Clean energy and green technology is evolving so quickly that it is difficult to summarize all the trends and issues in just a few paragraphs. Books on energy sustainability abound, and clean energy primers and market outlook reports adorn the online sphere. Several career guides are devoted specifically to green industry jobs. Here is a brief way to understand the impact of this technology on job creation, the drivers behind renewable energy adoption and cost-benefit profiles.
Impact of Renewable Energy on Job Growth
Though the energy derived from naturally replenishing sources such as water, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass are all referred to as renewable energy, the context is often used with wind or solar electric power generation. It is estimated that these types of energy production will make up a larger percentage of total energy production and consumption in the future, with the increasing rate of investment in large-scale wind and solar developments. As green energy technologies become more efficient, demand drives economies of scale, creating more jobs, and government policies are likely to incenticize the industry. The introduction of the carbon tax will also make this energy more cost-competitive because unlike fossil fuels, green energy production does not emit carbon dioxide, which is another opportunity for the employers to add value for emerging energy technologies in their business.
Because the green technology is both non-technical and highly technical, it is important to note that manufacturers and developers often look for candidates who have diplomas, engineering background and MBA degrees. People who don’t have such qualifications are given the opportunity to spend some time learning about the details and understanding the industry context and trends.
How Green Buildings are Advantageous to Job Creation
Green buildings, also called “high-performance buildings,” refers to the practice of reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. Simply put, they are typically more energy and water efficient; they use environmentally preferable materials, construction techniques and operational methodologies. As a result, green buildings return value to their owners in several ways.
The link to energy prices is apparent as these structures are often significantly more energy efficient than their counterparts, but interestingly, the biggest bang-for-the-buck comes from these two human factors:
-workforce productivity improvements
-employee attraction and retention results
Several studies have shown that employees are more productive and have lower absentee rates in such buildings; companies competing for talent have found attractive green space to be a draw for potential workers.
Where to Find More Information
Careers that engage in green technology includes but not limited to real estate development, construction, product manufacturing and distributing. Furthermore, many government, military and institutional agencies now have policies that mandate that any new construction meets LEED or ENERGY STARS standards. Industry conferences are great places not only to network, but also to get up to speed on the green technologies and developments in this arena. Several notable ones are the American Wind Energy Association’s Annual Conference and Expo, Energy World North America, Solar Power International and many more. Other sources can be found through a quick online search or through event calendars with energy groups and dozens of state and regional events on green energy.
Fran Delaney writes on career development, technology and environmental issues.