You’re in Environmental Services. What are the most important industry trends to watch?

1 Green certifications

More and more organizations are seeking to demonstrate their environmental commitment and performance by obtaining green certifications. These are standards and labels that certify that a product, service, or facility meets certain criteria of environmental quality and sustainability. For example, LEED, ISO 14001, and Green Seal are some of the most recognized green certifications in the world. As an environmental services professional, you need to be familiar with the different types of certifications, their requirements, and their benefits. You may also need to help your organization or clients achieve and maintain them.

2 Circular economy

The circular economy is a concept that aims to reduce waste and pollution by designing products and systems that can be reused, repaired, recycled, or regenerated. It is based on the principles of minimizing resource consumption, maximizing value creation, and enhancing natural capital. The circular economy offers many opportunities and challenges for environmental services. You may need to adopt new business models, technologies, and practices that support circularity. You may also need to collaborate with other stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers, and regulators, to create circular value chains.

3 Digital transformation

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to improve or transform the way an organization operates and delivers value. It can involve aspects such as automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the internet of things. Digital transformation can have a significant impact on environmental services. It can help you optimize your processes, reduce your costs, enhance your quality, and increase your efficiency. It can also help you monitor and measure your environmental performance, identify and mitigate risks, and comply with regulations. However, digital transformation also requires you to invest in new skills, tools, and systems, and to manage the potential environmental and social impacts of digitalization.

4 Climate action

Climate action is the term used to describe the efforts and initiatives taken to address the causes and consequences of climate change. It can involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, adapting to changing climate conditions, and supporting low-carbon development. Climate action is crucial for environmental services. You have a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the global fight against climate change. You can do this by implementing climate-friendly solutions, reducing your own carbon footprint, and helping your organization or clients achieve their climate goals and commitments.

5 Social responsibility

Social responsibility is the idea that an organization should consider the social and ethical implications of its actions and decisions, and that it should contribute to the well-being of society and the environment. It can involve aspects such as human rights, labor standards, diversity and inclusion, community engagement, and philanthropy. Social responsibility is becoming more important for environmental services. You have to ensure that your activities and outcomes are aligned with the values and expectations of your stakeholders, such as employees, customers, regulators, and the public. You also have to demonstrate how your work creates positive social and environmental impacts, and how you address any negative ones.

6 Continuing education

Continuing education is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and competencies throughout your career. It can involve formal or informal learning activities, such as courses, workshops, webinars, podcasts, books, or mentoring. Continuing education is essential for environmental services. You have to keep up with the latest developments, innovations, and best practices in your field. You also have to adapt to the changing demands and expectations of your job and your industry. Continuing education can help you improve your performance, advance your career, and increase your satisfaction and motivation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?