WDCEP Solicits Bids for Report on Green Collar Job Demand in DC
Contact: Crystal Wright
Baker Wright Group
202.829.0848
January 22, 2008
Washington, D.C.—With more cities and states taking action to address energy efficiency, renewable fuels, green buildings and climate protection, a whole new green economic sector is emerging, along with a growing demand for green collar jobs, particularly in DC. The District’s passage of the Green Building Act and other public policy initiatives has created a growing green economy and demand for jobs in this sector.
To assist both the government and business community in understanding the region’s emerging green workforce, the Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP), on behalf of the District of Columbia, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from firms to conduct a green collar job demand analysis.
The report will determine the number of people, type of jobs, skills and salaries needed to meet the nascent green labor demand resulting from the city’s green building laws and other environmental initiatives. It will also identify the gap in skills between both residents in DC and the surrounding area who need jobs and which jobs are needed. Based upon this information, the report will recommend training and policy strategies aimed at bolstering the city’s green collar workforce. The deadline for RFP submissions is January 25, 2008 at 12:00pm.
“By enacting one of the most aggressive green building laws in the country, the District is not only building a more sustainable city to protect the quality of life for future generations but also creating jobs,” said Steve Moore, President and CEO, WDCEP. “This green collar job analysis will serve as an invaluable tool in helping businesses and government not only plan for growth in the green sector of our economy but also understand what it means to the District,” added Moore.
The District has enacted the most ambitious Green Building legislation of any comparable city in the US – requiring all public buildings be built to green standards beginning in 2008 and all new private buildings larger than 50,000 square feet must meet the same standards by 2012. Features of green or sustainable building include, plant covered roofs to absorb rainwater and reduce polluting stormwater runoff and solar panels that generate renewable energy.
“The District wants to lead by example when it comes to redefining itself as a city committed to sustainability,” remarked Howard Ways, AICP, Special Assistant, DC Office of Planning. “From construction to river restoration to lead paint abatement, green employment opportunities are emerging across industries, as cities like DC pursue smart, robust plans for economic growth that benefit the environment. This report will assist the city and its partners in helping both residents and local businesses anticipate and meet future green collar job demand,” concluded Ways.
But the private sector isn’t waiting for the 2012 deadline. More than 200 buildings in the pipeline for certification as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green buildings, most of them private sector projects. Other green projects are underway, including the clean up of the Anacostia River, upgrades to the water and sewer systems and the modernization of the DC public schools.
DC has already begun greening its own buildings and creating job training through the process. Using the DC Greenworks apprenticeship program, the District recently installed green roofs on two DC government office buildings, the Reeves Center and One Judiciary Square. The roofs will help reduce energy costs in the summer by absorbing heat and limit storm water runoff. Additionally, young adults working on this project received training in green roof installation.
WDCEP is soliciting bids for the green collar job demand report on behalf of the Office of Planning and the Department of Employment Services. The final report will be made available to the public to help business owners, public officials, developers and residents leverage this bourgeoning green economy into opportunity.
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The WDCEP is a 501(c)3 non-profit, public/private partnership dedicated to promoting business opportunities throughout DC and contributing to business retention and attraction activities. For more information visit www.wdcep.com/about.