David Bold, Software Developer started a humble zero-energy project, which has expanded into crucial career opportunities. His innovation is extremely sophisticated and represents employment possibilities in East Tennessee economy. Investors are also encouraged to perpetuate energy-efficiency companies.
The Roane County resident, Bolt, became lured by sustainable development, that is environmental preservation when he was upgrading his family’s home in Harriman. Using different energy saving techniques, he altered his home into an almost “zero energy” one which produces as much energy as it uses.
Eventually, in 2005 Sustainable Future was founded by Bolt. It is an online company making turnkey patterns and installing Solar Energy Systems for domestic and commercial purposes.
The effort of Bolt echoes that of other area economic developers who want their projects to increase jobs in the forthcoming years. Moreover, various studies have confirmed that green jobs will be available in Tennessee. However, there are doubts that all companies will adopt this energy saving initiative. It is also considered as uncertain that new green jobs will substitute the jobs lost by many during recession. Although the benefits may not be felt instantly, the measures taken by Tennessee will lead to environmental conservation.
A myriad of mushrooming technology companies have already been set up by the state. Some of them include Hemlock Semiconductor and Volkswagen producing diesel cars with high efficiency.
Changes in the legal system have also consolidated Tennessee’s move towards environmental protection. Gov. Phil Bredesen has implemented the Tennessee Clean Energy Future Act on July 8. It will be now compulsory to enhance energy efficiency in state buildings within a period of 5 years.
Undeniably, Green is a means to re-energize the static economy, as employment in this sector will soar. Tennessee Department of Labour and Workforce Development in 2008 stated that “To many, green jobs mean local jobs created by money staying in the community and creating a multiplier effect locally,”
Nonetheless, a different assessment, High Road or Low Road? Job quality in the New Green Economy, points to the dangers of green jobs being quantitative rather than qualitative. Furthermore, the analysis shows these green jobs may not necessarily be “good, middle – class jobs” with acceptable conditions and remunerations. Employees may not automatically evolve in conducive working environments, especially as wind and solar companies are being set up in developing countries where workers can be underpaid and exploited.
Many core organizations such as Laborers International Union of North America are striving to set up an average salary for employees.
The integrity of green jobs is also questioned by Empower Consumers Organization. Its aim is to protect consumers from paying high prices as the country changes energy rules. It believes that low-income families will suffer most and jobs will be underrated too as stressed by Bassett, spokesperson for this company. According to him, people do not yet have needed dexterity or knowledge to obtain green jobs.
Nevertheless, a sum of $736, 340 has been allocated to collect and spread employment information on latest green jobs available. Inevitably, the Growing Green Study will develop and help in securing jobs.
According to the Growing Green Data, there are:
- 9 biodiesel and ethanol production companies in Tennessee
- 3 Ethanol Production Facilities
- 36 Renewable Energy Businesses
Some of the Renewable Energy Companies in East Tennessee area are:
- Enernex Corp.
- Green Earth Services and Residential Energy Solution in Knoxville
- Barnhart Cranes and Rigging in Oak Ridge
- National Solar supply in Tellico Plains
It is to be noted that the common perception of green jobs are actually infrequent in Tennessee. Green jobs are categorized in 2 sectors by Growing Green:
1. Energy Efficiency – Adjusting or shaping buildings or objects for minimal use of energy
2. Renewable – Using renewable energy sources as Solar, Wind, Hydro, Bio-fuels or geothermal to restore depleting energy sources.
There are more energy efficiency jobs than renewable energy ones. Yet the growth in the latter sector is estimated to be 24 percent in contrast to 3.5 percent in the former.
Statistics from State Labor and Workforce Development Department’s 2009 Annual Report are as follow.
1. Hemlock Semiconductor Plant at Clarksville. Tennessee around 500 to 900 and 1000 jobs to construct the plant
2. Wacker Chemie AG at Cleveland Tennessee 500 to 600 jobs
3. Volkswagen at Chattanooga 2950 jobs
4. Nissan at Smyrna, Tennessee 1300 jobs
5. eTec 750 jobs
Some of the jobs available in the above companies are in the following fields: engineering, production planning, chemical plant operators, pipefitters, team assemblers, electronic equipment assemblers, electrical engineering technicians and others.
Salary average according to Growing Green Study:
- Chemical Engineer - $ 72, 582
- Production Planning Clerk - $36, 266
- Electricians – $ 39,034
- Electrical Engineers - $ 75, 659
Yet, not all salaries will be so considerable. Coburn, director of green programs at Pellissippi State Technical Community College’s Business and Community Services School says that solar photovoltaic installers earn $7 – $ 12 an hour.
Nowadays, however, many community colleges are offering varied training courses geared towards environmental conservation so that workers can better handle green jobs. Employment in the green sector can be either working for an employer or being an independent contractor. Bolt adds that his business has been burgeoning from 3 to 15 employees. This is a sign of progress and hope. He also encourages people to save energy at home itself so that this discipline can be emulated by all society.
It is affirmed by Dr. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Green Energy that the path towards green economy will be faced by obstacles but it will ultimately benefit the country and its people.
Reference: SolidarityEconomy.Net
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.