SkillHero
February 5, 2024
Looking to make a positive impact on the environment while building a rewarding career? Then these environmentally friendly skilled trade paths could be a good career path for you. These jobs are beneficial for the planet and provide promising opportunities for anyone seeking a fulfilling profession.
While most careers can be environmentally friendly with a little effort, some skilled trade paths involve doing work that directly improves society’s ability to treat the environment well.
Whether you’re designing a more efficient battery or reducing air conditioning costs, these careers are a great way to contribute to an eco-friendly future.
What makes a skilled trade environmentally friendly?
Skilled trades become environmentally friendly when they focus on sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Some trads prioritize eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and innovative technologies to minimize harm to the environment.
That said, there are some trade paths that provide unique benefits to green living in addition to minimizing our environmental impact. This article focuses on those trades.
What are the benefits of eco-friendly trades?
Engaging in eco-friendly trades contributes to preserving our planet but also provides job security and satisfaction. By choosing an environmentally conscious skilled trade, workers can play a vital role in creating a more sustainable future while enjoying stable employment and personal fulfillment.
7 Skilled Trade Paths That Help the Environment
With today's rapidly evolving technology, making proper plans for a sustainable future is as attainable as it is critical. Environmentally friendly skilled trade paths have emerged as pivotal players in many industries as a result.
From harnessing renewable energy sources to improving insulation and climate control, these careers contribute to a healthier planet and offer promising career opportunities for anyone who wants to make a positive impact.
Solar Electrician
Solar electricians play a pivotal role in harnessing solar power by installing and maintaining solar panels. Their responsibilities include ensuring proper placement of solar panels on residential, commercial, and industrial properties, as well as connecting them to the electrical grid.
Beyond installation, they conduct routine maintenance checks and repairs to optimize solar panel efficiency. Solar electricians significantly contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, thereby mitigating the impact of climate change and promoting sustainability in energy consumption.
If this trade path interests you, learn more about getting started as an electrician.
Green Plumber
Green plumbers specialize in implementing water-saving solutions and eco-friendly plumbing systems. They install low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling systems to conserve water resources and minimize environmental impact.
They also educate clients on sustainable plumbing practices and recommend energy-efficient appliances to further reduce water consumption.
Green plumbers play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability by minimizing water waste and promoting efficient water usage, thereby contributing to the conservation of precious water resources.
If this path seems like a good one for you, learn more about becoming a plumber here.
Solar Thermal Installer
Solar thermal installers focus on installing systems that utilize solar energy for heating water or air. Their work involves installing solar collectors, storage tanks, and distribution systems to capture and utilize solar heat effectively.
Solar thermal installers collaborate with engineers and architects to design systems tailored to the specific needs of residential and commercial buildings.
By harnessing solar thermal energy, this trade reduces reliance on conventional heating methods powered by fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy usage in heating applications.
Automotive Electrician
Automotive electricians specialize in repairing electric vehicles (EVs) or converting traditional gasoline-powered cars into electric ones. They diagnose and repair electrical components such as batteries, motors, and charging systems in EVs, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.
They also work on retrofitting conventional vehicles with electric drivetrains, contributing to the transition towards sustainable transportation. Automotive electricians play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating air pollution by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
You can learn more about this path and other electrical careers on our electrician info hub.
Wind Turbine Electrician
Wind turbine electricians are responsible for maintaining wind turbines to generate clean energy from wind power. Their duties include installing, inspecting, and repairing electrical and mechanical components of wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.
They conduct routine maintenance checks, troubleshoot electrical issues, and perform repairs to ensure optimal turbine performance. Wind turbine electricians play a vital role in sustaining the functionality of wind energy systems, contributing to the ongoing transition towards renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
Energy Auditor
Energy auditors assess buildings' energy usage to recommend efficiency improvements. They conduct comprehensive evaluations of buildings' energy systems, including HVAC, lighting, insulation, and appliances, to identify areas of inefficiency and potential energy savings.
Energy auditors provide clients with actionable recommendations to improve energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and minimize environmental impact. By promoting energy conservation and sustainability, energy auditors contribute to mitigating climate change and fostering a greener and more sustainable built environment.
If this path intrigues you, you'll need to learn how to get started as a weatherization technician.
Weatherization Technician
Weatherization technicians specialize in sealing homes against drafts and optimizing insulation for energy conservation. Their work involves identifying air leaks, installing weather-stripping and caulking, and adding insulation to improve energy efficiency and comfort levels in homes.
Weatherization technicians play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption, lowering utility costs, and decreasing carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling residential spaces. By improving the energy performance of homes, weatherization technicians contribute to promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing indoor comfort for homeowners.
How any trade can be environmentally friendly
Even if your current trade isn't traditionally considered "green," there are always ways to incorporate sustainability into your work practices - whether it's through recycling materials, minimizing waste, or adopting energy-efficient techniques.
Ready to embark on an exciting journey towards an environmentally friendly career? Whether you're just starting out or looking for a change of pace, there's no better time than now! Embrace the opportunity by signing up for a free SkillHero account today.
