Nov 17 2014
Think the economy is still underperforming in Illinois? If so, you will love what is happening with clean energy jobs in our state … and we should want more of the same.
A report released earlier this year by Chicago-based Clean Energy Trust, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), and others found that 96,000 people wake up each day and go to work at jobs in the Illinois clean energy economy. That's as many people as there are working in real estate and accounting - combined.
And there are more of these jobs on the way: Clean energy jobs in Illinois are growing at a 9 percent annual growth rate, well ahead of the rest of the economy. The Brookings Institution reports that jobs in the Illinois clean economy pay a mean wage of about $41,300 - more than $1,300 per year higher than the state average.
In June, the Obama Administration announced its new Clean Power Plan, which would reduce carbon pollution while increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency. Experts agree the Clean Power Plan will help our economy - and our environment.
For starters, the Clean Power Plan will help reduce our buildings' accidental waste of energy and money. Energy conservation doesn't have to mean changing our behavior by driving slower or turning off the air conditioner- huge gains can be made simply by fixing defects in airtightness, insulation, and HVAC. Our new buildings no longer have these built-in defects, since in 2013 Illinois became one of a handful of states to adopt the nation's most advanced building energy code at the time, the 2012 IECC.
Within the next year, Illinois will automatically adopt the 2015 IECC (which stands for International Energy Conservation Code), and homebuyers in the land of Lincoln will have some of the best homes in the country to choose from, and those are just the ones that comply with the minimum state building code! Many builders across Illinois are building better than code (code = the worst building you can legally build).
In older buildings across Illinois, energy savings are waiting to be unlocked through targeted and proven home improvements using Performance Contracting. With the Clean Power Plan in place, we can make all of our schools, offices, homes and businesses more energy efficient.
The smart way to go is clear: Illinois should double-down on the clean energy and reap the jobs and other economic and environmental benefits that come with it.
About the IAER: The Illinois Association of Energy Raters & Home Performance Professionals is a non-profit association of energy consultants and home performance contractors specializing in new and existing homes. The members of the IAER use a 'Whole Home' approach to analyze building comfort, energy use, durability, and occupant safety. All professional members are certified by the national organizations RESNET or BPI, and are monitored for Quality Assurance by the Association. For more information visit: http://ilenergyraters.org