In this article, we’ll explain what sustainability jobs are and potential sustainability jobs that may interest you to work in or for your company to offer.

5 Sustainability Jobs You Could Like

In today’s society, the younger generation entering the workforce is more pre-occupied with pursuing sustainability jobs than ever before – with over 40% of Millennials and Gen Z alike willing to switch jobs for the sake of the environment. 

As the climate change crisis worsens, more people are becoming interested in jobs that stray away from traditional corporate jobs in place of sustainability jobs which could actively help global warming, deforestation, wildlife protection, avoid social injustices, and more. 

Sustainability jobs refer to job roles which address the issues created by climate change and promote the need for environmentally responsible practices, such as by improving ESG factors, helping to conserve natural resources, and protecting the environment and surrounding wildlife. 


💡 In fact, 24 million sustainability jobs could be created as a result of the transition to a greener economy – as industries worldwide continue to make an effort to reduce their emissions and reorganize their business models to comply with environmental regulations.

“For people interested in a career in sustainability, this means opportunity. The chance to make a difference. To use innovation and creativity to solve some of the most complex and important challenges of our time. To engage in something truly meaningful. And to be in demand as a skilled professional.” – Blogwriter at Charles Sturt University.

What kind of jobs are coming into the corporate sustainability space? The landscape of sustainability and its importance to corporations continuously evolves each year and it can be confusing to know what kind of roles there are to apply for. This video will cover some of the most common roles based on trends in the marketplace and hope it helps you all see what’s coming in 2024.

Until next time,
Tyanna 💜💫

#CorporateSustainability #SustainabilityCareers #GreenBusinessCareers

▷ CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:28 Job 1
3:50 Job 2
5:18 Job 3
7:40 Job 4
8:54 Job 5
11:15 Job 6
13:30 Job 7
16:22 Overview


▷ CAREER RESOURCES
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▷ ABOUT ME
My name is Tyanna Bui and I’m a first-gen, Asian American, who’s made my way into the sustainability industry. Throughout the last 5+ years, I’ve worked in various environmental spaces such as non-profit, consulting, and corporate. Outside my job, I enjoy adventuring the outdoors, singing, cooking, and practicing self-reflection. A pleasure to meet you guys!

▷ EQUIPMENT

    Camera: Canon EOS M50 mark ii
    Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro

Corporate Sustainability Jobs in 2024 | Trends, Responsibilities, Qualifications

Sustainability jobs aren’t exclusive to one field, as these jobs can exist across multivarious industries – in the same way that trees can exist in different forms across multiple regions with varying climates. 

Here are some of the key elements to sustainability jobs:

Protecting the Environment – Sustainability jobs will often focus on developing the use of renewable energy, reducing waste, preserving biodiversity, and improving air quality.

Social Justice – In addition to protecting the environment, sustainability jobs often seek to improve social injustices such as unequal access to healthcare by helping to stimulate a cleaner economy. 

Specialized Expertise – As sustainability jobs require knowledge from several fields in order to prove effective, those seeking sustainability jobs will often need a background in business, policy, environmental science, and even communications to ensure effective discourse with suppliers and stakeholders alike. 

Remember, sustainability jobs can take place across a wide variety of industries, such as:

Sustainable agriculture or climate smart farming 

Assistance with corporate social responsibility (CSR)

Providing expertise in environmental policy

In order to work a sustainability job, it will be required to foster good communication and teamwork skills in addition to a suitable post-graduate degree in your related field.

Here’s a breakdown of the common requirements for those who seek sustainability jobs:

Good Communication Skills – Working in sustainability often requires both interpersonal and business communication skills to effectively explain the requirements of your current project to both internal and external parties. 

Analytical Skills – Jobs in sustainability often demand analytical skills, such as those who work with animal life to assess wildlife populations or to collect and analyze data on current air pollution to improve upon these circumstances later. 

Previous Experience in Sustainability – As sustainability becomes more imperative to pay close attention to, many companies prefer someone who has experience with a role in sustainability to ensure accuracy and thoughtfulness in their approaches to developing sustainable solutions. 

Background in Project Management – Sustainability jobs often require time management and experience in handling large projects. After all, tackling sustainability in any field is never an overnight solution. 

Postgraduate Degree – While this may not be required for all sustainability jobs, acquiring a postgraduate degree can often highlight to employers your specialized skillsets to be used in future sustainability projects. However, it is important to note that an undergraduate degree in a relevant field and previous work experience is still sufficient for those who wish to pursue sustainability jobs.

