Upwork: Green Freelancers Are on the Rise

Freelance platform Upwork reports a new trend in the independent talent landscape is on the rise: green freelancing. The company noticed a skyrocketing demand for green freelance jobs. According to its data, searches for sustainability experts rose by 500% between 2019 and 2023.

A Boston Consulting Group study shows that the rising number of companies incorporating ESG considerations drives the demand for green expertise. Sixty percent of companies already incorporate ESG considerations into their digital transformation efforts, and over 80% plan to increase their ESG investments.

Furthermore, Trellis’ State of the Sustainability Profession report (conducted in collaboration with Upwork) discovered a broader hiring shift in the green space, with companies sourcing over two-thirds of their recent sustainability hires from outside their organizations, up from 45% in 2012.

A report from Lightcast projects green jobs will comprise 14% of the US workforce by 2030. Upwork sees the current talent shortage as an opportunity for skilled independent professionals.

In times of economic uncertainty, companies are more cautious about full-time hires and increasingly rely on freelancers to fill skill gaps. Moreover, companies are turning to independent talent for more than basic tasks. Upwork predicts the same scenario in the green freelancing sector. The company said that “the growing role of freelancers in this space has been largely overlooked” and expects independent sustainability experts to drive “strategic change across industries.”

Unlike corporations, budget-constrained small to mid-size businesses often can’t afford to have in-house sustainability teams. On the other hand, green freelancers allow them to meet their sustainability goals without the burden of full-time overhead.

Another factor that makes independent sustainability experts invaluable is the versatility of their expertise. Green freelancers typically have more versatile expertise due to working with a broader range of organizations across different industries. Unlike full-time green workers, their knowledge isn’t limited to one organization.

“Freelancers have become essential partners for businesses committed to sustainability targets. Whether it’s developing sustainable supply chains, conducting carbon audits, or crafting environmental communications, freelancers bring the precise expertise needed to advance environmental goals,” Upwork emphasized in its blog post.

The high demand has resulted in increased pay for green freelancers. According to Upwork data, between 2019 and 2023, earnings for sustainability experts on the platform rose by 460%. Last year, these professionals earned 47% more per hour than other freelancers.