Kate Hutchinson
Founder and CEO, The Sustainability Community
Analysis by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has found that the net zero economy grew by 10% in 2024, generating £83 billion in gross value added (GVA). What’s more, 22,000 net zero businesses employ more than 1 million people in full-time jobs, many commanding higher salaries than traditional positions.1
With rising optimism about the UK’s net zero transition, as reported in the PwC Green Jobs Barometer, the green employment multiplier has hit record levels, now creating 27 additional positions for every 10 new green jobs.2
“For those who want to benefit from the green economy, there has never been a better time. Fundamentally, we are heading into the next industrial revolution, and learning from our mistakes is the only way we can embrace the opportunity that it presents,” says Kate Hutchinson, Founding Director and CEO of The Sustainability Community, responsible for Yorkshire Sustainability Festival and ReGeneration Earth.
Becoming a global powerhouse
“The UK has an opportunity to become a global powerhouse, to pave the way and set a benchmark for others, embracing change and working collectively towards a transition to clean energy,” says Hutchinson. “This isn’t just the right thing to do, it is a chance to deliver economic stability, bringing skills, jobs and industry back to the UK.”
She adds: “We already have an infrastructure, with findings from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers already have skills transferable to roles within clean energy.3 The priority now is to call upon a collective effort from policymakers, industrial experts and education providers, to deliver the training that will upskill the labour market to meet demand.
“Focusing on industrial towns and cities; this is a real turning point. A chance to reignite the passion, drive and determination of a workforce that has long since been forgotten. Managing our energy, developing the innovations, techniques, equipment and support systems, powered by our knowledge and experience, puts us in a strong position. It forges the way and sets a precedent for the future.”
Managing our energy, developing the
innovations, techniques, equipment and
support systems, powered by our knowledge
and experience, puts us in a strong position.
All regions under one roof to grow the green economy
Hutchinson continues: “While there is a growing optimism about the green economy, working together is the only way that we will deliver the change to policy, industry and education that is needed to create a phased roadmap and shared ambition for the future.
“If we are to truly embrace this, accepting the part we all have to play, then we must get all regions together to share best practice and provide access to insight, studies and innovations.
“Only then will we also attract the investment that will deliver the case studies to build confidence and drive the momentum to become a leading example, creating a world that will survive and thrive in the future.”
A champion for change
The Yorkshire Sustainability Festival takes place from 9th to 20th June 2025, featuring over 50 fringe events across the region. Taking place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, it will include the flagship ReGeneration Earth Conference, bringing industry leaders together to explore the key themes: environmental, social and economic regeneration.
Sponsored by Engie, S2S Group, CXS and earthchain, those interested can register and books tickets for ReGeneration Earth here.
For further details about The Sustainability Community, the business responsible for delivering the event, please visit: www.thesustainabilitycommunity.com.
The Yorkshire Sustainability Festival takes place from 9th – 20th June 2025, featuring over 50 fringe events across the region. Taking place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, it will include the flagship ReGeneration Earth Conference, bringing industry leaders together to explore the key themes: environmental, social and economic regeneration.
[1] Guardian: Britain’s net zero economy is booming, CBI says | Green economy | The Guardian
[2] PwC: UK sees surge in the demand for green skills despite overall job market decline – PwC Green Jobs Barometer
[3] OEUK: Energy Skills Passport launches, helping workers transition across the energy mix | Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)
