WHERE ARE ALL THE GREEN JOBS WE KEEP HEARING ABOUT?

by Kate Waller

It seems like every time you turn on the TV, another politician is making shiny new promises.  From healthcare, to balancing the budget, to defense strategy, everyone has an angle.  But one thing that they all seem to agree on is that America needs jobs – and lots of ‘em.

The Obama Administration in particular pins its hopes on green jobs.  They paint a picture of a carbon-neutral American Utopia where well-paid technicians happily install solar panels, highly educated engineers design new automotive technologies and every home whirs along in Prius-like silence as Smart Meters monitor electricity use.

So where are all these green jobs?

While the green industry has taken a hit just like the rest of the economy, the growth forecast is still extremely optimistic. The green building industry in specific takes up a big chunk of the larger green economy and accounts for approximately 13% of the US GDP.  It is projected to double in size from 2009 levels and become a $96-140 billion industry by 2013.  Experts predict that it will create 7.9 million US jobs. 

The reason for this optimistic forecast despite a struggling economy?  The green-collar economy sits at the nexus of the future – the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.  Going green benefits a company’s bottom line by saving money through a more efficient built environment, improves their public image and creates a more sustainable business strategy.  It also requires the hiring of skilled laborers, innovative designers and local experts.  These types of jobs and skill sets cannot be outsourced or cut. 

So how the heck are you supposed to start a brand new career after a lifetime spent mastering the skills that you already have?
 
Fortunately for people already employed as, “plumbers, electricians, satellite dish or cable installers, battery bank or diesel backup installers, cellular or Wi-Fi systems installers, or alarm and security equipment installers – setting up an energy efficiency, solar water heating, photovoltaic, or small wind business is not too different,” says Scott Sklar, president of the Stella Group (a strategic marketing and policy firm for clean energy companies).

Many organizations, such as Everblue Training Institute, offer instructional courses to prepare the green workforce of tomorrow to meet the needs of this growing industry.  None of these careers require previous experience or skills.  Let’s take a look at some of the fastest growing and most popular energy career options.

Energy Auditors and Weatherization Contractors
Energy auditors use various tools and inspection criteria to determine how homes and other buildings can be retrofitted to maximize energy efficiency and lower utility bills and operations and maintenance costs.  US New and World Report listed energy auditors as one of the best small businesses to start.

Photovoltaic Installation Technicians
Photovoltaic systems use various methods to harness the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity.  The typical home system costs $30,000 and it is not unfeasible to install two or three systems a week.  This allows you to repay initial investments quickly.

Solar Hot Water Technicians
Solar hot water uses various systems to harness the sun’s energy to make hot water.  It is an easy and effective way to increase the home’s energy efficiency and lower utility bills.  Various federal, state and private subsidies are available to homeowners, which encourage them to install solar hot water.

Small Wind Technicians
While less common than solar PV, some homeowners are installing small-scale wind turbines to produce electricity.  Most experts say that the wind only needs to average 5 mph to create enough electricity to be cost effective.  This is possible in virtually every area of the country.

For more information about acquiring the necessary skills to begin any of these careers please visit everblue.edu.

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The industry is fairly new that is why we don't hear a lot about it. But it would be nice if these projects are pushed through. It would change the world and provide jobs.

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