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    <title>Sustainability Jobs</title>
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    <h2>Sustainability Job Requirements</h2>
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>Job Title</th>
                <th>Requirements</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>Ecologist</td>
                <td>
                    - Bachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or Biology<br>
                    - Fieldwork experience and data analysis skills<br>
                    - Knowledge of GIS tools
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Sustainability Manager</td>
                <td>
                    - Bachelor's in Environmental Science, Business, or related field<br>
                    - Leadership and project management experience<br>
                    - Familiarity with corporate sustainability standards (e.g., GRI, CDP)
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Sustainability Consultant</td>
                <td>
                    - Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Policy, Business, or Engineering<br>
                    - Analytical and problem-solving skills<br>
                    - Expertise in sustainability reporting and compliance
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Renewable Energy Specialist</td>
                <td>
                    - Degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field<br>
                    - Technical knowledge of renewable energy systems<br>
                    - Certification in solar, wind, or other technologies (optional)
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Green Architect</td>
                <td>
                    - Degree in Architecture with a focus on sustainability<br>
                    - Knowledge of LEED standards and green building codes<br>
                    - Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit)
                </td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>

    <h2>Pros and Cons of Sustainability Jobs</h2>
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>Job Title</th>
                <th>Pros</th>
                <th>Cons</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>Ecologist</td>
                <td>
                    - Hands-on work in nature<br>
                    - Directly contribute to ecosystem conservation<br>
                    - Opportunities for research and fieldwork
                </td>
                <td>
                    - Physically demanding fieldwork<br>
                    - Limited funding for projects<br>
                    - Potential for emotional strain from witnessing environmental damage
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Sustainability Manager</td>
                <td>
                    - High demand in corporate sectors<br>
                    - Opportunities to lead impactful projects<br>
                    - Competitive salary
                </td>
                <td>
                    - High pressure to meet sustainability goals<br>
                    - Requires balancing profit and environmental impact<br>
                    - Can involve navigating bureaucracy
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Sustainability Consultant</td>
                <td>
                    - Diverse projects across industries<br>
                    - Opportunity to work with multiple clients<br>
                    - High earning potential
                </td>
                <td>
                    - Travel and long hours may be required<br>
                    - Competitive and fast-paced environment<br>
                    - Requires constant learning to stay updated
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Renewable Energy Specialist</td>
                <td>
                    - Work with cutting-edge technologies<br>
                    - High job growth potential<br>
                    - Directly reduce carbon emissions
                </td>
                <td>
                    - Requires technical expertise<br>
                    - Dependent on project funding and location<br>
                    - Can involve fieldwork in remote areas
                </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Green Architect</td>
                <td>
                    - Combine creativity with sustainability<br>
                    - Growing demand for eco-friendly buildings<br>
                    - Long-term impact on urban spaces
                </td>
                <td>
                    - Expensive materials may limit projects<br>
                    - Balancing client desires with sustainability goals<br>
                    - Requires specialized knowledge and certifications
                </td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</body>
</html>


👉 Overall, sustainability jobs are a way for people to feel good about their daily work while also helping to fight against the negative consequences caused by climate change. 

What are the pros and cons of sustainability jobs?

There are multiple benefits to working sustainability jobs, such as potential longevity for the respective role and feeling good about the work that’s done to help save the planet – but may require more time and money to effectively pursue and secure a sustainability job.

Job Satisfaction – People who engage in sustainability jobs are more likely to feel satisfied with their careers, especially since it’s scientifically proven that helping others can boost happiness levels – which sustainability jobs often directly or indirectly achieve as a result of helping wildlife or avoiding social injustices.

Richer Lifestyle – Traditional corporate jobs, while some companies offer remote positions allowing for more freedom, are often more restrictive than sustainability jobs – as sustainability is a global issue that can allow for exciting travel opportunities and the ability to work across multiple industries. 

💡 As a whole, sustainability jobs may be the right fit for you if you easily get bored with your surroundings and seek challenges to stay stimulated at work. 

Potential Job Security – As the effects of climate change continue to grow more prevalent across the globe, it is probable that governments and businesses alike will continue to create more sustainability jobs – making this field relevant and stable for those seeking job security. 

Expression of Creativity – More traditional roles such as social media and marketing today may require you to create content that aligns with the current algorithm – whereas developing environmental solutions requires exceptional inventiveness and anything but the ordinary. This creativity can include helping to design sustainable communities or even new, renewable sources of energy.

Time & Effort – Working in sustainability means investing your time and money into pursuing higher education in addition to enrolling in relative sustainability courses to become further qualified for your desired role. Furthermore, previous work experience in sustainability is often recommended – meaning that it could be a slower climb “up the corporate ladder” and develop your career in sustainability since the field is still relatively new.

Emotional Burnout – While someone with a sustainability job, such as a veterinarian working to save homeless animals and protecting them from the effects of climate change, may feel deeply fulfilled by their work – it may also frustrate them after extended periods of time – especially in moments where there is no solution to the current issue. This can cause those who work sustainability to feel emotionally drained, and make it difficult to separate their professional lives from their personal lives. 

Lack of Immediate or Corporate Validation – Oftentimes, when we see someone with a resume who went to Harvard or worked for a big name company such as Apple or Maybelline – we are able to validate their education and work experience without a second thought. However, newer and smaller start-ups with sustainability jobs may not offer the same globally recognized experience for those seeking new opportunities to expand their career. 

👉 Ultimately, sustainability jobs can be rewarding for those who are passionate about climate change – but as with any job, there are potential downsides, such as complex and stressful work projects and being unable to separate your work from your personal life. 

