Lack of Federal Energy Policy = Loss of Jobs/Profit
The NY Times June 8th article, U.S. Is Falling Behind in the Business of ‘Green’, points out that the U.S. is woefully behind other countries such as England in terms of being competitive in the $5 trillion clean technology sector.
One British company that just opened an office in Philadelphia estimated that over 80% of England’s older homes had been at least partially retrofitted by 2010. Other European countries have also embraced the sector and experienced economic growth in large part due to a robust policy mix of direct government investment, tax breaks, loans, regulations and laws that cap or tax emissions.
But with Congress deeply divided over whether climate change is real or if the country should use less fossil fuel, efforts in the United States have paled in comparison. That slow start is ceding job growth and profits to companies overseas that now profitably export their goods and expertise to the United States.
Although certain states have implemented strong energy policies, the indecision at the federal level creates uncertainty in the market. Other countries are now profiting from this stalemate. Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture?
“That is 100 percent poppycock.”
This was Jack Kutner’s, CEO of BigBelly Solar, reaction to the question: “What is your response to those who say economic growth and the environment are at odds?”
The Boston Business Journal profiled Kutner in their Outside the Box column in the June 3, 2011 edition.
Kutner expanded his answer: “Usually, smart sustainability and environmental initiatives for a company are also really good business initiatives long term.”
Kutner’s response and perspective as both businessman and environmentalist are refreshing and hopefully indicative of a growing trend in the corporate world. As consumers become more informed and begin demanding more of corporations and as media outlets such as the BBJ highlight examples such as Kutner and BigBelly Solar, this blogger has to believe we are headed in a better direction.
$63m BHA Project & PLA = Green Jobs & Energy Savings
Sources: AFL-CIO NOW Blog and City of Boston Press Release
Recently, the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), Ameresco, and the Building and Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan District (MBBTC) signed a ground-breaking Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the $63 million energy efficiency project at BHA facilities.
HUD Secretary Donovan: “Boston’s PLA will create hundreds of jobs for local union workers, public housing residents and small and minority owned businesses, which is exactly why the Obama Administration is actively supporting these agreements across the country as a key step to winning the future.”
The PLA also establishes a pre-apprenticeship program (funded by $60,000 from Ameresco and $35,000 from the Mayor’s Office of Jobs and Community Services) for BHA & Section 8 residents, YouthBuild eligible participants, and very low-income Boston residents. Program graduates will be given entry into union apprenticeship opportunities.
Other details of the PLA include requiring that Ameresco comply with Section 3 regulations – federal requirement that contract and job training opportunities and 30% of new jobs created are offered to qualified BHA residents, and low/very-low income residents living in the neighborhoods surrounding BHA developments. In addition, it is expected that BHA residents will be hired as Resident Coordinators to assist with resident outreach and communications regarding the work occurring at their respective sites.
The “greening” of 4,300 units which includes integrated water and energy conservation measures is expected to save the taxpayers more than $56 million over a 20-year period.
Impacted BHA Developments:
- Bromley Park and Heath Street in Jamaica Plain
- Commonwealth and Washington Street in Brighton
- Franklin Field and Pasciucco in Dorchester
- Holgate and Whittier Street in Roxbury
- Lenox Street in the South End/Lower Roxbury
- Old Colony in South Boston
- Roslyn Apartments in Roslindale
- Torre Unidad in the South End
- Charlestown development in Charlestown
Gov. Patrick dedicates 10 turbine wind farm
View full WAMC Northeast Public Radio article
Yesterday, Governor Deval Patrick dedicated the Berkshire Wind Power Project that will generate 15 mega-watts of electricity.
“The project nearly doubles the amount of total renewable wind energy produced in Massachusetts, offsetting the production of nearly 612,000 tons of carbon dioxide.”
While a step forward for the clean energy industry in MA, this project is also an example of the policy work that needs to be done to support further industry growth. The 13 years that it took to complete this project is a costly length of time that could be shortened for future undertakings.
“Patrick said he is pushing for a wind project siting reform bill to be passed this year, and that he hopes this project can be an example of how municipal authorities can work together with landowners and developers on wind projects.”
50 people were employed on this project through 20 MA companies.
Role of Higher Ed in Environmental Entrepreneurship
The New England Journal of Higher Education published an article today, “Launching the Next Industrial Revolution in New England”, arguing for the role higher ed institutions can and should play in driving the clean-tech industry.
Clean tech is defined as “a group of emerging technologies that provide energy with minimum climate and environmental impact and use resources efficiently. Examples include wind power and solar energy and other new technologies in renewable energy generation and energy, materials and resource conservation.”
The Green Launching Pad (GLP) is presented as an example of how higher ed can partner with private industry to drive clean tech economic development. The GLP is a strategic partnership between UNH and the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning utilizing DOE ARRA funds to work with 11 winning ventures since February 2010. Winners received up to $100,000 each as well as technical assistance from business, marketing, legal experts.
