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Green Collar Jobs in the Housing Sector

Green Affordable Housing ForumMetropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Howard Ways, AICPDC Office of Planning

March 3, 2009

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What is the green economy?

“Sustainability is broadly defined as a long-term approach to development, management and growth that meets present human and environmental needs without depleting the resources or ability of future generations to meet their needs and improve or maintain their quality of life.” – Arizona State University, Global Institute of Sustainability

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What is happening around the country

CNN estimates that buildings in the United States are responsible for around 40 percent of all energy consumption

Federal stimulus dedicates $4.5 billion to convert GSA facilities into high performance green buildings

US Conference of Mayors estimates 4.2 million jobs in renewable energy and energy conservation

Greater awareness of the impact of human behavior on the environment

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Creating a green economy in DC

Better prepare businesses to be green Reduce carbon footprint and address global

warming Look for additional opportunities for

innovation (recycling, renewable energy, energy efficiency, etc.)

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Creating a green economy in DC

Restore the Anacostia River – Stormwater management– Combined sewer overflow

Take advantage of growing shift towards more sustainable development and green building– DC was first large city in the U.S. to require

private developments (2012) and government buildings (2008) to attain LEED or equivalent green building certification

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Creating a green economy in DC

Establish a Mayoral Green Collar Jobs Advisory Council to help formulate a strategy to:

o Identify and remove barriers to developing the green economy

o Collaborate with for-profit and non-profit organizations to promote green collar jobs and the green economy

o Increase overall public awareness about the green economy and the importance of  green collar jobs

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Creating a green economy in DC

Complete a green collar job analysis to:o Determine green collar job demand from:

o District green laws (Green Building Act of 2006 and the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008)

o Major real estate projects and capital investmentso Proposed initiatives such as the Solar Tree initiative

o Identify challenges and barriers to employmento Develop career ladders especially for the population

most in need – at-risk youth and returning ex-offenders

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What is a green collar job?

Career-track employment opportunities in emerging environmental industries as well as conventional businesses and trades, created by a shift to more sustainable practices, materials, and performance. It includes both lower and higher skilled employment opportunities that minimize the carbon footprint of all inputs necessary and directly results in the:

– restoration of the environment – generation of clean energy and improved energy efficiency – creation of high performing buildings  – conservation of natural resources 

The District used the terms green collar jobs and green jobs interchangeably

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Demand Study Findings

DC could create 169,000 green job opportunities between 2009 and 2018

Thirty seven percent require little or some preparation (low barriers to employment)

Forty two percent will require a moderate level of preparation and typically require an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree

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Demand Study Findings

Top growth occupations with the lowest barriers to employment:

Construction laborersRoofersPaintersLandscaping and ground keeping

workersOffice clerks

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Demand Study Findings

Top growth occupations with moderate barriers to employment:

– Carpenters– Construction trade supervisors – Operating engineers and construction equipment

operators– Electricians (including photovoltaic panel installers)– Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters– Energy auditors

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Demand Study Findings

Top job producers:1. Private sector real estate development projects

that are required to comply with the Green Building Act (57,000)

2. Publicly financed real estate and capital projects required to comply with the Green Building Act (41,000)

3. Private sector projects that voluntarily comply with the Green Building Act (22,000) 

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Demand Study Findings

DC is conducting some of the most comprehensive watershed restoration projects in the country, including the Watts Branch, Pope Branch and Anacostia River

DC has the first and largest municipal green youth employment programs, the Green Summer Job Corps – In 2008, nearly 400 youth between the ages of 14

and 21 participated

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How DC is Leading the Way

DC has more than 420 LEED-certified or registered buildings (January 2009) - more than any other comparable city in North America

DC has nine LEED ND registered projects (for ex. - Parkside)

DC has over 125 identified green initiatives DC has greened its building code

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Regional Collaboration

Chesapeake Crescent Initiative with DC, Maryland and Virginia to create a more sustainable regional economy– Innovation Economy– Environment & Energy– Secure & Sustainable Development– Sustained Regional Collaboration

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Completed Projects

DC is greening its government offices

Before and after photos of the green roof installed by DC Greenworks on behalf of the DC Office of Property Management – Reeves Center

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Completed Projects

DC is promoting Low Impact Development

Installation of LID at Pope Branch by DC Department of the Environment and community volunteers

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Future Innovation

Sponsor Green Advantage contractor training (LEED approved) – March 9

Exploring a Solar Tree pilot project Explore a women oriented green construction

trade program Expand weatherization and energy audit programs Expand Green Summer Job Corps to serve more

than 800 youth in 2009

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Additional DC Government Opportunities

Riversmart – green grants from the District Department of the Environment

Green Jobs Corps – University of the District of Columbia

www.green.dc.gov Howard.Ways@dc.gov

202-741-5219