There are several types of sustainability jobs, such as working as an ecologist, an urban planner, or a sustainability consultant or manager.

It is important when seeking sustainability jobs to search for a role that is personally satisfying, as these roles often require innovative solutions that demand unique thought processes and intrinsic motivation.

Here are 5 sustainability jobs you may have not thought of that might interest you: 

As a more traditional sustainability job, these types of managers develop and employ strategies for businesses to reduce their environmental impact, such as by helping to improve energy efficiency, reduce water usage, and comply with regulations.

This sustainability job is best suited for those who enjoy managing big projects, prioritize organization, and value compliance.


💡 Think in terms of project management, but taking it one step further – as your projects will now be oriented towards sustainable solutions.

On the more creative side of sustainability jobs is a green designer or architect, who will seek to re-design rooms, homes, and buildings to be more energy efficient.

Remember, green design can extend to products also – such as wanting to develop a zero-waste beauty brand or a more energy efficient laptop. Therefore, green design is a sustainability job that can interest many people across various industries.

Green architecture involves creating environmentally friendly buildings while using sustainable materials to reduce energy consumption and wasting finite resources.

As there is a growing demand for green buildings that qualify under LEED and WELL certifications, a green architecture could have a fruitful future while still enjoying a diverse project portfolio and helping to conserve resources.

👉 This is a sustainability job most suitable for people with a good eye for detail and who enjoy a creative challenge, as developing eco-friendly products and buildings requires out-of-the-box thinking.

An environmental consultant guides businesses or even government bodies on how to comply with environmental regulations, control their contribution to pollution, and develop overall sustainable operations. 

In the same vein of those who enjoy teaching, becoming an environmental consultant might be right for you if you find joy in guiding others to long-term and practical lessons and solutions. 

Furthermore, a sustainability job as an environmental consultant would allow for a dynamic work environment – often as a mix of office work and traveling to different places to help solve environmental challenges on site.

Working in the world of fashion can be a challenge, but the industry is in need of a makeover to become more sustainable and viable long-term – meaning that it needs new people passionate about sustainability in fashion.

Working in sustainable fashion design, while becoming a sustainable fashion designer is often most desirable – can be optimal no matter how small the position. For instance, a sustainable stylist could encourage big-name celebrities to choose more eco-friendly pieces and influence thousands of fans – while fashion designers and interns can help to choose more sustainable materials for garments and maximize designs for durability to avoid excess waste. 

💡 In addition to this, if you want to work in sustainability, enjoy fashion, and have the funds – you could consider opening a thrift store or a sustainable clothing store to offset the carbon impact of fast fashion.
Ultimately, with the rise of consumerism now being viewed as a problem for climate change, alongside many brands such as Patagonia already changing their business models to account for a more sustainable industry – working in sustainable fashion could allow people passionate for this type of art to make a difference.

Environmental Journalist & Photographer 

With a median pay of around $40,000 USD every year, projected job growth of 17% by 2030, and no post-graduate degree required – becoming an environmental photo journalist is bound to be an intriguing sustainability job for many. 

This sustainability job involves photojournalists to document the harsh realities of climate change – such as by traveling onsite after a wildfire or hurricane to capture how both the planet and human lives are hurting. 

💡 However, while exciting, it is important to note that constantly bearing witness to the wake of a natural disaster could spur your own eco-anxiety and be a mentally challenging job to withstand.

“I was a news photographer for many years and I loved that. But I ultimately started to feel like it wasn’t the most natural fit for my temperament.” – Pete Muller, speaking on his two years as an environmental photojournalist and how it started to take a toll on his mental health. 

Overall, there are a wide variety of sustainability jobs to choose from – many of them more creative and fulfilling than you might think. This allows all of us to discover sustainability jobs that could align with our individual career goals while still helping the planet. 

If reading this article about sustainability jobs you may like has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

It can be overwhelming to figure out how to integrate sustainability into your employee’s lives, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to kick-start your sustainability and make sure your employees feel included in your efforts to reduce emissions. 

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

In this article, we’ll explain what kerosene is, why it’s bad for the planet, and what we could use instead of kerosene.

What is the Problem with Kerosene?

As many countries around the world seek alternative resources to fuel their industrial processes and transportation, new light is being shed on the substances we have been using for decades – such as with kerosene and its harmful impact.

Kerosene is frequently used for fuel, such as with jet engines, to power lamps, and for other various heating, lighting, and cooking purposes. 

In this article, we’ll explain what kerosene is, why it’s bad for the planet, and what we could use instead of kerosene as we move towards a more sustainable world.

Kerosene is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon derived from petroleum, which is most commonly used for engine fuel or other heating or lighting purposes. 

💡Since kerosene is less volatile than other substances such as gasoline or diesel, it has become a widely available “over the counter” type of crude oil to offer to consumers in-store.

“Approximately 1.5 million households in the United Kingdom alone use kerosene, in addition to almost 250,000 rural businesses dependent on kerosene for oil and space heating – demonstrating how it has become a common substance to use for general industrial and heating purposes.”

