Innovation

Bringing green jobs to the region is the focus of a new study that is helping to map a strategy to create 11,640 sustainable jobs in southwestern Pennsylvania by 2015.

The report, Southwestern PA Green Jobs Analysis and Action Plan, is the first phase in creating a focused regional plan that will help to leverage a piece of the billions in federal stimulus funds for clean energy initiatives and investments.

The second phase, currently underway, will produce an in depth labor market analysis and action plan to take advantage of the growing green jobs potential. The plan was commissioned by the Green Building Alliance and Growing Technology through Energy and Community Health (GTECH).

The region currently has close to 18,000 jobs in green industries, according to the study. With planning, the region may increase that to 29,500 green-related jobs.

"Many places in the country are talking about green jobs in a nebulous fashion," says Andrew Butcher, CEO of GTECH. "By looking at the different sectors, we're able to map where the real opportunities are and provide a sense of the pathway for individuals and organizations that provide services."

The study is being developed by GSP Consulting on the South Side, authors of Minnesota's green jobs plan and a green energy strategy report for the state of Delaware.

"The green share methodology developed by GSP will probably be a national model for identifying growth in the green sector," says Butcher. "It's exciting to think what may happen if we invest in the marketplace."

While it's difficult to compare one state or region to another in terms of green job potential--each region brings its own strengths to the table--our strong manufacturing base and energy industries place give us an advantage, says Rich Overmoyer of GSP.

"From a green jobs perspective, we have enough pieces in place," Overmoyer says. "Our collaborative environment bodes well for the region. While it may be too early to tell, Pittsburgh is very well positioned to be a national leader in the green jobs sector."

Writer: Debra Diamond Smit
Source: Andrew Butcher, GTECH; Rich Overmoyer, GSP Consulting

Image courtesy of GTECH and GBA