Upskilling in green IT skills and why it's worth your attention

With the world moving toward a greener economy, “green” skills are in higher demand than ever—especially in IT. Companies everywhere are looking for ways to cut down on their environmental impact, and that’s creating huge opportunities for IT professionals ready to embrace green technologies and practices.

If you’re in tech, now’s a great time to think about upskilling in these areas. Let’s dive into what this means for you, the skills that are in demand, and some practical ways to get started.

Why green IT skills matter right now

It’s not just hype—the demand for green talent is real and growing fast. According to a recent LinkedIn report,  the need for green skills globally has gone up about 5.9% every year from 2021 to 2024. And in the UK, that increase is even more impressive: a whopping 13% growth, making it one of the leading countries in the green transition.

Projections show a big gap between the demand for skilled green professionals and the actual number available—by 2050, this gap could exceed 100%! So, if you’re thinking about the future of your career, green IT skills could be a major asset.

Key numbers to keep in mind

• Demand in the UK: Between 2023 and 2024, there was a 46% jump in the need for green talent here in the UK.

• Job postings: Green skill requirements in job postings on LinkedIn went from 6.8% in 2021 to 7.5% in 2024.

• International trends: Demand for green talent is on the rise worldwide, with major growth in places like Portugal, Costa Rica, and Singapore.

What exactly are “green skills”?

When we talk about green skills, we mean the knowledge and practices that help organisations operate more sustainably. For IT roles, these skills can be split into three categories:

1. Green occupations: Jobs that require deep knowledge of environmental tech and practices.

2. Greening occupations: Jobs that are shifting to include green practices but aren’t fully “green” yet.

3. Non-green occupations: Roles that currently don’t need green skills (although this could change).

As an IT professional, focusing on the first two categories is a smart move, especially as companies look to adopt sustainable practices.

Essential green IT skills to have in your toolbox

If you’re ready to start your journey toward greener IT skills, here are some of the most in-demand areas to consider:

• Sustainable software development: Learn how to design software that uses resources efficiently and minimizes energy use.

• Cloud computing proficiency: Get comfortable with cloud tech—it helps reduce physical infrastructure and supports energy savings.

• Data analysis for sustainability: Know how to analyse energy and emissions data to guide sustainable choices.

• Environmental regulations knowledge: Understanding standards like ISO 14001 (for environmental management) is a big plus, as it’s becoming a must-have for companies aiming to stay compliant.

How to start upskilling in green IT

So how do you actually get these skills? Here are some practical ways to get started:

1. Online courses: Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on sustainable practices in tech.

2. Certifications: Look into certifications for environmental management or energy efficiency to boost your marketability.

3. Networking: Connect with sustainability-focused groups and attend events to learn from industry experts.

4. Hands-on experience: Seek out sustainability initiatives or projects within your company where you can put these skills to work.

5. Stay informed: Read up on the latest trends and tech developments to keep your green skills sharp.

The challenges of upskilling in green IT

Like any new skill area, there are a few hurdles. Some IT professionals may not even be aware of how relevant green skills are to their jobs. Training can also be costly, and the fast-paced changes in tech can make it hard to keep up. But the rewards—both for your career and the planet—are worth it.

As demand for green talent continues to grow, now is the perfect time for IT professionals to add green skills to their toolkits. The UK is leading the way in this space, creating exciting growth opportunities for those with the right skills.

Upskilling in sustainability not only strengthens your career but also aligns you with a global mission to reduce environmental impact. In short, diving into green IT skills is both a responsibility and an exciting opportunity to help shape a more sustainable future.