Welcome To Karthi Explains in this Video we are going to Explain how kerosene oil is formed.
what is kerosene ?
Kerosene, also known as paraffin, lamp oil, and coal oil is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is derived from petroleum. commonly used as a fuel or solvent It is a thin, clear liquid.
There are so many steps involved in manufacturing of kerosene but in this video we are simply going to see 3 steps
Step 1. Collecting the crude oil
Step 2. Separating the kerosene from crude oil
Step 3. purifying the kerosene.

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0:00 - Background & Usage
0:24 - introduction
0:44 - Formation of Crude oil
1:08 - Steps
1:21 - Collecting The Crude Oil
2:13 - Separation of Kerosene
3:01 - Purification of Kerosene
4:11 - Final Product

How Kerosene is Made animation

Appearance & Odor – Kerosene is a pale, yellow liquid with a slight oily odor.

Boiling Points –  Kerosene’s maximum boiling point is 572 °F, and its distillation temperature is 400 °F.

Physical Composition – Kerosene is made of various hydrocarbons, usually containing 10-16 carbon atoms per molecule. 

Kerosene is made via a separation process known as fractional distillation. 

Here’s a breakdown of how kerosene is extracted from crude oil:

Crude Oil Extraction – Through the process of drilling, crude oil is extracted from the Earth and is then sent to a refinery for further processing. 

Fractional & Kerosene Distillation – The main step in making kerosene, fractional distillation, works by heating the crude oil at a high temperature (around 350°C or 662°F). Once the crude oil vaporizes, the hydrocarbons separate – where the gasoline rises to the top. The kerosene is then extracted from the distillation column it was heated in. 

Purification – Various elements are removed from the now created kerosene, such as by conducting desulfurization to remove additional sulfur from kerosene. In addition to this, additives may be added to the kerosene to be used as engine fuel – such as for airplanes. 

Distribution – Once the kerosene has been purified, it can then be sent to stores to be purchased for household use, or to storage facilities to be used for larger industrial purposes – such as for jet fuel. 

Household Purposes – Our homes may use kerosene for individual heaters, lamps, or to power our stoves – especially in more rural areas where there is little to no electricity.

Aviation Fuel – Perhaps one of the most common uses of kerosene, aviation fuel often relies on kerosene – such as with Jet-A and Jet-A1 fuel for aircrafts. 

Industrial Purposes – Many industrial sites will use kerosene to power smaller engines, in-house machinery, and even for cleaning purposes – as kerosene can be used to degrease and clean ground surfaces. 

Military – Although a less common or widely-used example of kerosene, some rockets or military equipment may require the use of kerosene to power their engines – such as JP-8 (Jet Propulsion) fuel for military aircrafts or an RP-1 rocket. 

👉 Prior to electricity, kerosene was used to heat handheld lamps – but in today’s world, kerosene is used for heating oil and spaces and developing various engine fuels. However, its newfound popularity and usage doesn’t come without its consequences – as kerosene has a negative impact on the environment and human health.

The main reason why so many people and businesses alike have opted for kerosene is because it’s an efficient and affordable way to power homes and industrial operations. 

💡 Kerosene produces fewer fumes in comparison to other fossil fuels, making it the more eco-friendly option amongst other finite energy sources – despite the fact that kerosene, in of itself, is still not a renewable energy source.

Since kerosene can warm homes efficiently, many people will end up using less oil to heat their homes or office spaces when they switch to kerosene – making it a popular choice for those who have yet to switch to more sustainable energy sources.

Here are some of the benefits for those who choose to use kerosene:

Affordability – Kerosene is inexpensive to make, meaning it’s cheaper for businesses to buy – especially when the purchases are made in bulk. This affordable source of finite energy can help new industrial businesses get their feet off the ground. 

General Safety – In comparison to other oils, which may be hazardous or easily catch on fire, kerosene is generally safe to use and store indoors. 

Multipurpose Usage – As kerosene is easy to light and can be used in several different ways, its multipurpose properties make it an all-in-one, reliable energy source.

👉 It is important to note that while kerosene can be convenient, it doesn’t come without its caveats – as kerosene is ultimately a finite source of energy which contributes to various environment issues.

Kerosene is a serious problem seeing as it can emit poisonous gases, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and even prove toxic to humans.

💡 When developing a new business, it is worthwhile to recognize that while kerosene may be the most affordable and functional option available – it isn’t the best source of energy to use long-term as it could both your surrounding environment and employees at risk.

Here are some of the reasons why kerosene is a problem in our world in the midst of climate change:

Stunts Development of Clean Energy Resources – As kerosene is still frequently used and accessible to many industries around the world, such as aviation, it may prohibit the incentive to develop new, sustainable sources of energy – such as biofuels for airplanes. 

GHG Emissions – According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),  3.16 kg CO2 is emitted per kilogram of jet fuel used – of which the majority is made with kerosene. As the aviation industry accounts for 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the majority of jet fuel utilizes kerosene – this reveals that kerosene creates a sizable contribution to our worldwide emissions. 

