So-called “green buildings” have steadily popped up around the United States as the move to achieve net zero intensifies. Even better, a new report has found they have double the benefits: helping to cut back on harmful emissions and creating a wealth of job opportunities in the clean energy industry.
C40 Cities, a global network of more than 100 mayors, recently undertook a study into the evolving workforce needs as more green buildings and sustainable architecture are being developed around the world.
It found that clean building developments tend to come with more than just environmental benefits—they are also driving a need for skilled labor and transferable skills that can apply well to the emerging green economy.
What Are Green Buildings?
If you live in a major city, you’ve probably seen them sprouting up around town—skyscrapers that seem to have tons of plants growing on the sides or the top. These are referred to as green buildings. They’re buildings that were designed and constructed with sustainability in mind, incorporating environmentally-friendly features.
The overall idea is that these buildings will dramatically reduce harmful emissions and improve energy efficiency, creating a positive impact on the environment.
How Are Green Buildings Driving Job Growth?
According to the C40 Cities report "Growing the Workforce Needed for Building Retrofits: A Guide for US Cities," buildings in the United States are often the largest contributors to climate pollution.
This is precisely what green buildings aim to address, and as more are developed, it’s driving a need for more jobs.
“As cities explore ways to meet their emissions reduction goals, advance equity and promote economic development, the building retrofit sector is critical, driving the need for skilled labor, particularly in construction jobs,” the report noted.
C40 Cities pointed out that sustainable construction will drive job growth, as jobs in the building retrofit sector can offer decent pay without requiring a college or university degree.
“The demand for workers presents an opportunity for cities to partner with employers, unions and others to build a more inclusive, fair and diverse workforce for vulnerable groups, such as women, youth, migrants and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who are disproportionately concentrated in lower-paying construction jobs,” C40 Cities said.
Even better, the skills required for building retrofitting jobs can be easily transferred into other fields, such as HVAC, electrical, solar, plumbing, and insulation, making them even more valuable for workers.
Discover the latest green job opportunities in the USA and UK at EcoCareers.