As the push towards sustainability has gathered pace, the green economy has gained in importance in Europe in recent years. This shift is bringing with it a new generation of jobs.
Figures from the EU bear this out. In 2014, 4.2 million people were employed in the environmental goods and services sector, a rise of 1.4 million since 2000. In recognition of this, the theme for this year's EU Green Week was "Green jobs for a greener future".
This drive towards the green economy brings with it positions that demand new skill sets and competencies. In the coming years, urban development is an area in which such jobs will be required. As the creation of liveable and sustainable urban environments develops into an ever greater priority, individuals who possess the expertise and experience to help realise this change will be highly sought-after.
The need for knowledge of green energy technology is manifest, ranging from the retrofitting of buildings to projects related to sustainable mobility, such as charging points for electric vehicles. As cities build up their electric charging infrastructure, the ability to maintain these will also become invaluable.
With their push to develop solutions that reduce pollution and boost energy efficiency, smart cities require such knowledge. Through its involvement in two EU-funded smart city projects, GrowSMARTER and RUGGEDISED, ICLEI is contributing to this demand.
GrowSmarter aims to create 1,500 jobs through the development of 12 smart city solutions covering energy, infrastructure and transport. Should the companies behind their implementation grow, the creation of further jobs is a strong possibility.
Rotterdam (the Netherlands), one of the three lighthouse cities participating in the RUGGEDISED project, hopes that its measures will lead to 300 new positions and assist with the regeneration of deprived areas in the south of the city.
To find out more about EU Green Week 2017, click here.
To find how other EU-funded smart city projects are contributing to the growth of the green economy, click here.