Impacted Air Quality – In addition to GHG emissions, kerosene releases various particle matter – such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and sulfur oxides (SOₓ). All of these can degrade our current air quality and further contribute to air pollution. 

Price Fluctuations – Although widely available, the price of kerosene is bound to be affected by uncontrollable external factors – such as supply and demand or international affairs. This can make it a financially unsustainable resource for many businesses, especially while their moving capital is not fully sufficient to adapt to these sudden changes in price. 

Perpetuates Energy Poverty – Since Kerosene is more commonly used in regions where households have little access to electricity, the use of kerosene may exacerbate the current energy inequality dilemma – as it may limit accessibility to renewable forms of energy such as wind or solar power. 

The table below will further depict the reasons why kerosene is bad:

<table border="1">
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th>Category</th>
            <th>Negative Impact</th>
            <th>Details</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>Environmental Harm</td>
            <td>Greenhouse Gas Emissions</td>
            <td>Burning kerosene releases CO₂, contributing significantly to climate change.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td></td>
            <td>Air Pollution</td>
            <td>Produces particulate matter, NOₓ, and SOₓ, leading to degraded air quality.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td></td>
            <td>Oil Spills and Leaks</td>
            <td>Leaks during extraction or transportation harm soil and water ecosystems.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Health Risks</td>
            <td>Indoor Air Pollution</td>
            <td>Emissions from kerosene stoves and lamps cause respiratory illnesses and eye irritation.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td></td>
            <td>Fire Hazards</td>
            <td>Highly flammable and can lead to fires or accidents in poorly ventilated areas.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Resource Dependency</td>
            <td>Fossil Fuel Reliance</td>
            <td>Depends on crude oil, delaying transitions to renewable energy sources.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td></td>
            <td>Economic Vulnerability</td>
            <td>Price volatility in global oil markets impacts regions relying on kerosene.</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>


Kerosene can be toxic for human beings if accidentally inhaled, ingested, or if kerosene makes contact with your skin.

Here is how kerosene can be detrimental to human health:

Skin Contact – If exposed skin comes into contact with kerosene, even for brief periods it can result in a burn-like reaction – including itchy, red, and sore skin with developing blisters and possible peeling. 

Drinking Kerosene – When kerosene is ingested, drinking excessive amounts of kerosene can result in a coma, convulsions, and even premature death.

Inhalation – Similar to ingesting kerosene, its fumes can be fatal – as inhaling kerosene can cause irritated airways, dizziness, nausea, and present long-term effects as well, such as an increased predisposition to lung cancer. 

👉 Overall, reducing our usage of kerosene is critical in the midst of a push to transition to clean energy economies – especially since kerosene can have a profound negative impact on the environment and human life alike.

Luckily, there are several ways in which we can avoid the use of kerosene – such as by seeking renewable sources like bio-fuels or by using plant-based, chemical-free cleaning products.

Kerosene, while less emissive than other fossil fuels, is still a finite source of energy – meaning that in the midst of climate change, it is still essential to find ways to mitigate its use and fully understand the potential consequences of its continued use.

Here are some ways to cut back on the use of kerosene:

Many industries will use kerosene as a cleaning agent for their machinery, but most are unaware of the more eco-friendly options available – such as soy-based solvents and citrus-based cleaners used to remove grease and and oil. 

Furthermore, there are other substitutes to kerosene for cleaning – and while they may not be as optimal as plant-based cleaning alternatives, they are still less emissive than kerosene.

Two additional examples of replacement substances include:

Mineral Spirits – This substitute for kerosene acts as a petroleum-based solvent to remove oil and grease and is less flammable than kerosene.

White Spirits – Similar to mineral spirits as it can remove stains, white spirits are another petroleum-based solvent which can be used in place of kerosene. However, it is important to note that white spirits are flammable and can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.

We can mitigate the use of kerosene by employing the use of renewable energy sources, especially to power homes with heating and electricity in place of kerosene – such as with wind energy or solar panels. 

💡In terms of limiting the use of kerosene, it is imperative that we expand renewable energy sources to be more accessible in rural areas – as this can allow residents in rural areas to cut back on their use of kerosene.

While renewable energy may be less conducive to fully operating businesses, there is always a way to get started in the clean energy transition – starting with a demo from Greenly. 

It is vital to educate our local communities on the possible negative effects associated with kerosene, as many households and even businesses may not be aware of their detrimental environmental and health impact.

One effective way to reduce the current usage of kerosene would be to employ legislation which bans its use, or to tax businesses that opt to use kerosene – in the same way many states across the U.S. imposed a tax on plastic bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.

 Although it sounds simple, encouraging households and businesses alike to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, can help to cut back on the environmental impact of traditional kerosene lamps. Incentives have already and can continue to exist, such as with  Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – which helped to encourage Americans to opt for energy efficient options. 

💡Furthermore, we should be making an increased effort to improve our electricity grids to allow rural areas to access electricity – this way, they can reduce their current dependence on kerosene for cooking, lighting, and heating. 

