Indicator: Employment in environmental protection | Umweltbundesamt

At a glance

• In 2023 around 3.4 million people worked in Green Tech.
• Waste management and resource conservation (circular economy) account for around one third.
• The number of employees has risen steadily since 2010.

Environmental importance

The employment effects of environmental and climate protection are an important indicator, as they show the significance of the ecological transformation for the overall economy and the labor market. A large number of people in Germany contribute to the ecological transformation of the economy and the achievement of environmental and climate targets through their employment.

The indicator shows how many people in Germany are working in the GreenTech sector: for example, by offering products that contribute directly to environmental and climate protection or that have a lower negative impact on the environment than conventional and more environmentally harmful alternatives. The GreenTech sector includes the following lead markets: circular economy, energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, mitigation and protection technologies, sustainable forestry and agriculture, environmentally friendly mobility, and water management. In addition to the development of the absolute number of employees, the share of GreenTech employees in total employment is also important. This shows the importance of environmental, resource and climate protection for the labor market.

Assessing the development

In 2023, 3.4 million people in Germany worked for Green Tech. The circular economy accounts for around a third of these jobs. In addition to traditional waste collection and treatment, examples include the use of renewable raw materials and the development of recyclable products. Almost a quarter of jobs in the industry as a whole are in the area of environmentally friendly mobility and 12 % of GreenTech employees are in the area of energy efficiency.

In recent years, employment in environmental, resource and climate protection has risen steadily. From 2010 to 2023, the number of jobs grew by more than 30 %.

With a share of 7.5 %, employment in the environmental sector is an important factor for the labor market in Germany. Its share in total employment has increased steadily since 2010. This means that employment in environmental protection has been growing disproportionately for years.

Methodology

These estimates were calculated for the GreenTech Atlas 2025, using official statistics. The activities relevant to its calculation were identified using the German Classification of Economic Activities (Federal Statistical Office) and further analysed within the employment statistics provided by the Federal Employment Agency. Only directly employed persons are included (supply-side calculation). The methodology is explained in more detail in the GreenTech Atlas 2025. Differences compared to earlier publications result from different methodological approaches and classifications.

More detailed information: 'Beschäftigung und Umweltschutz' (in German only).