Sustainabuild, a network for sustainability professionals in the built environment, has published its 'Green Skills' Impact Report, outlining key insights and recommendations from its recent ministerial-led Assembly.

The report highlights the urgent need for a coordinated approach to address Scotland's green skills gap within the construction sector, a crucial element in achieving the nation's net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2045.

The Assembly, opened by Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey, brought together industry experts to discuss workforce priorities. The subsequent report, developed from these discussions, identifies several key actions to ensure Scotland has the skilled workforce required for a sustainable built environment, which accounts for approximately 40% of the country's total emissions.

Among the report's main recommendations are the establishment of a national green skills strategy and enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and industry to develop high-quality training programmes. The report also emphasises the importance of inclusive hiring practices, alongside targeted mentorship and scholarships to support the entry of women and underrepresented groups into green careers.


During his address, Minister Dey underscored the Scottish Government's commitment to sustainable skills development and cross-sector collaboration. The Green Skills Impact Report, which has been shared with his office, provides a roadmap for the sector, focusing on practical measures for workforce training and long-term sustainability.

To drive the report's recommendations into action, Sustainabuild has announced plans for an industry roundtable event. This event will bring together government officials, educators, and business leaders to focus on translating the report's findings into real-world solutions and ensuring tangible progress.

Matt Colgan, Director at Sustainabuild, emphasised the industry's readiness for collaboration: "The Assembly highlighted the industry's eagerness to collaborate and accelerate progress. Our Green Skills Impact Report captures these critical discussions and translates them into clear, achievable actions. The upcoming roundtable will be an essential step in turning these recommendations into real impact."

He added: "Collaboration between educators, businesses, and government is key to building a sustainable construction sector. By implementing these recommendations, we can develop the green workforce Scotland needs to meet net zero while creating future-proof jobs that strengthen our economy."

Steven Kiakowski, Director of The Verdancy Group and a speaker at the assembly, noted the growing momentum: "Momentum is growing. The Assembly and Green Skills Impact Report mark a major milestone in shaping innovative policies and actions for the industry. Now, we must build on this enthusiasm to drive lasting change."

This initiative reinforces Sustainabuild's role as a key driver for sustainability within the built environment, strengthening its commitment to closing the green skills gap and supporting Scotland's transition to net zero.