Job Creation and Economic Spin-offs

Community energy has been shown to create more jobs per dollar invested than developing conventional energy supplies. Moreover, these jobs tend to be local, higher value, and longer lasting.

Examples from several studies demonstrate the dramatic economic development potential of local sustainable energy.

  • The Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development has reported that, "for every million dollars invested, an average 36.3 jobs are created in the energy efficiency sector, 12.2 jobs in the renewable energy sector, and only 7.3 jobs in the development of conventional energy." (1)
  • The borough of Merton in the UK passed a resolution (PE13) stating ""The Council will expect all new building development to incorporate renewable energy equipment to cut CO2 emissions by at least 10%." This is also known as the "Merton Rule". This requirement is being adopted across the 425 local governments in England and generating a 1.725 billion pound industry. (2)
  • Research included in the CEA Toolkit V1 states that most expenditures on fuels and electricity leave the community. Relieving this outflow, through investment in energy efficiency or local supply options, stimulates the local economy. An energy efficiency investment, for example, can recirculate one-third to two-thirds more money locally than a comparable expenditure on energy supply.(3)
  • Province-wide, the BC Sustainable Energy Association estimates that energy efficiency and renewable energy could create 400,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Sectors with exceptionally high jobs potential include efficiency retrofits and solar energy. (4) 

  

 

 

 

(1)   Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development (1997), Comparative Analysis of Employment from Air Emission Reduction Measures, Report Prepared for Environment Canada. See estimates cited at http://www.pembina.org/media/media-release.php?id=1030

(2)   Presentation by Adrian Hewitt, Climate Change Leader, London Borough of Merton at "Empowering the Community" workshop held in Vancouver, BC on April 25, 2007, co-hosted by Community Energy Association.

(3)   CEA Toolkit, Volume 1.

(4)        BCSEA [write out full name here] (2005), Sustainable Energy Solutions for BC, Prepared for the Alternative Energy & Power Technology Task Force, http://www.bcsea.org/policy/taskforcereport.asp