Saving the world one step at a time
Saving the planet may be a fictional job for Superman . . . but the time has come for you to help in real life.
Demand for those with professional ‘green’ skills is drawing more people with concerns for our environment and sustainability into the business.
Quality and environmental manager Roy Smith swapped into the sector from a career as a draughtsman. He says: ‘after realising how prevalent environmental issues were becoming, i started to focus more of my interest on the environment and saw it as an excellent career opportunity.’
He persuaded his then employer to improve its environment and sustainability performance and took a university course on environmental management systems.
after making the business case f or increased sustainability, Roy was made compliance manager responsible for implementing a new environmental management system a nd boosting environmental awareness in the business. To give his qualifications a lift, he took an institute of Environmental Management and assessment (iEMa) Certificate in Environmental Management.
now a quality and environmental manager at Park House Healthcare, which supplies equipment to the health and care sectors, Roy says: ‘ The key is to make the business case for environmental achievements.
‘Here, i have implemented methods that reduced the vehicle fleet’s emissions by 3.5 per cent and saved Park House £11,500, and oversaw the switch to low-energy lighting, reducing electricity usage by over 14 per cent. i haven’t saved the planet yet, but i’ve certainly saved the company money. i want to progress my career with further environmental achievements.’
He advises those looking for environment and sustainability careers: ‘Communication skills and certified training, are paramount. networking can help, too. i found iEMa events a useful source of contacts and advice from other environmental professionals.’
a ni EM a spokesman says: ‘This career requires technical knowledge of natural systems, environmental laws and regulations, plus analytical, project management, leadership and communication skills and the ability to implement action plans and build a business case.’
useful qualifications include degrees in environmental management, environmental sciences and sustainability.
vocational courses such as the iEMa associate Certificate can provide the understanding of how to apply environmental knowledge in organisations.
Jobs exist in sectors including construction, chemicals and planning and pay ranges from £15,000 to £70,000.