By Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi
The world is gradually, even if strenuously, moving towards a greener economy, and sustainable ways of doing business have become relatively more mainstream than in the past. India, with its growing economy, a future-focused workforce and a business-supportive government, is arguably positioned to play a prominent role in this shift, giving rise to well-paying green jobs.
India is expected to generate approximately 35 million jobs by 2047, with 35–40 per cent likely to emerge from Tier II and Tier III cities. With a 38% year-over-year growth in sustainability and climate-related jobs, green jobs are no longer a niche segment. Excelling at green jobs, however, requires a strong interdisciplinary understanding to comprehend the different dimensions of a problem and the ability to visualise their interconnectedness. This is where design becomes central in the modern workplace.
Often misunderstood as an exercise in aesthetics, design influences how products are conceived, how services are delivered and how systems function. It empowers designers to examine problems holistically and craft solutions that are not just innovative but also socially and environmentally responsible. In a circular economy approach, for instance, design determines whether materials can be repaired, reused, remanufactured or recycled long before a product reaches the end of its life.
Circular economy frameworks emphasise redesign as a critical strategy alongside reduction, reuse, repair and recycling. The implication is significant. When industrial clusters, manufacturing facilities, business parks or urban developments are ‘designed’ with circularity in mind from the outset, they create opportunities for repair economies, remanufacturing industries and resource recovery enterprises.
India enjoys a distinct advantage here. Unlike many mature economies, practices of repair and reuse have long been embedded in everyday life. Products are often maintained and repaired over extended periods, while informal recycling ecosystems continue to support livelihoods across cities and towns. This cultural familiarity with circularity has not yet translated into widespread industrial adoption. Coupled with the rising employment potential across sectors, it presents an opportunity to create green jobs at scale.
Design can also serve as an important bridge between traditional knowledge systems and emerging green markets. India’s craft sector employs millions of artisans and makers who use natural materials, repair practices and low-impact production methods, already embodying several principles associated with sustainability. Yet these communities are often seen as custodians of heritage rather than as participants in future-oriented economic ecosystems. Design interventions can help reposition crafts within contemporary markets by improving product development, strengthening value chains and creating greater entrepreneurial opportunities. In doing so, sustainability can support both environmental stewardship and rural prosperity.
The understanding and scope of green jobs have also expanded as newer professional profiles have emerged. Behaviour change strategists, sustainability communication specialists, impact storytellers, climate-tech entrepreneurs and circular economy consultants represent an expanding category of design-adjacent green occupations.
The built environment also offers a multitude of opportunities. Architecture and planning practices now increasingly integrate net-zero aspirations, climate resilience measures and life-cycle assessments into mainstream projects. Corporates seeking compliance with environmental, social and governance frameworks create demand for professionals capable of retrofitting existing buildings, measuring embodied carbon and designing projects that qualify for carbon credits. Cities investing in climate-resilient infrastructure generate opportunities for renewable energy systems, sustainable mobility and climate-responsive development.
Artificial intelligence, digital twins and advanced simulation tools are likely to accelerate these transformations by supporting better environmental performance and more informed design decisions. Yet these interventions will continue to require human judgement, contextual understanding and interdisciplinary thinking. Design remains central to enabling such outcomes.
The demand for skilled and trained professionals is growing. However, the availability of such professionals remains underrepresented. Universities must adapt quickly to prepare such a climate-ready workforce. This requires more than the inclusion of isolated modules on sustainability. In fact, it calls for comprehensive educational frameworks that combine climate literacy, design thinking, technological understanding and experiential learning. Real-world studio projects, integration of green principles within the core curriculum and promoting interdisciplinary courses that combine climate, design, policy and tech-education are just a few priorities universities can and should pursue with immediate effect.
India’s green transition ultimately represents more than an environmental imperative. It offers an opportunity to rethink how industries function and livelihoods evolve. Design will act as an enabler that shapes products, systems and experiences with long-term sustainability in mind. Nurturing design-led approaches across sectors is essential for a successful transition in which businesses are not only environmentally responsible but also economically resilient, socially inclusive and capable of supporting meaningful livelihoods.
Author of this article is Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University
The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ETEducation. ETEducation shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused to any person or organisation, directly or indirectly, arising from the views expressed in this article.