Through the GLP, clean tech entrepreneurs receive the resources and support they need to launch successful ventures and students and faculty have the opportunity to “work with private industry to help strengthen the region’s economy and help to address environmental concerns and to learn a lot while doing it.”
Sounds like a win-win!
Don’t Lose Faith in Green Jobs! An Earth Day Plea
Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to make my plea to not abandon green jobs despite recent criticism and slower than expected growth in the green sector.
Are green jobs a complex issue? YES! Does green sector growth require a lot of work and investment? YES! Should we then abandon green altogether? NO! Should we better manage our expectations on the potential of the green sector? YES!
NECN’s April 21st article, “Many college grads looking for jobs in green energy industry”, highlights some of the challenges in “going green.” Due to varying definitions of green jobs and overlap with other jobs and sectors, quantifying the number of green jobs is challenging. The billion dollar question is: What is a green job??
Also, growth in the green sector has been slower than expected in part because it is largely dependent on public policy. In energy efficiency, for example, energy regulations, price negotiations, various tax credits and incentives, have created a complex landscape to navigate through for both green businesses and consumers.
As I hear news reports of gas prices increasing to $4/gallon and potentially $6/gallon by summer, I cannot help but think that pretty soon “going green” won’t be a choice, but a necessity. Despite its challenges, the green economy is still an area of opportunity and innovation.
I am afraid that green jobs are getting a bad reputation because of our unrealistic expectations. Green jobs are not the “silver bullet” we all hoped for, but they are an integral part of the equation. While it has been slow, there has been growth and green job creation- it has just taken time and a lot of work from multiple stakeholders.
This blogger urges everyone to be realistic, but also optimistic and committed to the possibilities and potential in green jobs!! The health of our local, state, and federal economy and our environment is at stake.
This post is by Tricia Maguire, editor of the SkillWorks’ Green Jobs Blog. SkillWorks is a public/private partnership that seeks to address the needs of employers for more skilled workers and of workers for more and better access to jobs that pay a family-supporting wage.
Today! Live Earth Day Chat from White House South Lawn
In honor of Earth Day, Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, and Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, are hosting a special Open for Questions event live from the South Lawn of the White House.
If you’ve got questions about what the Obama Administration is doing to protect our air and water or how we’re building a clean energy future, be sure to tune in:
• When: Thursday, April 21 at 4:30 p.m. EDT
• Where: Streaming live from the South Lawn of the White House at WhiteHouse.gov/live and on Facebook
• Who: Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal, and YOU!
• Get Involved: You can submit your questions via Facebook chat application during the chat or submit them in advance on webform
SkillWorks’ Green Grantees & Participants highlighted in today’s Boston Herald!
The Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), the Asian American Civic Association (AACA), and JFYNetWorks were highlighted in today’s Boston Herald article, “Training key to green jobs”.
Two SkillWorks’ training participants were also featured. Alex Zhou received services from CPA and is now a weatherization technician with the Aulson Co. and a member of the local painters union. Nesli Francois is two-thirds of the way through AACA’s Energy Efficiency Technician Apprenticeship Program (EETAP) and hopes to stay on at Conservation Services Group (CSG) upon the completion of his apprenticeship.
The article delivers the message that green-energy jobs are good jobs with career pathways that also help save energy.
Obama Speaks about America’s Energy Security – TODAY @ 2:10 EDT
President Obama is discussing his energy plan today at 2:10 EDT at a town hall event at Gamesa Technology Corporation near Philadelphia.
Watch live at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
The President also gave remarks on America’s energy security March 30, 2011 at Georgetown University. Read the transcript and/or view the recorded speech. In this speech, Obama makes a big push for the hybrid automotive industry as an opportunity to both decrease dependence on oil and create jobs. He mentioned energy efficiency standards for heavy duty trucks coming out this summer and also his plan to require government agencies to purchase 100% hybrid vehicles by 2015. Obama said we need to not waste energy and also that we need to change the way we generate energy. Referring to his January State of the Union address, Obama reiterates his call for a new Clean Energy Standard for America that by 2035, 80% of our electricity needs to come from a wide range of clean energy sources like wind, solar, efficiency natural gas.
BRA Releases RFP for Energy Positive (E+) Green Residential Buildings
The Mayor’s Energy Positive (E+) Green Building Demonstration Program seeks to advance industry practice and public awareness of energy efficient green buildings and to construct high performance 1 to 4 unit residential green building prototypes that can serve as models for future practice. E+ buildings give energy back to the grid, improve the environment, and promote social equity.
In support of this initiative, the BRA is issuing a RFP for the sale and development of energy positive green residential buildings on three City of Boston land parcels:
- · 156 Highland Street, Highland Park, Roxbury neighborhood
- · 61 Marcella Avenue, Highland Park, Roxbury neighborhood
- · 64 Catherine Street, Woodbourne, Jamaica Plain neighborhood
For more info and to access the RFP go to http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthoritynews.org/2011/03/11/e-plus/
