Global warming, energy issues, and other environmental problems are changing the way we work and do business. State and Federal policies to address greenhouse gases will dramatically alter the business landscape, making some energy intensive businesses less competitive, providing opportunities for new technology firms and efficiency leaders, and potentially providing many new jobs in the growing green sector. These changes will present significant opportunities and challenges to local economies. 

Ensuring that this wave of economic change is positive will require New Jersey municipalities to attract and nurture companies that are clean and environmentally sustainable, and that are poised to benefit from global and regional economic shifts spurred by the greening of our economy. Along with economic development efforts, municipalities will need to create linkages between the local workforce and new jobs in the emerging green sectors of the economy. In particular, green retrofits of buildings and other infrastructure can provide entry level jobs, and cannot be outsourced. Training programs can provide opportunities for at-risk youth, and others with barriers to employment to connect with progressive green businesses and clean technology companies.

Although definitions vary, businesses and jobs that fit within a sustainable economy can include the following: 

Research and manufacturing jobs in green technology sectors such as solar technology, alternative energy vehicles, alternative fuels, new recycling techniques, and green building products. 

Consulting and contracting firms will be needed to apply new technology throughout the economy, such as energy auditing and efficiency retrofits, green building, green de-construction, and environmentally preferable purchasing. 

Some traditional companies will thrive in the new economy if they are efficiency leaders or are in sectors that are not environmentally damaging or energy intensive. This includes most white collar industry and jobs, tourism, high tech, service, and efficient manufacturing. 

The goal of this action is for the municipality to implement any meaningful initiative that drives investment in sustainable economic activities, stimulates demand for green labor, and/or provides green workforce training. 

Why is it important? 

Green jobs are good jobs. Moderately skilled green jobs pay living wages and offer room for advancement, allowing workers to support families while contributing to the health of their communities.

Green jobs are inherently local. Many opportunities for green workers will come from retrofitting infrastructure and installing green technologies in homes and workplaces. These jobs cannot be easily outsourced.

Green jobs provide pathways out of poverty. Within the green economy, many jobs will require moderate skills or education, but less than a four-year degree. With effective training and support programs, these opportunities can be brought within reach of low-income individuals, helping to rebuild the middle class.

A green economy is a more vibrant economy. Meeting the demands of a green economy will expand the capacities of local businesses and workers and can drive reinvestment in neglected neighborhoods. The work of creating a green economy is spread broadly across economic sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and high-skill services. In the future, a non-green economy will be a weak economy.