by Shane Henson — October 10, 2011—The push toward sustainability in America and abroad has led to a slew of positions being created that require professionals to think green and find ways to make the products they create or services they offer more sustainable. This is particularly true for those working in construction. According to a new study released by McGraw-Hill Construction, green jobs are now firmly established in the design and construction workforce.
The study found that 35% of architects, engineers and contractors (AEC) report having green jobs today, representing 661,000 jobs and one-third of the industry workforce. That share is expected to increase over the next three years, with 45% of all design and construction jobs being green by 2014. Other findings include:
- Trades jobs (carpenters, HVAC/boilermakers, electricians, concrete/cement masons, and plumbers) are expected to see the greatest growth in green jobs; 15% of trades today are green jobs, and this is expected to increase to 25% in three years.
- Green jobs yield advantages such as more opportunity (42%) and better career advancement (41%), according to respondents.
- Training is essential for getting and maintaining green jobs; 30% of green job workers say they needed major training when they started, and most report that formal education and training programs will continue to be needed. Hiring firms agree: 71% of hiring decision makers maintain that being green-certified increases competiveness.
- Green jobs yield advantages such as more opportunity (42%) and better career advancement (41%), according to respondents.
