Clean Energy Jobs
There are more Americans working in energy efficiency than in the restaurant service industry. That's according to data collected by the 2019 U.S. Energy Employment Report and the 2019 Clean Jobs America Report. In 2018, there were 110,000 jobs added to the clean energy market growing the total number of clean energy jobs in America to nearly 3.3 million - that's three times more than those working in the fossil fuel industry. The 2019 Clean Jobs America Report, compiled by the national nonpartisan group E2 and the Clean Jobs Count campaign, collects and analyzes employment data for the renewable, clean storage, grid modernization, clean vehicles, and energy efficiency industries. In 2018, energy efficiency created more jobs than any other energy sector and currently employs over two million individuals nationwide. For reference, the renewable industry employs just over half a million. Job creation in energy efficiency is predicted to grow by 7.8 percent this year, more than doubling the previous 2018 goal of 3.4 percent. While the energy efficiency sector includes those who aid in the production and installation of ENERGY STAR equipment and those who work to reduce overall energy consumption, job creation will mainly impact the construction industry. Currently the construction industry accounts for 56 percent of all clean energy employees where one in every six work in energy efficiency. Aside from energy efficiency, this year marked a surprising growth in both the clean vehicles and clean energy storage industries. Based on higher consumer demand, clean vehicle job creation grew by 16 percent. In creating more electric vehicle batteries, the clean energy storage industry saw a 14 percent increase in job creation. Renewable energy has some intense energy goals for the coming years as well. It's anticipated to be the fastest growing source of U.S. electricity generation for the next two years. It has a predicted growth rate of 10 percent in 2019 and 17 percent in 2020. Right now, 18 percent of U.S. energy generation is supplied by renewable sources with a new solar project taking place every two seconds in the United States. By 2050 renewable energy is expected to supply 75 percent of the world's energy. Report Highlights - Energy efficiency created more new jobs than any other energy sector (76,000 jobs)
- There are more Americans working in clean energy than there are school teachers
- Solar employs more than twice the number of coal workers
The upward trend of clean energy job creation does not show signs of stopping. Help the industry grow by starting your own energy efficiency project. Contact us at info@360eg.com or 312-265-3971. References: Clean Jobs America. (2019, March). Retrieved from https://www.e2.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/E2-2019-Clean-Jobs-America.pdf 2019 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.usenergyjobs.org/
Notable Buildings and Energy Efficiency
In the United States, buildings use 40 percent of the nation's total energy and account for 70 percent of the nation's electricity consumption. With buildings using far more than the transportation or industrial energy sectors, iconic buildings and landmarks such as the Willis Tower, Empire State Building, and Eiffel Tower have turned towards energy efficiency as a means of reducing their environmental impact.
Willis Tower: The Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower, made headlines in early 2018 for being the largest office building to earn an ENERGY STAR certification. According the the Environmental Protection Agency backed program, the Willis Tower uses 35 percent less energy than a typical building of its size and emits 35 percent less carbon dioxide. This success is due to energy efficiency retrofits such as HVAC upgrades that now include solar window filming, lighting upgrades, motion sensors, a new building automation system and more.
Empire State Building: When this iconic building was built in 1931, it used as much energy in one day as 40 thousand single-family homes. From heating and cooling upgrades, to LED lighting and daylighting sensors, and new energy efficient windows, the depression-era building has saved $4.4 million in energy costs and avoided 105,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Eiffel Tower: In 2015 the Eiffel Tower embarked on a $37 million renovation to refurbish and save energy. The tower installed over 100 square feet of solar panels, upgraded to LED lights, and enhanced the glazing on windows to reduce heat input from the sun. Aside from saving energy the Eiffel Tower produces some of its own. Stuck inside the iron lattice on the second floor, there are two 17 foot wind turbines that generate 10,000 kilowatt hours per year - not nearly enough to power the tourist hotspot, but enough to make an impact.
The Social Media Corner
Are you following us on social media? Stay up to date on all things energy efficiency by giving us a follow. Check out some of our top posts from last month.
The Shocking Health Benefits of Energy Efficiency
The benefits of energy efficiency reach far past the savings on your utility bill. Studies suggest that saving energy can save lives. Read the full breakdown here.
Let's #StartNow
Start Now because a few years from now it might be too late. We have just 12 years to curb the disastrous effects of climate change, according to the 2018 UN report. Get started now by reducing your carbon emissions with energy efficiency. View post here.
What Does the ENERGY STAR Label Mean?
Whether you're upgrading your home or business, ENERGY STAR means energy efficiency. Here's why. Read more here.