to create 1 million new Green Jobs, primarily in manufacturing green technologies. They estimate that the clean energy sector alone could create up to 260,000 jobs over the next ten years.
Does Australia stand to gain from green jobs?
There are great opportunities for green jobs and industries in a booming clean economy. Australia already has a $12 billion green consumer market. We can lead in solar, green buildings and in smarter use of energy and resources. According to CSIRO economic modeling, 2.7 million new jobs will be created in Australia by 2025 if we set course to become carbon neutral by 2050. Many will be green jobs.
But what will happen to workers in Carbon intensive industries?
It’s a myth that action on climate change will destroy Australian jobs. Creating green jobs is not about shutting down dirty industries, but re-skilling (and re-tooling) them for cleaner production. According to CSIRO, 560,000 new jobs will be created in high environmental impact industries (like manufacturing and heavy industry) by 2025.
How do we create more Green Collar Jobs in Australia?
We need to make sure that our workforce has the know-how to capitalise on new opportunities. We need to make sure workers are given the right skills and training for the 21st century. ACF, along with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), and The Climate Institute (all part of the Southern Cross Climate Coalition), is calling for national leadership to promote the creation of Green jobs.
What if we don’t create new Green Jobs?
There is a real danger that Australia will be left behind the international market if we don’t develop the right skills base – Australia already has a shortage of trades people with the skills to install solar and water saving technologies. If we don’t have skilled trades people, we can’t put solar panels on roofs. We don’t want to miss out.
Twenty years ago Australia was a leader in solar technologies. But we failed to support the industry and our best and brightest went overseas. For example, David Mills developed solar thermal technologies in Australia in the 1990s, but moved his solar thermal company, Ausra, to California where it was much easier to raise capital and strong government incentives were in place.
What impact will weak action on climate change have on jobs and our economy?
According to the Garnaut Climate Change Review, delaying action will cost our economy and our workforce heavily. With no action on climate change we would lose 12% of projected growth in real wages, and 10% of GNP.
Source: www.acfonline.org.au/GreenCollarJobs
What are TGC doing towards reducing their carbon footprint?
We plant a tree for each and every candidate we place.
We limit our operational footprint by buying energy efficient light bulbs; turning appliances off at night; reducing, recycling and re-using; buying second-hand & local; and purchasing environmentally friendly goods.
We encourage all of our employees to take public transport or cycle to work.
We complete pro bono work for charities or causes we’re passionate about.
We operate on MACs which use less than half the energy of a typical light bulb, making it one of the world’s most energy efficient desktop computers.
As our business grows, we will look to certify our service under Greenhouse Friendly through the Australian Government Department of Climate Change.
What can I do as an individual?
Look for Greenhouse Friendly products or services
Reduce your energy use and shrink your bills – switch to greenpower and slash your emissions
Be stingy with water – 4 minute showers!
Get wise about waste – reduce and reuse, create a compost system, dispose of domestic chemical products safely
Contact us today to help assist you fill a vacancy, or to arrange a professional career consultation.
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