Building a workforce for the clean economy
The Sustainable Workforce Coalition (SWC) is working to catalyze an equitable transition for workers in Metro Vancouver and BC to a clean economy through strategic convening, research, and capacity building.
The Clean Economy Opportunity
Driving New Employment Opportunities
7,900
Projected new employment related to green building over 10 years
Buildforce
Requiring New Skills and Training
33%
Share of workers that will be asked to learn new skills over next decade
Government of BC
Who We Work With
Who’s Working in the Clean Economy
Across British Columbia, the clean economy is powered by a diverse workforce that spans a wide range of professions and skill levels. From skilled tradespeople retrofitting buildings to engineers designing renewable energy systems, and from project managers overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects to analysts driving clean tech innovation, these workers are shaping a more sustainable future. With over 185,000 jobs in Metro Vancouver – and more expected as the energy transition continues – the clean economy is creating opportunities across industries, while equipping workers with the skills needed for a low-carbon future.
Heat Pump Contractor
These tradespeople install and maintain energy-efficient heat pumps, reducing carbon emissions. Demand for their skills is growing as more switch to electrified heating.
GHG Accountant
GHG accountants track emissions, helping businesses cut their environmental impact and meet carbon neutrality targets.
Industrial Electrician
Industrial electricians install, maintain, and repair systems that keep electric vehicles, industry, and buildings operating.
How We Work
The Sustainable Workforce Coalition is made up of 40+ leading organizations from the business, labour, Indigenous, education, community, and governmental sectors working to ensure that a large number of diverse workers are ready and able to enter the clean economy. The SWC provides coordination and strategic leadership to businesses and people as part of B.C.’s energy transition.
The Coalition is governed through a Steering Committee that meets quarterly to discuss partnerships, and events focused on:
- Increasing workforce attraction and retention to the clean economy through campaigns and programs
- Showcasing leading organizations building a sustainable workforce in the region and British Columbia
- Developing leading research and data on workforce needs, challenges, and opportunities
- Coordinating and supporting existing worker training and capacity-building programs, including those at ZEIC, such as the Zero Emissions Building Exchange, Carbon Leadership Forum BC, and Women for Climate.
Projects
- Greening the Screen: Sustainability Workshop Series for Producers
- Student Energy Report on Youth Workforce Attraction
- Lunch & Learn Webseries with the Vancouver and New Westminster and District Labour Councils
- Hosting a New York delegation of labour and environment leaders to discuss the potential of thermal energy networks
- Iron & Earth Worker Engagement Series
- Creating Real, Tangible Pathways into BC’s Clean Economy, creating entry points for five high-impact clean economy jobs
The Sustainable Workforce Coalition Team
George Patrick Richard Benson
Partners
Steering Committee:
Aboriginal Housing Management Association • Academy for Sustainable Innovation • Anuvision • BC Centre for Women in the Trades • BC Ministry of Post Secondary and Future Skills • BCIT • BIPOC Sustainability Collective • Buy Social Canada • City of Vancouver • Construction Foundation of BC • New Westminster & District Labour Council • Palette Skills • QuadReal • Student Energy • Tawaw Strategies • TransLink • UBC • Vancity • Vancouver & District Labour Council
Observers:
BC Housing • BC Hydro • BC Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions • Destination Vancouver • Metro Vancouver • Natural Resources Canada • Siga Swiss • Skilled Trades BC • Surrey Board of Trade • YVR