Embedding Green Skills in Every University Degree: Moving Beyond the Silo

The climate emergency, energy transition and net zero commitments are reshaping the UK economy, and with it, the skills we all need. For years, “green skills” have often been seen as the preserve of engineers, environmental scientists, or construction specialists. But new research from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) argues it’s time to move beyond this silo. Green skills must become part of every graduate’s toolkit, no matter what subject they study.

Why Green Skills Can’t Stay in One Corner

The idea that sustainability belongs only in “green” subjects is increasingly outdated. Businesses in every sector, from finance to fashion, law to logistics, are grappling with questions of carbon footprints, supply chain emissions, and environmental compliance.

Graduates who leave university without an understanding of sustainability risk being left behind in the job market. Equally, employers risk missing opportunities for innovation and compliance if their workforce isn’t equipped with the right mindset.

What the HEPI Report Says

HEPI’s latest paper highlights several important points:

• Every discipline has a role – Green competencies should be embedded into degree courses from the humanities to STEM.
• Joining up agendas – Sustainability, employability, and subject diversity shouldn’t be treated separately; they must be integrated.
• Graduate expectations are shifting – Students increasingly want their education to align with tackling climate change and supporting social good.

The report argues that universities should treat green skills as core graduate attributes, in the same way as communication or digital literacy.

What This Means for Employers

For employers, this shift could be transformative. Rather than relying solely on dedicated sustainability professionals, businesses could gain graduates in every role who understand the basics of energy efficiency, resource management, and environmental impact. That could speed up the pace of change and reduce the risk of “greenwashing.”

From Graduation to Lifelong Learning

At ESS Green Skills, we believe this widening of focus mirrors what’s happening in professional training. Green skills are not just about specialist accreditations, though those remain vital. They’re about building a culture where sustainability is considered in everyday decisions, whether you’re an office manager, a site supervisor, or a university graduate.

Universities embedding sustainability into their courses is a crucial step. But ongoing professional development, through accredited training and assessment, ensures those skills remain relevant as legislation and technology evolve.

A Joined-Up Approach to Net Zero

If the UK is to meet its net zero goals, the workforce of the future needs to think and act sustainably across all sectors. Embedding green skills into every degree is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. By breaking down silos, universities can create graduates who are ready to drive meaningful change, while employers and training providers can ensure that learning continues throughout careers.

When every student leaves university with sustainability built into their skillset, we create not just employable graduates, but leaders ready to shape a greener, fairer world. That’s the real opportunity of embedding green skills across all degrees. To keep up with the latest developments in this space, visit our Industry News page.