Posts Categorized: Faces of EE

Workforce Advancements in Energy Efficiency: Heat and Frost Union Apprenticeships
by Aileen Villa

Concentrated efforts in transitioning to clean energy from fossil-fuel-based systems are increasing rapidly. As we make this transition and work toward more advancements in clean energy, building up the energy efficiency workforce is a top priority.

As a newcomer to the energy efficiency industry (coming up on my one-year anniversary of entering the field soon!) with a background in labor justice, I was very drawn to workforce development initiatives across the sector.

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The U.S. Energy Efficiency Workforce: Deep-Dive Annual Insights
by Pat Stanton

I’m proud of my team’s work on our seventh annual energy efficiency (EE) jobs report. Energy Efficiency Jobs in America in 2023 shows 2.2+ million efficiency workers, a number expected to grow annually with new workforce development and training happening across the country. This report focuses on the specially trained builders, electricians and other skilled professionals who focus on making our buildings, appliances, factories and infrastructure run on less energy.

Providing access to consistently-presented EE workforce statistics at regular intervals during this crucial time serves as a key baseline for comparison, as public and private sector infrastructure investments continue to rise.

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#EEDay2023: Energy Efficiency Everywhere All at Once
by Aileen Villa

Each year on the first Wednesday in October, Energy Efficiency Day is widely celebrated. October 4 is your chance to join the campaign not only to proclaim the immense benefits of energy efficiency, but also to highlight all the work being done to advance EE.

You are invited!

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Unparalleled Opportunities Arise for Energy Efficiency Job Growth: Report
by Pat Stanton

Energy efficiency (EE) initiatives are needing increased attention with new federal funds. This translates into more jobs on the way. Energy Efficiency Jobs in America shows there are nearly 2.2 million efficiency workers, and the number will rise as infrastructure investments kick in this year. Making these workforce statistics available now is important, so that we have a baseline for comparison.

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#EEDay2022: Big Advantages, No Regrets
by Carol Harley

October 5 is your chance to be in this year’s big campaign that proclaims energy efficiency’s powerful and lasting benefits. Why raise your voice? Lots of reasons! It’s fun to join the unstoppable force of efficiency (EE) and be among its fans and advocates. It’s free. And it’s meaningful. Join us to celebrate positive news and help advance EE as a powerful force for good.

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Career Spotlights in Energy Efficiency: Jessica Azarelo
by Carina Wallack

“I help clients save money, short and long term, make homes more comfortable, healthier, and happier!” says the founder of Attic Queen, LLC.

Jessica Azarelo is among the more than two million Americans with rewarding careers in the energy efficiency sector.
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Career Spotlights in Energy Efficiency: Jason Denese
by Carina Wallack

“I wanted a job that was exciting and fulfilling,” says Jason Denese of Abode Energy Management. “I was looking for opportunities to grow and learn, and the energy efficiency field provided this.”

Jason took the leap into energy efficiency after a previous career in the casino industry. Read More
Women Leaders Aim for a More Representative Energy Efficiency Industry
by Carina Wallack

“As a Latina-mom, an entrepreneur, an employer, and a community member, I am always looking to expand access for people like myself,” says Leticia Colon de Mejias, who started Energy Efficiencies Solutions in Connecticut. She’s right. Greater access to the energy efficiency industry is needed.

For Women’s History Month, I want to highlight women driving progress in the energy efficiency industry. I was lucky to connect with generous leaders in the Northeast U.S. who are making enormous contributions. Read More
Rebuilding the Energy Efficiency Workforce
by Steve Cowell

“A year like no other.” Say it anywhere, and you see nods of agreement. In moments of solidarity you can muster a rueful half-smile. We all know that the impacts of 2020 on people’s lives are profound. What about energy efficiency professionals specifically? This community of workers is very much on my mind.
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Faces of EE to COVID: “You might break our stride, but you can’t break our spirit.”
by Pat Stanton

“We will put our best foot forward.”

When I listen to energy efficiency professionals, among their many struggles today I hear determination and grit. People are figuring out what to do next, how to retool and help each other. Online training is a big part of what can happen right now. And new ways of minimal- or no-contact building retrofits are taking shape.

A multitude of voices are asserting we must “build back better” — focus resources and efforts on a clean economy, a healthy and equitable future. Despite the gut-punch reality of job losses revealed last week, EE pros are stepping up to find a possible path forward. Read More
Veterans Show Leadership in Energy Efficiency Employment
by Pat Stanton

“If you can low crawl through cold wet mud under concertina wire while live fire shells whiz above your head,” says Rhett Major, “working in a crawlspace or attic is pretty much a piece of cake.” A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard, Rhett now thrives in his energy efficiency career. He is one of more than 230,000 vets who have chosen similar paths. Read More
Momentum Builds for Energy Efficiency
Workforce Unites to Accelerate Positive Change
by Pat Stanton

If “energy efficiency” conjures light bulb rebate programs in your mind, you may be surprised to discover the strength of the energy efficiency industry — and how it continues building. Professionals who provide efficiency services and products are EE pros now gaining a voice and an identity. Read More
Career Pathways to Energy Efficiency Jobs: Apprenticeships
by Carina Wallack

“The time to join a fast growing, rewarding career has never been better,” says HVAC professional Chris Morin. “Every home needs these professional skills, most of which do not require a higher education and mountains of debt to attain… [The energy efficiency industry] is a great choice for those interested in a career move to a skill that cannot be outsourced by robotics.”

