What are green jobs?

Green jobs are professional activities that contribute to protecting the environment, reducing emissions, making efficient use of resources and moving towards a sustainable economy. Several international and European organisations have provided definitions of this concept:

• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines green jobs as "decent work that contributes to preserving or restoring the environment, whether in traditional sectors such as manufacturing or construction, or in new emerging sectors such as renewable energy or energy efficiency".
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines green jobs as jobs in agriculture, industry, research and development, administrative and service activities that "contribute substantially to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment."
  European Commission defines green jobs "as those jobs that contribute to the production of sustainable goods and services, to the implementation of relevant regulations and to activities that help mitigate or adapt to climate change."
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): "Green jobs are defined as those jobs where at least 101TPTP3T of the tasks directly support sustainable development."

Why are they important for companies?

Green jobs have become particularly important for companies. Implementing and promoting such jobs reflects an organisation's commitment to environmental protection and contributes to increased market competitiveness.

Companies that invest in green workplaces benefit from a positive image among consumers and business partners, more easily attract talent concerned about their employer's social and environmental impact, and align with European sustainability regulations. It also facilitates access to European grants and funds for organisations that demonstrate a real commitment to the green transition.

In addition, adapting to new legislative requirements, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), becomes easier for companies that already have sustainable practices and green workplaces in place. In doing so, these companies not only comply with the legislation but also become leaders in corporate responsibility.

Practical example: Creating green jobs through peatland restoration in Ireland

In the context of phasing out the use of peat and fossil fuels to meet climate targets, Ireland has embarked on a project to restore degraded peatlands. The state-owned company Bord na Móna, responsible for peatland management, has begun the €108m transition to renewable energy and the restoration of 33,000 hectares of land. These efforts will sequester about 3.3 million tonnes of carbon by 2050.

To support communities affected by this transition, the project has integrated sustainable tourism development as an economic alternative. Inspired by the successful transformation of Belgium's Limburg region into a national park, Ireland plans to develop tourism infrastructure, including cycling and hiking trails, the creation of natural habitats and support for over 80 small businesses. These initiatives are expected to create more than 200 new tourist accommodation and generate over 200 green jobs in areas such as environmental conservation, eco-tourism and natural resource management.

The project is supported by the EU's €17.5bn Just Transition Fund and Irish government funding. It emphasises environmental sustainability, climate action and social inclusion, providing training and funding to ensure affordability and regenerative practices.

The example highlights how green transition policies can be successfully implemented, generating green jobs and helping local communities adapt to new economic realities.