GREEN JOBS: SURVEY OF THE ENERGY INDUSTRYThe Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), a nonprofit professional society of over 9,500 members, issued a survey to its members to determine the need for Green Jobs, Energy Industry Potential and Salary Data. The results represented are based on 978 responses and are outlined in this report. AEE was founded in 1977 and its mission is “to promote the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster action for sustainable development.”Profile of RespondentsEighty-seven percent (87%) have graduated from a four-year accredited college.Thirty-nine percent (39%) have a post-graduate degree from an accredited college.Thirty-seven percent (37%) are registered Professional Engineers (P.E.s) or Architects.Seventy-nine percent (79%) are Certified in one or more of the following categories:Certified Energy Manager (CEM®)Energy Manager in Training (EMIT®)Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP®)Certified Green Building Engineer (GBE®)Business Energy Professional (BEP®)Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional (CLEP®)Certified Power Quality Professional (CPQ®)Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP®)Distributed Generation Certified Professional (DGCP®)Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP)Certified Demand???Side Measurement Professional (CDSM®)Certified Cogeneration Professional (CCP®)Certified Energy Procurement Professional (CEP®)Certified Indoor Air Quality Professional in Training (CIAQT®)Certified Testing, Adjusting Balancing Professional (CTAB®)Certified Geo???Exchange Designer (CGD®)Certified Carbon Reduction Manager (CRM®)Green JobsThere is a growing demand for energy efficiency, green collar and renewable energyprofessionals in light of the following trends:Survey ResultsForty-one percent (41%) of the energy professionals who were surveyed plan to retire in the next ten years.Seventy-two percent (72%) of energy professionals indicate a heightened shortage of qualified professionals in the energy efficiency and renewable energy fields in the next five years.Seventy percent (70%) of energy professionals indicate a need for national and state training for "Green Jobs" to address job shortages that are impairing growth in green industries, such as energy efficient buildings and construction, renewables, electric power, smart grid, energy efficient vehicles and biofuels development.The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will fund:Energy Efficiency$3.1 billion for State Energy Programs which will encourage states to improve building energy improvement and retrofits.$5 billion for weatherization of low income housing.$4.5 billion for Green Federal Buildings.$3.6 billion for the Department of Defense for energy efficient projects and facilities upgrade.$3.2 billion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to help state and local governments implement energy efficiency.$500 million dollars for job training, and programs to prepare individuals for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy.According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the energy efficiency measures will create 100,000 or more new energy jobs in the next two years.Solar EnergyThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains provisions for:Renewable Energy Grant Program: Offers Department of Energy grants equal to thirtypercent (30%) of the cost of solar projects started in the next two years, including largescale utility projects. This is a critical alternative to solar tax credits that are not functioning as Congress intended in the current economic climate.Loan Guarantee Program: Creates a new, streamlined loan guarantee program to support financing of renewable energy systems, including solar energy technology.Manufacturing Investment Credit: Creates a thirty percent (30%) investment tax creditfor facilities engaged in the manufacture of renewable energy property |