Overall, we can easily mitigate the use of excessive kerosene by utilizing technology to improve our existing energy infrastructure and encouraging businesses and households alike to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. 

If your business is struggling to reduce its dependency on finite sources of energy such as kerosene and adapt to a more sustainable world, you can always turn to Greenly for the professional guidance you need to go green. 

If reading this article on kerosene has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

It can be overwhelming to figure out how to effectively reduce emissions in your business, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to ensure your company is reducing emissions as effectively as possible.

In this article we’ll explore what the CBAM is, why it’s been created, and what importers need to know ahead of its introduction.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

On August 17th, 2023, the European Commission adopted detailed reporting rules for its newly created Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The transitional phase of this new mechanism commenced in October 2023, introducing greenhouse gas reporting obligations for importers of certain carbon-intensive products. 

It is hoped that the CBAM will strengthen the effectiveness of the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and reduce carbon leakage. 

👉 In this article we'll explore what the CBAM is, why it's been created, and what importers need to know about its implementation.

The European Union has been progressively intensifying policies and regulations in an effort to reduce emissions and to work towards achieving its climate change targets, which include reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. 

A cornerstone of the EU's strategy to achieve these ambitions is the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). According to the European Commission, the ETS is “a key tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. It's the world's first major carbon market and remains the biggest one.”

The ETS works by assigning a cost to carbon dioxide emissions (known as carbon pricing) which incentivises the reduction of emissions. Under the scheme, companies can buy or receive carbon allowances corresponding to their carbon emissions, which in effect makes using carbon-intensive energy sources like fossil fuels even more expensive, and makes switching to clean energy sources much more attractive. 

The EU sets a cap on how much carbon dioxide can be emitted annually, and this cap decreases with every passing year. Companies must have enough carbon allowances to cover their annual emissions. If their emissions surpass the amount covered by their allowance they will be fined. Conversely, if they release less greenhouse gases than their allowances, they can sell their excess carbon allowances. 

It's worth noting that free allowances have been issued under the ETS to safeguard the competitiveness of certain energy-intensive industries. However, these free allowances will be gradually phased out from 2026 through to 2034. 

👉 Since its inception in 2005, the ETS has helped to reduce emissions in energy-intensive industries such as power generation and manufacturing by around 35%. However, the success of the system is tempered by something known as ‘carbon leakage'. 

The EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) is a cornerstone of the European Union's policy to combat climate change and its key tool for reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. 

Find out how it does so http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets

The EU Emissions Trading System explained

This describes the situation whereby greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in one country increase as a result of emissions reductions in another country with stricter emissions regulations and policies. For example, one country may have implemented carbon taxes or a cap-and-trade emissions scheme in an effort to reduce GHG emissions, however, companies can avoid these extra costs by simply moving their production processes to another country without such stringent policies in place. In essence, it's a spillover of emissions.

The European Commission states that “Carbon leakage refers to the situation that may occur if, for reasons of costs related to climate policies, businesses were to transfer production to other countries with laxer emissions constraints. This could lead to an increase in their total emissions.

Because the ETS is a regional scheme, it is vulnerable to the varying emissions policies that exist globally and its effectiveness has been reduced by carbon leakage. Research conducted by the European Central Bank found that companies were moving their carbon-intensive activities from inside Europe to outside of the EU. 

This is why, in December 2022, a provisional agreement was reached between the EU Parliament and the EU Council to introduce a new mechanism called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This tool places emissions tariffs on imported goods with a high risk of carbon leakage, originating from countries that are not members of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Welcome to our channel! In this video, we delve into the concept of carbon leakage and its significant contribution to climate change.

Carbon leakage refers to the phenomenon where emissions reduction efforts in one region or country lead to an increase in emissions in another region or country with less stringent environmental regulations. This occurs primarily due to the relocation of industries or businesses to jurisdictions with lower carbon constraints, resulting in a shift of production and associated emissions.

In this educational video, we explore the various factors contributing to carbon leakage, including differences in environmental policies, carbon pricing mechanisms, and competitiveness among nations. We highlight the consequences of carbon leakage on global climate goals and discuss why it is crucial to address this issue on an international scale.

Understanding the impact of carbon leakage is vital for crafting effective climate change mitigation strategies. We examine how this phenomenon can undermine the efforts made by countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve targets outlined in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.

Join us as we explore the potential solutions to combat carbon leakage, such as the implementation of border carbon adjustments, harmonization of carbon pricing mechanisms, and strengthening international cooperation. We shed light on the challenges and opportunities associated with these strategies and discuss their potential effectiveness in curbing carbon leakage and fostering global climate action.

If you are passionate about climate change and want to deepen your understanding of the complex issues surrounding it, this video is a must-watch. Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our future videos dedicated to environmental sustainability and climate change topics.

Together, let's raise awareness, foster knowledge, and work towards a greener and more sustainable future. Watch now and join the conversation on carbon leakage and its contribution to climate change!

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What is Carbon leakage & how it contributes to climate change?

