Don’t underestimate the power of purpose

When you think of green jobs, you might automatically think of a heat pump engineer or smart meter installer, but it goes much deeper than that. Across E.ON, we know that every single one of our colleagues has a green job. Everyone at E.ON supports our mission, and plays their part, to make new energy work.

As part of our latest series, we’re talking to colleagues from around our business to share what having a green job means to them and why you don’t have to be a sustainability professional to have a meaningful impact.

Jo Horton is Head of Sustainability at E.ON UK and truly believes looking after our people, our society and our planet is everybody’s responsibility. And her role helps us do just that. Jo ensures we’re holding ourselves to account on a range of measures as we work to become a better organisation.

So, who better to first talk to about green jobs at E.ON?

“A green job, to me, means meaningful work that actively contributes to protecting or restoring the environment — whether through renewable energy, eco-friendly construction, or circular economy practices,” Jo says. “It’s not just about reducing carbon footprints, but also about creating inclusive opportunities that support both the planet and people’s livelihoods.”

And according to Jo, green jobs can deliver a number of benefits for wider society, not just the individual. “Green jobs are emerging as key drivers of growth, innovation and social mobility. Developing the right skills and pathways for these roles is essential to ensure a workforce that’s prepared for the demands of a low-carbon future and one that is also inclusive.”

Initiatives like our Net Zero Training Academy at Kingswinford are key building blocks to this greener future and Jo wholeheartedly believes in the value we can deliver through learning and development. “By both upskilling our current engineers and training a future generation, we’re ensuring we have the skills needed to deliver the new energy world right now and as we move into the future.”

Building a greener, more inclusive future

Jo is acutely aware of how her role helps E.ON to lead the energy transition. “We’re working to create the new energy world, and my role is key in supporting this,” she says. “I act as a playmaker. I drive strategies that reduce E.ON’s environmental impact, accelerate the shift to renewables and embed sustainability into every aspect of business operations.

“My role is very varied,” she adds. “I’m responsible for everything from ESG reporting and assurance to strategic direction and engagement on environmental and social topics for E.ON UK.”

But Jo can’t deliver this alone. Jo’s green job sees her working closely with colleagues across E.ON, and with external organisations, to align climate and social goals with innovation, policy and partnerships and to develop solutions to further improve how we support our customers, colleagues and local communities.

Jo doesn’t underestimate the value working together can deliver. “Only by doing this can we ensure that the transition to cleaner energy is affordable, equitable and inclusive,” she states.

Everyone can get involved in sustainability

Building on her passion for sustainability every day, Jo appreciates the appetite others have for crafting a similar career path.

“Having sustainability in my job title really does feel like a privilege and in my role, I’m often asked, ‘how can I get into sustainability’, or ‘how can I have a sustainable impact in my role’. I love that there is so much curiosity and interest in sustainability.”

Jo believes everyone has an important role to play in achieving our, and the UK’s, net zero goals. “Everyone can get involved in sustainability,” she says. “From advocating for sustainable practices in the workplace and reducing your personal carbon footprint at work to supporting E.ON in its ambition to lead the energy transition and make new energy work.”

And Jo’s advice to people looking to build a green career: “stay curious, stay informed and be ready to adapt — this field is evolving fast. So focus on developing both technical and transferable skills and build a strong network with contacts across your chosen industry, and the wider sustainability industry as a whole.”

Jo counts herself lucky to work in a role that she’s not only passionate about but that gives her a platform to create impact aligned to her personal beliefs and urges others to seek out a similar role. “Don’t underestimate the power of purpose. Aligning your passion with impact can open doors you didn’t expect.”

Jo was recently recognised at the Purpose Coalition’s 2025 Breaking Down Barriers Awards, winning a Special Recognition Award for her outstanding contribution to social value.

“I’m honoured to have been presented with one of the Special Recognition Awards at the Purpose Coalition’s 2025 Breaking Down Barriers Awards and look forward to connecting with many of the other organisations highlighted to continue to drive social mobility.”