Green managers: the employees speeding up the ecological transition despite political inertia

Political ecology lagging behind the climate emergency

Despite countless speeches and initiatives, political ecology is struggling to respond effectively to the climate emergency. This inertia stems from structural constraints, diverging interests and the complexity of international negotiations. Governments often have to weigh economic growth, social pressure and environmental commitment against each other, delaying actions that are nonetheless crucial. On top of this come ideological opposition and bureaucratic inertia, which slow progress even further.

However, in the face of these limits, a new dynamic is emerging within companies, where employees, often managers, are taking the initiative to implement concrete actions to accelerate the ecological transition.

Who are these “green managers”?

“Green managers” (known in France as “green cadres”) represent a new eco-managerial class within companies. This group is made up mainly of managers and engineers who, aware of the ecological emergency, want to change the economic and organizational practices of their companies.

Inspired by figures such as Jean-Marc Jancovici and Camille Étienne, these pragmatic employees stand out for their ability to reconcile economic imperatives with environmental commitments. Unlike activists or political campaigners, they act within the structured framework of the company, where they find fertile ground for carrying out concrete ecological projects.

The central role of companies in the ecological transition

Companies, whatever their size or sector, play a key role in the ecological transition. While some have integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into their strategies, others have adopted more ambitious policies through CSR (corporate social responsibility) commitments.

It is in this context that employee initiatives take on their full meaning. Internal groups, such as “Les Collectifs” or the “Sentinelles vertes” (green sentinels) of the CFDT, a French trade union, have formed to drive sustainability projects. These groups work to measure the carbon impact of business activities, reduce energy consumption and bring more ethical practices into everyday work.

According to APEC (the French association for executive employment), job offers for positions with an environmental purpose rose by 48% between 2019 and 2022. This momentum is part of a global trend in which managerial jobs are becoming increasingly “green”, influencing the way companies approach the ecological transition.

Concrete actions led by employees

Committed employees are rallying around a wide range of initiatives to transform their companies from within. These actions include:

• Climate Fresk workshops and talks to raise awareness among their colleagues.
• Creating networks of committed employees, such as those brought together by “Les Collectifs”.
• Integrating environmental criteria into internal processes, such as sustainable development or digital sobriety.
• Implementing circular practices, for example by promoting recycling, refurbishing IT equipment or reusing resources.

These actions, although local, add up to produce systemic effects. “Green managers” thus show that the most impactful changes do not come solely from public policy, but also from initiatives led by economic players themselves.

Opportunities and challenges of green jobs

The ecological transition is opening the way to new career opportunities, particularly for managers. More than 25,000 managers now work in a job with an environmental purpose. This figure, still modest, is set to grow rapidly.

At the same time, the “greening” of skills is affecting every profession, not just those directly linked to ecology. For example, skills in project management, foresight or ethics are now essential for integrating sustainable practices into organizations.

However, challenges remain, notably the shortage of green skills and the sometimes slow adaptation of HR structures to meet these needs. It is therefore crucial to accelerate training and skills development to support this transition.

A momentum driven from the ground up

Faced with the slow pace of political ecology, employees, especially “green managers”, are establishing themselves as essential players in the ecological transition. Their commitment, combined with companies' CSR policies, is helping to transform business models in a sustainable and pragmatic way.

At Leasetic, we firmly believe in the central role of companies and employees in this transformation. Our experts help you optimize your IT equipment and put in place environmentally responsible solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to accelerate your ecological transition.