Having been involved with the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce since its inception, IEMA fully endorse its mission to develop green skills within London’s commercial built environment sector. Achieving the city’s ambitious net-zero targets requires not only transforming infrastructure and operations but also ensuring we build a diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce.
The built environment contributes significantly to London’s carbon emissions, and transitioning to a more sustainable model is a complex challenge. This transformation demands skills from a broad range of professions with expertise in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and circular economy principles. However, it also presents a unique opportunity to attract new talent into the sector—particularly from underrepresented groups—who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.
EMA recognises that addressing the skills gap must go hand-in-hand with improving diversity and inclusion. Expanding access to green skills training and creating pathways into the sector for individuals from different backgrounds will be crucial in driving innovation and ensuring that the workforce reflects the communities it serves.
By fostering collaboration between government, industry, and educational, the Skyline Skills Hub will lay the foundation for a more inclusive, skilled workforce that will shape London’s skyline into a global exemplar of sustainable, equitable development.