Make Business Continuity a “Green” Profession
We certainly know the difference between blue collar and while collar jobs. A new category is emerging called “green collar” jobs. It refers to all types of jobs which address the design, manufacture, installation, operation, and/or maintenance of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
While this is not an official designation (yet), it should provide a general idea about the job profile of a green collar worker. Another school of thought differentiates between a green job and a green collar job in that the former closely resembles the description above, while the latter refers mainly to those jobs which improve the environment.
A recent report suggested that green collar jobs are increasing in the U.S. economy. However, exact figures are unavailable because there is no official definition of a green collar job. Some estimates put the figure of green collared jobs in the US at about 8.5 million. Further estimates project this to rise to 40 million jobs in the next two decades.
Since business continuity ideally examines all aspects of business operations, it offers opportunities to identify situations where green solutions could be applied. As we examine business processes to find ways of protecting and ensuring them in emergencies, we can also identify green applications.
Business continuity may already be one of the “greenest” of professions. As BC professionals, take every opportunity to improve your firm’s (or your client’s) green footprint. As you perform risk assessments, business impact analyses, or develop plans, look for ways to increase your firm’s/client’s environmental awareness. When conducting exercises, look for ways to add “green” to the exercise elements. And when conducting awareness and training activities, be sure to address environmental issues.
Tags: "green" issues, Business Continuity, environmental issues
