Tackling climate change is top of the training agenda
This week sees the launch of a unique approach to increase awareness of climate change in the retail sector.
Vocational qualifications awarding body EDI and Home Retail Group have worked in partnership to develop the first qualification to improve understanding of environmental sustainability in the sector.
The nationally-recognised qualification addresses the common environmental challenges faced by retailers, informed by research from Urban Mines, an environmental consultancy and charity specialising in waste management. Retail staff will have the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge to deal effectively with environmental legislation, manage waste responsibly, conserve water and reduce energy consumption.
Nearly a fifth of employers have reported that their organisations lack the specialist skills and knowledge needed to reduce their carbon footprint.
Laurence Singer, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Home Retail Group, explains: “Climate change is a mainstream issue for business and as retailers we have an important role in engaging our staff.
“Many colleagues are keen to reduce their environmental impact at work and at home. However our discussions with Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for Retail confirmed that there was no national environmental training programme which covered the needs of retailers although some of the multinationals had developed their own internal training. We were therefore delighted to fund the development of this accredited training programme which can be adapted to our needs whilst fulfilling a wider sectoral role.”
Peter Scholes, Managing Director of Urban Mines, stressed that retailers were in a unique position to influence customer attitudes and behaviour towards the environment:
“Our research has shown that the amount of waste produced by retail firms has increased in the last few years whereas the overall waste produced by other businesses has decreased. In many cases recycling is now of a similar or cheaper cost than sending waste to landfill, therefore those retailers that have already started reducing and recycling their waste are at an advantage.
“We were therefore keen to work in partnership with Home Retail Group on their environmental programmes and are delighted that it has now received EDI accreditation.”
Gareth Phillips, Director of Sales and Business Strategy at EDI, believes that companies should frequently review their training and qualifications to ensure they meet changing business priorities:
“Environmental concerns are rapidly increasing within the retail sector and there is more and more legislation being put in place all the time. Having employees well-trained in environmental sustainability will only serve to help business performance.”
