Chapter 16. Sustainability and Green Skills

Sustainability means meeting present needs without harming future generations. Technical workers affect energy use, waste, water and emissions every day [2][26].

Green skills include energy efficiency, renewable energy installation and maintenance (solar, wind, hydro, biomass), waste reduction and recycling, sustainable construction, water conservation, electric vehicle servicing and environmental management [26].

Practical actions

Use materials efficiently and reduce scrap.

Reuse, repair and recycle where possible.

Store and dispose of hazardous waste (oil, solvents, batteries, paint) properly.

Choose energy-efficient tools and switch off equipment when not in use.

Prevent leaks and spills.

Consider the whole life of a product, from materials to disposal.

Circular economy. Design and work to keep materials in use for as long as possible, rather than “take, make, dispose.”

Environmental management. Standards such as ISO 14001 guide organizations in managing their environmental impact.

Changing jobs. Climate policy and new technology change the skills needed in many sectors, so continuous learning is vital [26][2].

Review: Give two ways a workshop can reduce waste. (Answer: for example, plan cuts to reduce scrap and recycle used metal.)