As the world shifts towards a sustainable future and a green economy, so do the job market and the skills required. Two new studies on the sustainability labour market conclude that:

• sustainability will be embedded into every employment category in the future
  
• an important prerequisite for employees in the new economy is general education in sustainability concepts and issues.

Sustainability Labour Market Trends: A Canadian and International Perspective

Sustainability Labour Market Trends: An Employer, Industry and Thought Leader Perspective

The two studies identify climate change and business sustainability as key trends that will impact the labour market. "I am not surprised that the reports herald the need for students trained in life cycle and systems thinking and sustainable community development," says Dave Parker, Vice President, Sustainability at Teck Resources Limited, Canada's largest diversified mining company and one of the employers included in the industry perspective study. "This is the kind of expertise Teck and other companies will need to thrive in the future."

Key conclusions in the two reports include the following.

Thought leaders/employers believe that:

• Sustainability will be embedded into every discipline in the future
  
• General education in sustainability concepts and issues is important for incoming employees

• Climate change
  
• Business sustainability

• Climate change and energy management related jobs
  
• Community development related jobs

• Life cycle and systems thinking
  
• Community-based development knowledge

About Strandberg Consulting
Strandberg Consulting provides strategic counsel and support to businesses, governments and non-profits interested in advancing sustainability through the marketplace. Coro Strandberg draws from her global network to help organizations make the connections they need. Her strategies integrate social and environmental values with clear, measurable business goals to create opportunities, deliver results and inspire solutions for a sustainable world.

About the UBC Sustainability Office
The UBC Sustainability Office mission is to, "guide, support and enable the realization of a comprehensive and inclusive sustainable campus" and is responsible for coordinating implementation of the University of British Columbia's Sustainable Development Policy and Operational Sustainability Strategy. This is achieved by delivering core programs and services which aim to integrate sustainability into all aspects of campus life. www.sustain.ubc.ca

Strandberg Consulting

Strandberg Consulting

Strandberg Consulting provides strategic advice and support to organizations integrating social and environmental considerations into business operations and strategy and the marketplace. Services include strategy and policy development, facilitation, research, coaching, training, keynoting and writing.

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