1. 1 Green Collar Jobs in the Housing Sector Green Affordable Housing Forum Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Howard Ways, AICP DC Office of Planning March 3, 2009

2. 2 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

3. 3 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

4. 4 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.)

5. 5 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

6. 6 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

7. 7 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 investments o Proposed initiatives such as the Solar Tree initiative o Identify challenges and barriers to employment o Develop career ladders especially for the population most in need – at-risk youth and returning ex-offenders

8. 8 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

9. 9 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

10. 10 Demand Study Findings  Top growth occupations with the lowest barriers to employment: Construction laborers Roofers Painters Landscaping and ground keeping workers Office clerks

11. 11 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

12. 12 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)

13. 13 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

14. 14 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

15. 15 Regional Collaboration Chesapeake Crescent Initiative with DC, Maryland and Virginia to create a more sustainable regional economy – Innovation Economy Innovation Economy – Environment & Energy Environment & Energy – Secure & Sustainable Development Secure & Sustainable Development – Sustained Regional Collaboration Sustained Regional Collaboration

16. 16 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

17. 17 Completed Projects DC is promoting Low Impact Development Installation of LID at Pope Branch by DC Department of the Environment and community volunteers

18. 18 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

19. 19 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