This time last year, sustainability professionals faced a very uncertain time, but the landscape is now changing again for ‘green’ employment in Australia.

The EnviroSearchGlobal annual salary survey for the 12 months to December 2009 found that the average remuneration package for sustainability professionals across roles from manager through to general manager level plummeted from $206,489 to $155,642. This survey profiled 60 employers, many of which are in the ASX 200. The plunge in remuneration values pointed to industry’s lack of confidence in the health of the green economy, which led to senior environmental positions being downgraded and bonuses withheld.

In some ways, this was simply another turn in what has been a turbulent few years for the sustainability sector. Following the last election, employers were keen to secure talented people in the face of a predicted skills shortage in the rush to prepare for the CPRS. And now, as the global financial crisis loosens its grip, all the jockeying for position in Canberra has left Australian businesses wondering how, when and even why they should prepare for the green economy.

Despite the lack of clarity or direction from Canberra, it now appears that businesses are taking the lead and budgets are being freed up to invest in sustainability. Companies are once again viewing environment and sustainability as a source of competitive advantage that will ultimately contribute to the bottom line. Individuals who can demonstrate commercial acumen, while managing the complexities of evolving regulation around climate change and sustainability, will command the highest salaries. To this end, we have seen a resurgence of salaries at the top end to pre-GFC levels.

Paved with green? The road ahead

Increased market confidence has also meant that individuals who 6 months ago were focused on role preservation are now considering other opportunities. With budgets and bonuses being slashed, employers are now being held responsible for actions during the downturn. This will result in a reshuffling of roles, something which is already evident in the recent level of movement in the property sector.

The return of companies into the black has reduced the pressure from shareholders to deliver immediate returns. Energy-efficiency projects are now being reinstated with more generous payback periods, reputational risk is being considered and corporate responsibility is now a key selling point to prospective staff.

Environmental professionals at the operational level were at risk during the GFC because they were seen as dispensable when projects were put on hold. However, there has been strong demand from employers over recent months as projects come back online, and as the talent pools dry up we may anticipate an increase in salary expectations.

All this bodes well for the sustainability professional as salaries return to 2008 levels, despite the lack of policy to support the industry. Companies will be looking to the commercially astute sustainability professional to contribute to organisational strategy and ultimately grow the bottom line.

Richard Evans is Director at EnviroSearch Global, a specialist executive search and recruitment company in the niche area of environment and climate change, sustainability, energy and carbon management.

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