What is the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

As the European Union increases its policies and regulations in an effort to combat climate change, there is a risk of ‘carbon leakage' - whereby companies based in the EU move their carbon-intensive production or manufacturing abroad to countries with less stringent climate policies or without any form of carbon tax, or where EU products are simply replaced by imported products with higher carbon footprints. 

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been introduced to combat this situation. It's a mechanism that “puts a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods that are entering the EU, and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.”  

Essentially the mechanism's key objective is to level the playing field for European producers operating in the EU market who face a financial impact for their emissions under the EU ETS, while also encouraging industrial decarbonisation globally.

CBAM was officially adopted by the EU Commission on the 17th of August, 2023. The mechanism entered into a transitional period from the 1st of October 2023, which will run until the 31st of December 2025, meaning that the CBAM will come into full effect from the 1st of January 2026.

What is ‘carbon leakage’ and how will the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism tackle it? 
Industries in the EU face strict limits on the CO2 emissions they produce. To get around these rules, companies may move production to non-EU countries with weaker regulations. 
The European Parliament has approved new rules to encourage responsible behaviour by EU companies and discourage the import of cheap carbon-intensive products made in non-EU countries.
Find out more in our short Q&A.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism explained

How does the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism work?

The CBAM will apply to goods produced in countries that are not covered by the EU ETS. This includes both goods that were produced in their entirety outside of the EU and goods that underwent substantial production outside of the EU. 

The CBAM has been designed to support businesses during this period of change which is why it gradually increases in scope. As of October 1, 2023, the transitional period began. What this means is that importers of certain goods whose production is carbon intensive and susceptible to carbon leakage will have to report on GHG embedded in their imports. At this stage, however, they are not expected to make any financial payments. 

Goods that will fall under the transitional period of the CBAM include:

Some downstream products that contain iron and steel - for example, screws and nails

In 2026, the transitional period will come to an end and importers will be expected to start paying adjustments. This ensures that the carbon price of imports is equivalent to the carbon price of domestic products and that the EU's climate objectives are not undermined. It's possible that at this point the scope of CBAM requirements will be expanded and that further goods will also be subject to the carbon levy.

As the EU raises its own climate ambition, but less stringent environmental and climate policies prevail in non-EU countries, there is a strong risk of so-called ‘carbon leakage’, which can shift
emissions outside of Europe and seriously undermine EU and global climate efforts.

That’s why the EU needs the  new Carbon Border Adjustment mechanism for imports of goods from outside the EU: a system that puts a fair price on the carbon emitted during production, and that encourages cleaner industry in non-EU countries.

https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/news/commission-proposes-new-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism-and-revision-energy-taxation_de

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 60 seconds

The transition period of the CBAM's implementation began in October 2023 and will run until December 2025. The intention of this transition period is to allow for a gradual phasing in of the CBAM, allowing businesses (both within and outside the EU) to transition to the new system.

With only GHG reporting obligations at this point, businesses will be given some flexibility when it comes to reporting on emissions embedded in their imports. During the first year of implementation, businesses will have a choice of completing their quarterly reports in one of three ways: 

Full reporting in line with new EU methodology;

Reporting based on equivalent third-country national systems;

Reporting based on default emissions data (also referred to as default values or reference values). 

However, as of January 2025, only the EU method will be accepted. 

The European Commission has developed in-depth guidance, IT tools, training materials, and tutorials that will support importers who must calculate and report emissions when the CBAM transitional period begins. To access these CBAM implementation training tools and documents, head over to the European Commission's website.

❗Good to know: Importers are expected to collect data from the fourth quarter of 2023, however, their first report will not need to be submitted until the end of January 2024.

The permanent system will come into effect from January 1st, 2026. This means that importers will need to declare the number of products imported to the EU in the preceding year (known as the annual CBAM declaration), along with data on their embedded greenhouse gas emissions. 

💡 Therefore, European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to become fully operational after January 1, 2026, which will result in numerous changes to be made to CBAM.

Here are some of the changes to be expected under CBAM in 2026 onward:

No More Free Allowances – Starting in 2026, unreported goods will be fined anywhere between 10 and 50 euros of fines per ton of carbon-intensive goods not reported. Ultimately, importers will then need to surrender CBAM certificates corresponding to the GHGs embedded in imported CBAM goods, effectively imposing a carbon price. The cost of these certificates will be determined by the weekly average auction price of allowances under the EU carbon market. Importers will have to purchase CBAM certificates for the same amount per tonne of carbon dioxide as if the goods had been manufactured within the EU. In other words: the price of CBAM certificates will correspond to carbon prices at the EU ETS.

If an importer does not hand over the correct number of corresponding CBAM certificates, they will have to pay a fine for each tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. Where the goods have been imported by a person who is not a CBAM declarant, the penalty will be between 3 and 5 times higher than this, depending on the “duration, gravity, scope, intentional nature and repetition” of the non-compliance.