For those seeking stable jobs with opportunities for social and environmental impact, apprenticeships in the energy efficiency (EE) field are a good option. Energy efficiency professionals are everywhere, with varied roles. Read More
Clean Energy Jobs Begin Heating Up Coal Country
by Pat Stanton

“I will always be a coal miner at heart,” Scott Shoupe says, “but we have to acknowledge where it is and the true impacts of coal for the future. I want to take my wealth of knowledge and bring change to my communities.”
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Spotlight on Women in Energy Efficiency
by Audrey Bragg

“I think it’s just my personality that allows me to be fearless and put myself in gender-unbalanced situations,” says Stephanie Bassler. “I am doing my best, and I let that speak for itself.” How many of us have heard women’s stories similar to Stephanie’s?

To celebrate Women’s History Month, my staff asked women to reflect on their career roles in energy efficiency (EE). Read More
Local Staying Power: EE Jobs in Rural America
by Audrey Bragg

Energy Efficiency Jobs in America shows that energy efficiency (EE) jobs drive energy employment, representing nearly 35% of all U.S. energy-sector workers. One may assume that most of these opportunities are in major cities, as rural areas offer fewer job options in general. However, certain industries create a larger number of local jobs providing employment for Americans outside metro areas. These jobs can transform people’s lives and be fulfilling careers.

EE is one of these vital industries, offering 2.25 million jobs.^[i] You may not realize, but EE jobs are everywhere. In fact, 99.7% of U.S. counties have energy efficiency jobs. Yes, 3,000 out of 3,007 counties employ EE workers. Read More
Construction Jobs Significant in U.S. Energy Efficiency Employment
by Pat Stanton

Since early September, I have been eager to share findings from our recently released Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report. One key fact that surfaced is the importance of construction work in the energy efficiency (EE) industry. Overall, 2.25 million Americans are employed in EE. Of these workers, 1.27 million are employed in construction.*

Did you know that 1 in 6 of all United States construction workers spend 50% or more of their time on EE-related tasks? People may think that careers in efficiency are limited to changing light bulbs and installing insulation. But we’ve discovered that most EE construction work is related to installing high efficiency heating and cooling / HVAC systems. Read More
Veterans Rock Energy Efficiency Jobs
by Pat Stanton

Every workday, 2.25 million American energy efficiency professionals are on the job.^[i] Many install insulation and advanced building controls and improve HVAC systems. Their work isn’t always recognized, but I strongly believe that it should be! For starters, energy efficiency (EE) cuts waste and costs while improving health and comfort.

NOTE: See the current version of Energy Efficiency Jobs in America for updated statistics.

Our new report, Energy Efficiency Jobs in America, offers insights about EE companies and workers. I was surprised to learn that although only six percent of the U.S. workforce are veterans, eleven percent of energy efficiency workers are veterans. Read More
Energy Efficiency Jobs: USA’s Powerhouse
by Steve Cowell

News flash! The U.S. energy efficiency industry is becoming known as a jobs powerhouse. Why? Because it now supports a workforce of 2.25 million and continues to increase. I feel honored to spread this good news that buoys us beyond politics to unite a focus on the positive.

Our new report, Energy Efficiency Jobs in America, articulates the scale and scope of jobs across the country, with details for all 50 states. Energy efficiency (EE) is the largest sector in the U.S. clean energy economy. Read More
United We Work: Together, a Force for Good
by Steve Cowell

The business case for energy efficiency is well-proven. Compelling evidence shows that EE prevents energy waste and lowers costs — in homes, and in commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. EE serves as a “baseload plant,” by reducing overall energy use. It’s reliable and resilient. And energy efficiency is an economic turbocharger. A key aspect of economic benefit is the massive jobs boost from the EE sector. My team is spearheading Faces of EE to introduce energy efficiency’s 2.2 million U.S. workers.
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Revealing the Faces of America’s Energy Efficiency Professionals
by Pat Stanton

I am eager to tell you about a new initiative, “Faces of EE,” that highlights energy efficiency professionals. Join us to help reveal the unsung heroes of a largely invisible workforce. Our aim is to bring a well-documented message to policymakers and the public: Strong, non-partisan energy efficiency policies can expand a vital workforce in every community nationwide. Together we can keep building positive momentum for jobs that capture superb ROI.

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