Career Corner - "Green Careers"

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines “green jobs” as Jobs in businesses that produce goods and provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. These goods and services are sold to customers, and include research and development, installation, and maintenance services. Green goods and services fall into one of the following groups:

Energy from renewable sources. Electricity, heat, or fuel generated from renewable sources. Energy efficiency. Products and services that improve energy efficiency. Pollution reduction and removal, greenhouse gas reduction, and recycling and reuse. Natural resources conservation. Products and services that conserve natural resources. Environmental compliance, education and training, and public awareness. Greenhouse gas reduction, recycling, and reuse. Natural resources conservation.

Jobs in which workers’ duties involve making their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources. These workers research, develop, or use technologies and practices to lessen the environmental impact of their establishment, or train the establishment’s workers or contractors in these technologies and practices. These technologies and practices fall into one or the following groups:

Energy from renewable sources: Generating electricity, heat, or fuel from renewable sources primarily for use within the establishment. Energy efficiency: Using technologies and practices to improve energy efficiency within the establishment. Natural resources conservation: pollution reduction and removal, greenhouse gas reduction, and recycling and reuse.

Wind Energy - Wind power has been used for centuries in the form of grain mills or water pumps, but is a relatively new source of electricity generation.

Wind-generating capacity in the United States grew 39 percent per year from 2004 to 2009, and is expected to grow more rapidly as demand for renewable energy increases. As the wind energy industry continues to grow, it will provide many opportunities for workers in search of new careers. As wind energy continues to grow in popularity, the development of American wind farms is expected to increase. Wind power accounts for about 50 percent of renewable energy, which includes wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, as well as energy from biomass and wood or wood-derived products. Some States rely significantly more on wind power to fill their energy needs. According to a report by the Department of Energy, it may be feasible for wind power to provide 20 percent of U.S. electricity needs by the year 2030.

For the complete report, go to: www.bls.gov/green/wind_energy