The growth of the ‘eco-industry’
Ubuntu Thoughts / 6 Min read
Callum Berry
Content & Media Manager
Content & Media Manager
The notion of a ‘green economy’ has been on the lips of politicians for years. But defining what that constitutes in both the business and consumer world is a little trickier. At Ubuntu, for example, we focus on making both our own processes and methodology as planet and people friendly as we can, as well those of our clients and partners.
Essentially, we’re in the market of helping brands walk the walk of doing better for the environment, rather than just talk the talk.
We’ve been struck recently by the upcoming potential for thousands of new “green jobs” that are expected to crop up in the coming years - something we see as a highly positive move not only for typically “green” industries, but also those that are in dire need of change.
The government has specifically focused on roles that deliver goods and services which are likely to help the UK generate lower emissions of greenhouse gases, the “greening” of existing jobs, and the development of green skills within the labour force.
For example, Careers Wales’ recent “Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market in Wales” report showed how the transformation towards a greener economy will lead to a growing eco-industry and, ultimately, to greater employment opportunities in Wales.
Going further, in England, the Local Government Association has predicted that by 2030 there could be as many as 694,000 direct jobs in the low-carbon and renewable energy economy — up by over 375% since 2018.
Here are a few areas we think could be real game-changers in building a better future for our planet.
Essentially, we’re in the market of helping brands walk the walk of doing better for the environment, rather than just talk the talk.
We’ve been struck recently by the upcoming potential for thousands of new “green jobs” that are expected to crop up in the coming years - something we see as a highly positive move not only for typically “green” industries, but also those that are in dire need of change.
The government has specifically focused on roles that deliver goods and services which are likely to help the UK generate lower emissions of greenhouse gases, the “greening” of existing jobs, and the development of green skills within the labour force.
For example, Careers Wales’ recent “Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market in Wales” report showed how the transformation towards a greener economy will lead to a growing eco-industry and, ultimately, to greater employment opportunities in Wales.
Going further, in England, the Local Government Association has predicted that by 2030 there could be as many as 694,000 direct jobs in the low-carbon and renewable energy economy — up by over 375% since 2018.
Here are a few areas we think could be real game-changers in building a better future for our planet.
Farming for city folk
One of our favourite areas of growth has been “urban farming” which came from the need to feed more people whilst using less land. The methodology often manifests itself as rooftop gardens, or the upkeep of small patches of land driven by the local community. In the US, urban farming has grown by 30% in the last 30 years and has been shown to help improve food security in areas of cities known as “food deserts”.
What the hell is that?
Eco-Architecture. Sounds weird right? Well, it’s actually pretty smart. The term has been coined to mean the designing of spaces with the aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction and life of a building or a space.
Architects are constantly coming up with innovative ways to make their builds eco-friendly as well as aesthetically eye-catching and beautiful. Whilst plastering buildings in solar panels has become the default way to make a construction ‘green’, the practice considers other methods such as incorporating foliage in and around buildings else considering the materials used within the build itself. Locally sourced materials are often used, else sustainable materials such as bamboo or wood can be incorporated.
We find the whole thing fascinating, and would highly recommend you check out this video which features Japanese eco-architect Kengo Kuma, who designed the national stadium which hosted the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Architects are constantly coming up with innovative ways to make their builds eco-friendly as well as aesthetically eye-catching and beautiful. Whilst plastering buildings in solar panels has become the default way to make a construction ‘green’, the practice considers other methods such as incorporating foliage in and around buildings else considering the materials used within the build itself. Locally sourced materials are often used, else sustainable materials such as bamboo or wood can be incorporated.
We find the whole thing fascinating, and would highly recommend you check out this video which features Japanese eco-architect Kengo Kuma, who designed the national stadium which hosted the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The politics of it all
Many countries are also now looking to invest in the “eco-industry.” For example, Chile’s newly elected president Gabriel Boric has promised to construct a green, sustainable and resilient future for Chile and has brought renowned climate scientist Maisa Rojas into his cabinet to help lead the charge.
“I think there’s a lot of space for Chile to become a leader in the fight against climate change,” she says, “I would love to be able to convince other countries that ambitiously tackling climate change is in their best interests.”
Please take note, Boris Johnson.
“I think there’s a lot of space for Chile to become a leader in the fight against climate change,” she says, “I would love to be able to convince other countries that ambitiously tackling climate change is in their best interests.”
Please take note, Boris Johnson.
Ah yes…the U.S.
In the U.S., President Biden is currently trying to push his ‘Build Back Better’ plan through the senate, despite partisan opposition from both conservative Democrats and Republicans. The plan promises funding for a Covid relief bill, social services, welfare and infrastructure, in addition to funds allocated towards reducing the effects of climate change.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez had previously sponsored a bill called the “Green new deal” which was an in-depth plan that looked towards investing in the eco-industry. However, this was at a time where the Senate and presidency were controlled by Republicans, so it didn’t get the partisan support it needed to pass.
Despite this, it has recently been reintroduced in the wake of Biden’s presidency, so hopefully garner a lot more support.
Whew! We’re exhausted after all of that political jargon so we’re going to stop there! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the future of ‘green jobs.’ We’re excited to see how this industry keeps innovating and growing in the future. Keep up to date with the latest goings on in the world of people, planet, and purpose over at ubuntustudio.co.uk/thoughts
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez had previously sponsored a bill called the “Green new deal” which was an in-depth plan that looked towards investing in the eco-industry. However, this was at a time where the Senate and presidency were controlled by Republicans, so it didn’t get the partisan support it needed to pass.
Despite this, it has recently been reintroduced in the wake of Biden’s presidency, so hopefully garner a lot more support.
Whew! We’re exhausted after all of that political jargon so we’re going to stop there! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the future of ‘green jobs.’ We’re excited to see how this industry keeps innovating and growing in the future. Keep up to date with the latest goings on in the world of people, planet, and purpose over at ubuntustudio.co.uk/thoughts
About Ubuntu Studio
We're not your average, run-of-the-mill creative agency. We were founded and built on a passion for helping companies do better - for themselves, for people, and for the planet.
We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
If you're looking to make a change in how you market your business, we'd love to chat. Find out more at ubuntustudio.co.uk.
We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
If you're looking to make a change in how you market your business, we'd love to chat. Find out more at ubuntustudio.co.uk.
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