http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/comment/2216537/green-mbas

There is much debate over how to commence the "green jobs training program" that is necessary to assist with the expected wave of green-collar jobs. Many graduate business programs are beginning to ramp up their efforts to introduce business leaders to this emerging green market.

Two years ago the Worldwatch Institute indicated there were only four business schools in the US that focused on sustainability. Fast-forward to today and a simple Google search shows many more institutions have integrated sustainability as a component in their business school curricula.

Globally, institutions seem to be recognising the necessity of educating a next generation of business leaders who will have more than just financial returns and industry domination on their minds. Policies to lessen pressure on resources, improve management of environmental risks and increase the social equity of business practices and procedures are on the rise. Additionally, increased consumer awareness of environmental and social issues will continue to influence actions of corporations, governments and non-profits.

As these companies begin modifying the way they do their business to include greater environmental and social responsibility they will be seeking talent to help successfully shape these changes. Green collar jobs will likely be filled by labourers shifting from blue collar work and it seems that future C-level and upper management positions will need to be filled by leaders with working knowledge of sustainability.

BusinessGreen; May 15, 2008

Submitted by B.Shapiro