Building an energy-efficient economy.
Improving the ways we create and use energy in the future will result in immediate and lasting benefits for our region, our environment, and our economy.
On the most basic level, a green economy will improve our air and water quality and reduce our energy costs by thousands of dollars annually. More importantly, building an energy-efficient economy will create a stable supply of local jobs that offer family-sustaining wages, and make us a magnet for new companies eager to maximize performance while minimizing costs.
The plan sets out a challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035. As a region, we are well positioned to begin realizing this vision. We must commit to seeing it through.
To achieve our energy and economic goals we must:
- Reduce energy needs by locating jobs, housing, and services closer together.
- Invest in public transportation options that expand our region's connections to the global economy, serve emerging industries, and connect existing residential and employment centers.
- Support and promote the growth of emerging industries, including those directly related to a green economy.
- Shape the workforce development system to support the needs of employers in emerging industries.
- Create employment opportunities for underemployed residents.
- Collaborate regionally to expand venture capital and enhance the business climate.
- Use more efficient automobiles and appliances.
- Invest in renewable energy sources.
DVPRC and its partners are actively pursuing a number of projects that will enable us to reduce or greenhouse gas emissions and build an energy-efficient economy.
DVRPC Initiatives
Regional Greenhouse Gas Inventory
DVPRC recently completed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which estimates that in 2005 just over 90 million metric tons of CO2 were emitted in Greater Philadelphia. As a follow-up to this inventory, DVRPC provides technical assistance to county and municipal governments interested in undertaking local inventories and analyses in developing local action plans.
Eco-Enterprises
DVRPC is currently in the process of assessing the importance and location of "eco-enterprises" in the Greater Philadelphia region - an emerging sector comprised of businesses that support and are driven by increased demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products and services.
Greater Philadelphia Economic Development Framework
DVRPC manages the Greater Philadelphia Economic Development Framework, adopted in September 2009 by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The Framework provides an overview of the region's economic development processes and policies; identifies regional economic development goals and objectives; and lists regional projects considered key to meeting these goals.
Local Examples
Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)
The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) is a nonprofit organization working to help conserve energy and promote a sustainable and socially equitable future for Greater Philadelphia residents. The ECA's Green Collar Jobs Training program prepares low-income residents for jobs related to resident energy efficiency, and offers certifications in areas including weatherization and home energy auditing.
Center for Energy and Environmental Training (CEET)
New Jersey-based Isles, a nonprofit community and development organization, used startup support from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to open its new Center for Energy and Environmental Training (CEET). Isles' CEET offers training to Trenton residents for green jobs that will improve the environment and stimulate the economy. Training targets four career paths: energy audits of buildings and energy retrofits; alternative energy design, installation and maintenance; environmental hazard cleanup; and green building operations and maintenance.
Over the coming decades, the transformation of the global economy to one that uses less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gases presents a tremendous opportunity for Greater Philadelphia.
Just a 10% improvement in energy efficiency will save the region $2.5 billion per year in direct costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting eco-industries and green-collar jobs will make our region more economically competitive, generate new jobs and revenue, and create jobs for the underemployed [ * ].
Building an energy-efficient economy and promoting eco-enterprises will:
- Create a steady supply of sustainable jobs in emerging, high-growth industries.
- Provide new green collar jobs for those currently underemployed.
- Reduce airborne pollutants to acceptable levels.
- Save residents on household energy and transportation costs.
- Save local governments in reduced energy expenditures.