Green Skills Training: Upskilling for a Low-Carbon Future
As the construction industry continues its transition towards a low-carbon future, the demand for green skills across the supply chain is growing rapidly. Clients, principal contractors, and regulators increasingly expect organisations and subcontractors to demonstrate environmental competence, sustainable working practices, and an understanding of carbon reduction.
Upskilling the workforce through targeted green skills training is no longer optional, it is essential for remaining competitive, compliant, and future-ready.
Why Green Skills Matter in Construction
Green skills refer to the knowledge and competencies needed to reduce environmental impact, improve sustainability performance, and support net-zero goals. In construction, this includes understanding how everyday site activities affect carbon emissions, waste generation, water use, and resource efficiency.
A workforce with strong environmental awareness can:
Support carbon reduction targets and ESG commitments
Reduce waste and improve resource efficiency
Comply with environmental legislation and client requirements
Strengthen tender submissions and pre-qualification scores
Contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable sites
The Role of the Supply Chain Sustainability School
The Supply Chain Sustainability School plays a key role in helping the construction industry build sustainability capability. It provides free learning resources, assessments, and training designed to upskill suppliers of all sizes across areas such as carbon management, modern slavery, responsible sourcing, and environmental best practice.
Many principal contractors actively encourage or require their supply chain partners to engage with the School, making sustainability competence a key factor in winning and retaining work on future projects.
Environmental Awareness Training
At Combined Safety Solutions, we support organisations in building essential green skills through the IHASCO Environmental Awareness Course.
This course is designed to give workers and supervisors a clear understanding of:
Environmental responsibilities in the workplace
How construction activities impact the environment
Waste management and pollution prevention
Energy and water efficiency
The importance of sustainable working practices
Environmental Awareness training helps ensure that sustainability is understood at all levels of the workforce, supporting both compliance and positive behavioural change on site.
Green Competencies Subcontractors Will Need on Future Projects
As sustainability requirements continue to increase, subcontractors will be expected to demonstrate a broader range of green competencies, including:
Carbon Awareness and Reporting
Understanding carbon emissions associated with materials, plant, and site activities, and supporting basic carbon reporting requirements set by main contractors.
Circular Economy Principles
Applying circular economy thinking by reducing waste, reusing materials where possible, and supporting responsible disposal and recycling practices.
Sustainable Site Practices
Adopting environmentally responsible behaviours on site, such as efficient use of resources, pollution prevention, and protecting local ecosystems.
Compliance and Evidence
Being able to demonstrate environmental competence through training records, procedures, and engagement with sustainability initiatives.
Preparing for the Future
Investing in green skills training now helps organisations stay ahead of changing expectations and ensures their workforce is prepared for future projects. Environmental awareness training not only supports sustainability goals but also strengthens supply chain relationships and improves overall site performance.
The construction industry’s move towards a low-carbon future depends on a skilled and environmentally aware workforce. By developing green skills, engaging with industry initiatives such as the Supply Chain Sustainability School, and investing in Environmental Awareness training, organisations can play an active role in building a more sustainable construction sector.
Contact us today to learn more about our IHASCO Environmental Awareness Course or discuss environmental training for your workforce.