On January 23rd, 2013, Ecotech Institute (Denver, Colorado, U.S.), which focuses on training students for renewable energy jobs, announced that it has launched the first-ever Clean Jobs Index, aggregating all the available clean jobs in the United States.
The national index shows that there were more than three million clean jobs available across the U.S. in 2012. The index breaks down clean jobs by state, with links to local jobs listings.
In addition to providing objective information on jobs, the index also looks at a variety of sustainability factors that affect citizens' lifestyles, including alternative fueling stations, LEED projects, total energy consumption, energy efficiency, green pricing, net metering and state incentives.
"We are very proud to introduce the Clean Jobs Index to the world. Its aggregate data offers incredible insight into how each state is performing in areas of tremendous importance," Ecotech Institute's Director of Sustainability Kyle Crider stated.
Oregon is leading the Clean Jobs Index
According to the index, Oregon is the number one state for the entire Clean Jobs Index, while California ranks lowest in energy usage per 100,000 residents. Alaska is number one for clean jobs per 100,000 residents.
Ecotech Institute initiated and produced the Clean Jobs Index using a wide variety of external resources. It gathered data from a variety of independent research entities that develop and regularly publish cleantech information.
Sources include a variety of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses, including: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Green Building Council, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.
Monthly updates
The institute notes that it will update the sustainability factors of the index data on a quarterly and annual basis and monthly as new jobs are posted for hiring.
"The possibilities for the index's use are infinite. We recommend that state leaders reference the data when policy is initiated, when companies are looking to build or improve operations, and especially when people are looking for jobs”, Kyle Crider adds.