Additional knowledge will be gathered through efficiency activities under Action Area 5.
Step 1: Develop mechanisms and partnerships to support and encourage energy efficiency job opportunities and pipeline creation
There are a series of job opportunities attached to energy efficiency, which can include, for example, energy auditors that identify a building’s energy performance before and after the implementation of energy efficiency measures, and project management associated with deployment of large-scale energy retrofits – such as intense weatherization. In addition, there are training opportunities for the public, businesses, and educational establishments.
Step 2: Develop mechanisms and partnerships to support and encourage shifting energy demand response job opportunities and pipeline creation
There are job opportunities associated with building management systems, their integration into existing structures, and their ongoing proper use, as well as property performance management to ensure the integration of efficiency approaches in combination with onsite generation. Educational programs relating to the use of smart metering, smart products, and similar should be implemented so that all consumers can benefit.
Step 3: Develop mechanisms and partnerships to support and encourage onsite generation, job opportunities, and pipeline development
There are multiple job opportunities attached to the installation and maintenance of onsite and distributed generation, which includes solar PV, wind generation, heating and cooling networks (together with combined and tri-generation), and solar and ground source heat pumps. Finally, there are integrated opportunities that combine one or more of these technologies. We can learn from the existing solar portfolio being offered by Duke Energy and the zero carbon building target the City government set.
Step 4: Develop mechanisms and partnerships to support and encourage third party intermediary jobs and opportunities
Jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities exist for these organizations which should be encouraged through various established communities, like faith-based communities. The entrepreneurial opportunities attached to new businesses in this field provide opportunities for building equity. New approaches may see energy services being sold rather than the energy itself. This option may be considered in terms of the circular economy and job opportunities attached to approaches such as the retrofitting of vehicles to make them zero carbon. There are already opportunities that are being explored by companies in this space. With the targeted scheme relating to municipal buildings, there are additional opportunities for entrepreneurship with a program being put into place.