Are Companies Moving Towards Green Jobs in India?

Data collected by private and public entities provide irrevocable proof of the truth that– 

CLIMATE CHANGE IS HERE!

Earth’s average temperature has risen about 1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 19th century. Most of the warm weather patterns has come in the last 40 years; the last seven years being the warmest, and the period between 2016-2020 breaking all temperature records.

As a result, fighting climate change has become key to government policies worldwide. The Indian government also launched several initiatives to fight climate change, but few are more vital than the development of green-skilled professionals. 

A substantial green-skilled workforce can help the government and Indian corporates fight climate change without hampering growth.

Introduction to Green-skilled Professionals

Green-skilled professionals are individuals with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement sustainable technologies and practices in several industries. These trained individuals can identify and implement sustainable solutions that minimise environmental impacts. 

They have expertise in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture, among other domains. Their experience with green technologies is vital for organisations as it allows them to operate sustainably, comply with governmental regulations, and grow regularly.

The Need for Green Jobs in India

India has lofty green goals. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in November 2021 that the country aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. At COP27, the government also announced that it aims to be able to generate 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

Private organisations will be key to achieving these goals. Their scale, innovation capabilities, and implementation are significantly better than government entities, making them crucial to India’s green goals.

However, private organisations can do little without a ready green workforce. Professionals with green expertise are needed for companies to achieve their green goals. Here are a few ways green-skilled professionals can help companies in their mission– 

1. Comply with Environmental Regulations

Climate change is a priority for the Indian government. It has implemented several environmental policies and regulations to ensure industries do their part in protecting the environment and sustainable development.

The regulations apply to almost all industries, including manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They basically require companies to adopt sustainable practices and technologies to reduce their impact on the environment.

As a result, green jobs in India are in heavy demand. Companies need professionals with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement sustainable solutions in their operations.

2. Compete Globally

The competition for green energy and related technologies and services is heating up globally. The market is nascent currently but is growing daily and may eventually become bigger than most industries.

Many established giants are also placing bets on the future green energy market, making the space extremely competitive. To stay relevant in the crowded space, Indian companies must invest regularly in 

As a result, companies that can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability are often more attractive to these stakeholders. By hiring green-skilled professionals, Indian companies can develop and implement sustainable strategies that help them stand out in the global market.

3. Increase their Business Fundamentals

Reducing costs and increasing profit margins are primary goals for companies. It isn’t going to change in the future, meaning companies will always want to reduce costs and increase their business efficiency.

Hiring green-skilled professionals can help companies achieve these goals. Individuals with green expertise can help companies implement sustainable practices and technologies efficiently, ensuring a quick move away from non-renewable sources.

For instance, companies engaged in manufacturing and logistics depend on crude oil for their energy needs. Green-skilled professionals can help companies quickly reduce their dependence on crude oil without impacting their business.

4. Green Jobs in India means Better Reputation

Green jobs in India are in high demand because it helps improve Indian corporates’ global reputation. Talented and experienced green-skilled professionals can help companies innovate in the renewable space.

More cutting-edge innovation may lead to better products and more demand for Indian companies’ green products. It can give companies a platform to demonstrate their sustainability skills and help them attract interest from investors and other stakeholders looking to fight climate change.

Also, companies can improve their brand image and build customer loyalty with better products and innovation driven by green-skilled professionals. Over time, these factors can bring more success to companies.

How the Indian government is Promoting Green Jobs

The Indian government is cognizant that green jobs are needed for the country to achieve its net-zero emissions target. As a result, they’ve taken several initiatives to promote green jobs in India as well as education for green jobs. Some of these initiatives include:

1. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

The NSDC is a public-private partnership aimed at promoting green jobs for youth through skill development in various sectors, including renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

Utilising the expertise of training providers, industry associations, and other stakeholders, NSDC develops and implements skill development programs to promote green jobs in India.

2. National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Another green initiative by the Indian government, NGT is a specialized court dealing with environmental disputes. It aims to promote environmental justice and the development of green-skilled professionals by creating awareness about environmental issues.

NGT also encourages the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies, which can help in the development of the green sector.

3. Skill India Mission

The Skill India Mission is an Indian government initiative aimed at providing training and skill development to the youth. Through the Skill India Mission, the government hopes to provide training to 40 crore people by 2022, including in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.

4. National Solar Mission

National Solar Mission is a government initiative that promotes the use of solar energy in India. The mission has proved its value, creating several job opportunities in the solar industry and helping develop a skilled workforce in solar energy.

5. Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP)

The education system in India does little to skill the youth in environmental issues. The Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) is the government’s hope to change that and provide skill development training to youth in environmental management, conservation, and monitoring.

GSDP also provides training in areas such as waste management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism, among others.

A Bright Future

The demand for green jobs in India is serious. Fortunately, the Indian government and the nonprofit sector are aware of this fact. Several initiatives have been launched to promote skill development in sustainability, helping address the lack of green-skilled professionals and ensuring the government meets its net-zero emissions target.

Smile Foundation, recognizing the need of the hour has reprogrammed its employability training initiative STeP to fight the challenges posed by poverty and unemployment. Our campaign Tayyari Kal Ki aims at training & up-skilling the youth between the age of 18-32 years for employment and empowering them with a secure livelihood.

This livelihood mission is in strong alignment with the Government of India’s Skill India initiative. Currently, our livelihood programme is operational through 81 centres across 18 cities in 16 states. In the last 15 years, Smile Foundation has trained over 65,000 youth, and placed more than 45,000 of them in over 350 brands across India.