Advice provided by: Claire Moloney, LEED Green Associate, Cornell University

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Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President, recently called for New York State investments in solar panels for New York City's schools. He claims it would lower energy costs, save tax dollars, and create 5,400 green jobs.

According to a recent survey, Stringer's idea is backed by Americans, who believe that schools are in need of energy efficiency updates.

U.S. Schools In Need of Green Retrofits

Americans say that they believe the nation's schools need upgrades with green building strategies and technologies, according to a recent survey. Such a significant investment could stimulate the creation of new green building jobs.

GfK Custom Research North America conducted a green schools survey in September 2011 that polled 1,000 Americans. It found that 33 percent of respondents believe the nation's schools were in "poor" physical shape, while only 6 percent said they were in "excellent" condition.

The organization cited U.S. Government Accountability Office data, which said that 250,000 schools around the country require extensive repair. On average, green schools use 33 percent less water, which would result in $100,000 in annual savings per school.

"Too many of our schools are outdated, woefully energy inefficient, unhealthy and negatively affect our children's ability to learn - and ultimately to compete in a global marketplace," Rick Fedrizzi, the United States Green Building Council's president and CEO, said in the release.

Investments in Green Building Could Lead to Green Jobs

Governments, nonprofit organizations and school boards around the country have proposed and launched the types of sustainability projects that lead to new green building jobs opportunities. California's Simcoe County District School Board, for instance, provides funding to member schools for environmental upgrades.

In addition, the National Wildlife Foundation (NWF) recently announced its support of the Billion Dollar Challenge, an effort by 32 of the country's top universities to invest a combined $1 billion in campus improvements.

These broad efforts may require the work and expertise of professionals in a host of green industries. Green building projects may include new construction, retrofits or re-engineering.

Professionals interested in these green building job opportunities could bolster their qualifications with accreditation from a number of sources, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). LEED accreditation demonstrates an understanding of green building and the LEED green building rating system. The LEED Green Associate is the entry-level credential, while the LEED AP credential demonstrates advanced knowledge of a particular type of green building.

Similarly, the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) offer certifications for energy auditors.

Related Advice:

• Green Jobs: Nonprofits and Colleges Commit to LEED and Green Building Projects



• Growing Trend in Energy Efficiency Improvements to Boost Green Jobs in 2012



• Green Associate vs. LEED Green Rater: Which Will Help Me Get a Green Job?