John Brautigam of the Sustainability and Energy Alternatives Center
By guest columnist John Brautigam
Will the 21st Century be the era of the Green Economy? Maine’s experience reveals a promising start in that direction.
Maine is a state with a strong heritage of conservation and respect for the environment, making the Green Economy a natural fit. But in this economic climate, many are asking what jobs will be created in the Green Economy?
The most visible occupations include energy auditors, weatherization technicians and installers of renewable systems. Employment in these job categories is already growing in Maine, thanks in part to the state goal of dramatically increasing the efficiency of all homes by the year 2030. Renewable energy businesses have also established themselves in Maine despite the global recession.
But energy auditors and renewable technicians are only the tip of the green iceberg. New jobs are emerging for engineers, scientists and researchers. Green manufacturing is enjoying a surge of investment even as other sectors struggle. And with the cost of energy and materials, no manufacturer can afford to ignore the potential value of waste heat or leftover supplies, making industrial efficiency a priority as well.
And “green” or “sustainable” brands are emerging in everything from lawn care businesses to office products to freight transportation.
Some businesses are motivated by the demand for a green brand. Others simply want to save money for themselves and their customers. Many want the satisfaction of “doing well by doing good.”
Whatever the motivation, the green sector presents many opportunities for Maine’s workforce, requiring new skills to meet the growing demand for low-impact, environmentally friendly goods and services.
The Green Economy is here to stay, and Maine’s workforce will continue to see new opportunities in a wide variety of professions.
John Brautigam currently serves as the director of the Sustainability and Energy Alternatives Center at Southern Maine Community College. He is the former director of Efficiency Maine, and also served in the Maine Legislature representing Falmouth and Portland.
