What Skills are Needed to Support the Net Zero Transition?
Businesses are currently facing a perfect storm of crises and will require new skills, competencies, and talent to transition to a net zero, resilient future. This factsheet outlines the results of new research into what skills are needed for a just transition, as well as next steps for responsible businesses.
Business in the Community (BITC) commissioned an evidence review from the Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University. The review examined what skills are needed for a just transition which ensures a fair and inclusive journey to a net zero, resilient future where people and nature thrive.
Just as previous industrial revolutions fundamentally changed the way we live and work, the transition to a net zero, resilient future represents the next major economic disruption. Every business, in every sector, must respond. While climate action may once have been the preserve of sustainability or CSR teams, every job will now require ‘green’ knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Our research shows that HR, finance, procurement, and executive teams are critical to building the skills needed in the workforce.
Read our What skills are needed to support the net zero transition? factsheet to learn more.
Business in the Community’s work on climate action
By 2030 the UK needs to have delivered on its commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°C, something many consider only possible by achieving a net zero carbon economy. Business in the Community (BITC) is helping organisations address climate change as part of future-proofing their business so they prosper in this changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Business in the Community believes engaging in nature stewardship and adopting a circular economy approach are critical elements of a fair and inclusive transition.
You can download BITC’s report, “The Right Climate For Business: Leading a Just Transition,” to gain insights and recommendations on how to build a sustainable and resilient future that benefits both people and nature. The report focuses on achieving net-zero emissions.
The manifesto sets out our vision for 2030 – a key milestone for a just transition. Targeting businesses and policymakers, it identifies priority actions for businesses across our Seven Steps for Climate Action and five key areas where policy support is critical.
Find out more and download the Manifesto – Our Route to a Net Zero Climate Resilient Future
A Joint Statement of Demand (JSD) approach recognises that collective purchasing power can drive innovation and investment, accelerating a shift to a sustainable future—a future that BITC sees as a net zero, nature-positive economy where people and nature thrive.
Business in the Community (BITC) is leading an exciting initiative as part of the Interreg North Sea Region ProCirc Project, creating Joint Statements of Demand (JSDs) for office furniture, electric vehicle chargers (ESVs) and professional clothing. A JSD is a shared set of asks that procurers commit to include in future tenders.
Learn more about the JSDs BITC is co-ordinating, Circular Professional Clothing, Electric Vehicle Chargers and Office Furniture.
In a circular economy, products, services, and infrastructure are designed to maximise value and minimise waste. This reduces demand for precious primary resources, lowers carbon emissions, and regenerates our natural environment. There are direct business benefits too. These include better supply chain management, reducing business risk relating to environmental damage and, finding new commercial opportunities.