Price & Tax Exposure Increase  – European Union importers will be required to obtain an authorization to import CBAM goods into the E.U., which will increase their awareness regarding taxed carbon-intensive goods. In addition to this, allowance prices expected to double and every triple by 2034. In fact, there will be a 100% reduction in free emission allowances under CBAM by 2034 – starting with a 2.5% in 2026. As a whole, this creates financial pressure on both importers and suppliers – who will have to shift their business to be more sustainable if they want to remain successful in a fiscal-sense. 

Expansion of Qualified Carbon Goods Under CBAM – From 2026 onward, it's feasible that additional sectors will be added under CBAM to help progressively cover all of the emissions created by these imported carbon goods. Sectors that are subject to be added under CBAM include textile, plastics, and even ceramics. 

💡 A note on embedded emissions: These are the direct GHG emissions from the manufacturing of goods, that are generated from activities the manufacturer owns or controls.

The European Commission will perform a review of the CBAM prior to the end of its transitional period. It will also be determined whether or not the scope of the mechanism should be expanded to include other product groups (for example organic chemicals and downstream products). A timetable is expected to be produced which will outline the sectors covered and the inclusion of other goods already covered by the EU ETS. 

👉 By 2030 it is hoped that all goods covered by the EU Emission Trading Scheme will be included in the CBAM. 

The European Commission is also expected to consider whether or not it should expand emissions covered by the CBAM to include both direct and indirect emissions. As it stands the EU CBAM applies to direct emissions of greenhouse gases emitted during the production phase of the covered products, as well as to indirect emissions for a subset of those products.

<table border="1" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0">
  <tr>
    <th>Phase</th>
    <th>Timing</th>
    <th>Application</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Transitional Period Begins</td>
    <td>October 2023</td>
    <td>Importers report GHG emissions for carbon-intensive goods, no financial payments required.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>First Year Reporting Options</td>
    <td>October 2023 - October 2024</td>
    <td>Businesses choose reporting method: full EU reporting, third-country equivalent systems, or default emissions values.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Full Reporting in Line with EU Methodology</td>
    <td>January 2025</td>
    <td>Only EU methodology for GHG reporting accepted.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>End of Transitional Period</td>
    <td>December 2025</td>
    <td>Importers start preparing for full financial adjustments.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Permanent System Begins</td>
    <td>January 1, 2026</td>
    <td>Importers start paying adjustments based on GHG emissions embedded in their imports.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Scope and Coverage Review</td>
    <td>End of 2025</td>
    <td>Review of CBAM's scope and potential expansion to new product groups.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Potential Expansion of Covered Goods</td>
    <td>2026-2030</td>
    <td>Possible inclusion of organic chemicals and downstream products; extension of coverage to indirect emissions.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Full Scope Implementation</td>
    <td>By 2030</td>
    <td>Expected full implementation covering all goods under the EU ETS.</td>
  </tr>
</table>


What companies in the US need to know about CBAM

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is likely to have significant implications for US businesses exporting to the European Union, particularly those in carbon-intensive sectors such as steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers. 

💡 As the US does not have a national carbon pricing mechanism equivalent to the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), American exporters will need to adapt to the new CBAM regulations.

Key ways CBAM could impact US businesses include:

US exporters of covered goods will need to report the GHG emissions embedded in their products to comply with CBAM. This will require them to track their emissions, potentially leading to increased administrative costs, especially for businesses that have not previously monitored their carbon footprint in detail.

From 2026, US businesses will be required to purchase CBAM certificates for products exported to the EU, reflecting the carbon price they would have paid if they were part of the EU’s ETS. This could raise the cost of US goods in the EU market, potentially making them less competitive compared to lower-carbon or EU-produced alternatives.

US businesses will face growing pressure to reduce their carbon emissions to mitigate the impact of CBAM. Companies that successfully decarbonize their production processes could reduce their CBAM-related costs, making their exports more competitive in the EU market.

There is a possibility that CBAM could exacerbate trade tensions between the US and the EU, especially if the US government views the mechanism as a protectionist measure. However, US businesses may also lobby for the introduction of a national carbon pricing system or other climate policies to level the playing field with European competitors.

For US companies that export carbon-intensive products, managing Scope 3 emissions from their supply chains will be crucial. Working with suppliers to reduce emissions could lower their overall carbon footprint and reduce the cost of CBAM compliance.

Overall, CBAM will likely increase costs for US businesses exporting carbon-intensive goods to the EU. However, those that act early to reduce emissions may gain a competitive advantage, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability and global trade.

Importers of goods manufactured outside of the EU, that fall within the scope of the CBAM, should look to familiarise themselves with their obligations. They will also need to ensure that they: 

Register with national authorities before importing goods;

Declare the volume of imported goods and their embedded GHG emissions annually (this will require the collection of emissions data, including emissions stemming from their supply chain); 

From January 2026, they will need to obtain the corresponding amount of CBAM certificates to cover embedded emissions; 

The European Commission has created a transitional registry for CBAM to assist EU importers in fulfilling and reporting their CBAM-related responsibilities. Importers should request access to this registry via the National Competent Authority (NCA) in the relevant EU Member States. 

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