Energy Efficiency

A 2006 study found that in the United States there were approximately 8 million jobs in energy efficiency. The 2008 UNEP report states, “Although exact figures are unknown, it is easy to imagine that a world-wide transition to energy-efficient buildings could create millions or even tens of millions of jobs and would green existing employment for many of the estimated 111 million people already working in the sector.” Retrofitting millions of buildings for energy efficiency will create jobs, but new value will also be created through reduced and planned consumption, including measures such as:

• Consumer awareness and organizing campaigns that support residents to diminish fuel costs through reduced consumption.
• Agreements between tenants and landlords to share the cost and savings associated with energy efficiency improvements.
• Agreements between neighborhoods and utility companies to reduce consumption at peak hours for cost rebates.
• Agreements between local government and residents to switch to energy efficient appliances with energy savings paying for the new appliances.