More Green Buildings = More Jobs

The green building industry is expected to generate more than 6.5 million jobs by 2030, according to predictions by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Next to energy, this will be the second fastest growing sector for green jobs in the coming decades, due to an increasing need for buildings that can cope with multiple challenges which include meeting climate change targets, as well as rising energy costs, water shortages and an increased risk of extreme weather, and constantly shifting technology. 

Architects, engineers and construction firms are working to create buildings that use as little energy as possible, generate their own power, recycle water and can heat or cool themselves without the need for air conditioning or central heating. New technologies are helping to turn previously dumb homes and offices into smart, environmentally-friendly structures. Certain occupations are likely to be more in demand. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics expects a 105% growth in jobs for solar panel installers by 2026, creating more than 11,800 jobs in the US alone. In 2000, just 41 new construction projects were officially rated as green buildings in the US. Last year, that figure had grown to more than 65,000.

Elsewhere in the world there have been similar increasesand it is a trend that is expected to continue. “Governments around the world have committed to limit global warming to 2°C as part of the Paris Agreement,” says Terri Willis, chief executive of the World Green Building Council. “Buildings currently generate around 38% of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions. It means we won’t meet the 2°C target unless all of our buildings become greener in terms of the way they are constructed and operated.  

To read more: https://bbc.in/2NSQ7WI&

The 2018 ILO Greening with Jobs World Employment and Social Outlook: https://www.ilo.org/weso-greening/#Intro-2&