Why going green could be the key to our prosperity

THE burgeoning green economy has the potential to create thousands of jobs for North Staffordshire, according to new research.

Former Staffordshire county councillor and Green Party member William Cawley has carried out a seven-week study in conjunction with Keele University's Project Green, which gives recent and older graduates the chance to work on environmental schemes with local businesses.

Mr Cawley, of Leek, who was placed with energy efficiency scheme North Staffs Warm Zone, discovered that there are already 180 companies in the region providing about 4,000 so-called 'green-collar' jobs – positions that improve environmental quality.

And he believes the sector has the potential to create thousands more.

Mr Cawley, who is in the process of selling his historical walks business, Shriek In Leek, said: "North Staffordshire has a number of strengths such as an engineering base as well as a long history of involvement in land reclamation.

"The advantages of transitioning to a green economy are abundant. The demand for environmentally-friendly goods and services from both consumers and governments can help fuel economic growth through the creation of new industries and the revitalisation of struggling sectors."

Mr Cawley said that because of the wide range of green-collar jobs, the sector provides an opportunity for low and unskilled workers to get a foothold in the job market. Last year, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband set out plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent by 2020 and by 80 per cent by 2050. He believes 200,000 green-collar jobs will be created across the UK by 2015. Globally, the sector is already worth an estimated £3 trillion.

Mr Cawley said: "A lot of work has been done in the U.S. about the potential for green-collar jobs to replace traditional manufacturing positions in places which have been hit hard by the recession, so I have tried to follow those models. Now the information needs to be utilised."

Mr Cawley has already been in touch with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which is interested in feeding his database of companies into online business network Build-up North Staffordshire.

Stuart Adams, managing director at Hanley-based Endeka Ceramics, pictured, believes green technology is already creating jobs in the area.

Endeka has created ThermECO glazes and clays, which allow ceramics manufacturers to fire products at much lower temperatures.

Mr Adams said: "It saves energy, reduces the company's carbon footprint and gives them much better environmental credentials."

Endeka has helped Tunstall hotelware manufacturer Dudson launch its new eco-friendly Evolution range.

Mr Adams said: "Without ThermECO, that wouldn't exist. In terms of job creation we're already starting to see Evolution take off."

Keele University's Project Green is open to newly-qualified graduates who are struggling to find work, and those who may have graduated a while ago and now face unemployment.

The programme, which has openings in June and September, includes study towards a post-graduate certificate in Sustainable Business Management and a paid work placement with a local business to tackle an environmental project.

For more information, email ecif@uso.keele.ac.uk or call 01782 733587.

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