There is a growing trend in Europe and North America for legislation promoting public funding for zero carbon construction to incorporate inclusive equity goals, so incentivising employment and vocational education and training (VET) providers to recruit groups under-represented and disadvantaged in the skilled construction occupations, especially women. The barriers to women’s entry and survival in the sector include the nature of VET provision, the structure of the industry and its labour market, employment and working conditions, and social and cultural aspects. We used convenience sampling and biographical interviews to ascertain how sixteen tradeswomen from various countries experience green construction policy and practice and assess how a low-carbon society can open up opportunities for women. The study shows how women transcend outsider status through networks of collaboration, developing a sense of collective agency in addressing inequities and climate change. Many advocate better VET and workplace actions and greater concern for nature, while several argue that achieving sustainability and equity requires systemic social, cultural, and structural change. From the perspectives of women working in construction, the chapter indicates the ways in which this transformation is taking place and what is needed to move towards an inclusive green industry. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Susan Buckingham, Martin Hultman, Gunnhildur Lily Magnusdottir and Karen Morrow; individual chapters, the contributors.
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