Green economy requires new skills
EDF Energy Chief Executive Vincent de Rivaz and Business in the Community (BITC) Chief Executive Stephen Howard will today launch the findings of their inquiry into the Leadership Skills for a Sustainable Economy.
More than 150 business leaders will gather in London to discuss the report, led by de Rivaz in his role as HRH The Prince of Wales’ National Ambassador working in partnership with the BITC, and will be invited to sign up to a new cross-industry Taskforce.
Over 700 business leaders took part in research into the leadership skills that companies will need to transform themselves into sustainable businesses.
The inquiry found that 70% thought the gap in these leadership skills will become one of the most pressing challenges facing UK businesses in the next five years.
The overwhelming opinion of those surveyed is that there needs to be a transformation to promote the skills required for a sustainable economy.
In response to this, today marks the launch of a new industry-led Taskforce which encourages companies to throw open their doors to share best practice, resources and intellectual property.
Founding members of the taskforce include EDF Energy; M&S; WSP; Lloyds TSB; EDF Energy, Adnams; Boots and RSA Group. The Taskforce will be challenged and supported by BITC working together with the Cambridge Programme for Sustainable Leadership; Global Action Plan and Forum for the Future.
De Rivaz said: “What is striking is how much UK business wants to make a difference and has the power to make things happen. Business has a key role to play in the transition to a sustainable economy. It is in each company’s own interest as well as in our broader economic, social and environmental interest to act now."
Skills needed, according to inquiry findings, are:
o The ability to consistently work towards a longer term vision for how the organisation will contribute to a sustainable economy (88%) o The ability to inspire change on sustainability in a broad range of people within and outside of the organisation (87%) o The ability to empower a diverse range of people within the organisation to make sustainable business decisions (84%) o Commercial awareness to identify the risks and opportunities presented by a sustainable economy (89%) o Sufficient knowledge about sustainability to translate it into successful business strategies (87%) o The ability to innovate in sustainable approaches, technologies, products and services (79%) o The ability to work collaboratively with different stakeholders (such as other companies, Government, the third sector and community groups) towards a sustainable economy (82%) o Effective and persuasive communication on sustainability issues, using clear and accessible language (88%)
