Do you think the green industry is on the verge of exploding both locally and nationally?
Yes. There is renewed interest in many aspects of the green economy, because of issues such as climate change, energy conservation, and rising energy costs. While there have been successes at the national level with Congress passing and the President signing a comprehensive energy bill, much of leadership is at the local level in advancing the benefits of a more sustainable economy.
Why did the city and WDCEP decide to conduct a green collar jobs analysis/ study?
The District convened meetings with various community stakeholders, local businesses, economists, and non-profits over the last six months to begin to better define the green collar jobs opportunity. It became evident that more rigorous analysis was needed to fully understand the potential of this emerging sector. The District wants to be recognized as a national leader in this area and the demand study, which includes best practice case studies and business surveys, will help us create a comprehensive strategy.
What is a green collar job?
Green collar jobs are employment opportunities in emerging environmental industries as well as conventional businesses and trades, created by a shift to more sustainable practices, materials, and performance. Specifically, a green collar job includes manual labor, professional, manufacturing, financial and management jobs in green businesses that result in the restoration of the environment, the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of pollution. Examples of green collar jobs include installing green roofs, dismantling and recycling computers, designing green buildings and conducting building energy use audits.
Is DC one of the first cities in the country to conduct a study like this?
Yes. Our research indicates that very few cities or states have embarked on such a comprehensive green collar jobs study. In 2007, a study similar to the District's was completed in San Francisco and is commonly acknowledged as one of the best to date.
Is DC already "greener" than most cities?
DC is greener than most cities. With the passage of the Green Building Act of 2006 and several other upcoming public policy initiatives, there will be a substantial increase in the need for a green workforce to fill this demand. DC has 20 LEED-certified buildings and more than 150 additional buildings that are LEED-registered (in the pipeline for LEED certification) - more than any other city in North America.
The District is setting an example for the entire region by greening its own buildings. Through the apprenticeship program with DC Greenworks, green roofs were recently installed on two downtown District government buildings, the Reeves Center and One Judiciary Square. The new roofs will help lower energy costs and reduce storm water run off into the District's rivers. As a result of this project, twelve young adults received training in horticulture and green roof installation through DC Greenworks.
Why should the business community begin thinking green?
Consumers are demanding more environmentally sustainable products from businesses. Hybrid cars, environmentally safe building methods, and organic food are just some examples of how consumer demand is reshaping business. In the real estate sector, many developers are seeing an advantage to going green - well before the DC Green Building Act requires it. Their new double bottom line - profits and environmental sustainability - benefits both the consumer and businesses.
What will you do with the green collar jobs demand study when it is completed?
The demand study will help inform the work of the Mayor's Green Collar Jobs Advisory Council. The primary responsibility of the Green Collar Jobs Advisory Council is to provide Mayor Adrian M. Fenty with information, advice, and recommendations on issues related to the development of green collar jobs and green collar enterprises in the District.
Specifically, the Advisory Council will identify barriers to the development of the green economy in the District ways to remove those barriers; identify best practices; collaborate with for-profit and non-profit organizations in promoting green collar jobs and the green economy; and increase overall public awareness about the sector and the importance of green collar jobs.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about working on DC's growing green economy?
What I enjoy most is working with people who are passionate about improving their city and expanding economic opportunities for all Washingtonians. DC is not just leading the nation in green buildings, but it is on the leading edge of what may well be a restructuring of our economy around green and sustainable practices. It is exciting to work on such a forward-looking initiative that is restorative to the environment and full of so much opportunity for individuals and families.
The Partnership is producing two exciting videos, which you can be a part of. The Capitol Riverfront Video was such a hit last year that we're updating it with new narratives, images of projects, retail and more. A two-minute edited version will also be produced. Mayor Fenty will tape an introduction to the video, which will appear on DC Channel 16. WDCEP will preview the video at the ICSC Las Vegas conference in May and it may play at the new stadium on opening day for the Nationals.
Don't miss the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Mid-Atlantic Meeting held in the District March 10-11, 2008 at the Washington Convention Center. More than 7,000 people are expected to attend. For the eighth time, the Partnership will showcase in the conference of all the economic development projects happening in DC and put the all of these projects in front of the retail community. Please stop by the WDCEP Deal Making booth to learn more about what's happening in DC.
You've heard about it, the District's most definitive retail publication the Neighborhood Retail Opportunities guide. This comprehensive book catalogs all the available retail space in the city and highlights neighborhood retail corridors, development activity, demographics, sites and more. The 2008 issue is about to go to press and there is still time to become a sponsor. The deadline for ad submissions is March 28, 2008. Why become a sponsor? Every year, the guide is released at the International Council of Shopping Center's (ICSC) annual three day convention in May. Over 50,000 professionals (retailers, developers, brokers, municipal entities, architects and service providers) will gather at the Las Vegas Convention Center to make connections and strike deals.
