June 2010 Women Working in Green Construction and Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet Page 1 

The emerging green era offers the opportunity to build sustainable communities that are energy efficient, safe, and healthy. To 

reach this goal, we must be forward-thinking and strategic in engaging the diverse segments of society—consumers, business 

leaders, government, employers, and workers in a variety of industries. As investment, energy, and awareness surrounding the 

green movement grow, career paths will emerge, creating opportunities for women to become economically secure. Many of 

these jobs will be non-traditional occupations for women. Workforce development professionals have a unique opportunity to 

coalesce the interests of employers and potential employees while helping to ensure that women are poised to take full advantage 

of the green economy; especially in green construction and energy efficiency retrofitting, renovation, and energy sourcing. 

A Closer Look at the Sectors 

Definitions. O*NET, the Occupational Information Network, defines these two sectors as follows: 

 Energy Efficiency: This sector covers activities related to increasing energy efficiency (broadly defined), making energy 

demand response more effective, constructing “smart grids,” and so forth. 

 Green Construction: This sector covers activities related to constructing new green buildings, retrofitting residential and 

commercial buildings, and installing other green construction technology.1

Market Drivers. Knowing what is driving the local job market is important for women looking to take their place as 

entrepreneurs and employees in these emerging sectors. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has sought to 

advance green renovation and construction by providing substantial funding for training, building retrofits, and other related 

investments. The renewable portfolio standards in 31 states, especially for federal and institutional buildings such as schools and 

libraries, are also contributing to improved training and employment outlooks in the green construction and energy efficiency 

sectors. The potential for expanded opportunities in this corner of the market is expected to grow through 2013 and for several 

years beyond, according to Pike Research, creating a $400 billion market, with the greatest potential lying in privately owned 

commercial properties that total 70 billion square feet of space.2 Pike also forecasts growth in the operations and maintenance 

“niches,” as green renovations are put into place over the next few years.3 Other industry forecasters suggest that even modest 

actions taken toward producing energy efficiencies in residential and commercial buildings would drive investments of $50 

billion each year through 2020, creating a $500 billion market over a ten-year span.4

Government incentives, such as tax credits, play a role in encouraging home owners and commercial property managers to take 

action sooner rather than later to renovate and retrofit existing buildings. They also influence consideration of new green options 

when undertaking the construction of either a home or commercial structure. The demand for greener options is growing 

naturally among owners who are actively seeking to drive down their energy costs. Green renovations currently make up 7 

percent of the overall renovations market, but they are forecasted to grow to 13 percent by 2015, according to SBI Energy,5 or by 

as much as 21% in the same period, according to McGraw-Hill Construction.6 

Labor Needs. From research and design to electrical work and energy auditing, the possibilities for women who want to pursue 

green construction and energy efficiency occupations are wide and varied. For example, sources suggest that lighting retrofits 

may produce one of the largest opportunities among the retrofitting possibilities for both residential and commercial buildings. 

Lighting retrofits utilize new materials, products, and technologies, such as daylight harvesting (in which photosensors adjust the 

amount of artificial light being used according to the amount of natural light available). There are currently 2.2 million buildings 

eligible for such lighting system upgrades.7

Women can consult state and regional labor market information to determine what occupations are in demand locally. Such data 

is typically available from labor departments, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and 

educational institutions with relevant programs. Some states, such as Michigan, Missouri, and California, have produced studies 

examining state-level trends. 

Industry Sector Opportunities: 

Women Working in Green Construction & Energy Efficiency 

Fact Sheet
June 2010 Women Working in Green Construction and Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet Page 2 

Career Options 

Career Pathways. Green construction and energy efficiency career options run the gamut of education and skill levels. One byproduct of new energy technologies is the need for energy consultants who recommend energy cost-saving measures. Energy 

consultants currently represent 40 percent of the energy efficiency sector’s jobs. Also dominating the landscape are jobs in 

manufacturing, design, and sales of energy-efficient technologies, as well as the operations and maintenance of such products. 

These will include jobs controlling building functions, analyzing energy costs, conserving resources, and enhancing sustainability. 

Some will be old jobs with new skills, like heating and air conditioning mechanics and installers and mechanical and electrical 

engineers. New or substantially unique occupations may emerge around the weatherization of residential and commercial 

buildings.8 As demand for green retrofitting rises, demand will also rise for green building materials, thus boosting jobs in related 

manufacturing industries. Additionally, look for increases in occupations such as construction managers, civil engineers, and 

construction and building inspectors.9 Thus, the credentials and skills required to work in these occupations range from those 

obtained through short-term training to those requiring extensive college education. 

Employers are a great resource for helping to define the actual jobs that succeed one another in a career pathway and which ones 

are available in the area or within their firms. The realities in these sectors suggest that job progression is not truly linear and 

must allow for lifelong learning and movement within and among related sectors for advancement. In green construction, for 

instance, there are two pathways—one that moves through union apprenticeship systems and one that moves through 

community college or alternative training institutions. The latter may require an individual to undergo basic skills training in the 

field before moving to specific skills training, at which point an individual may change jobs. Subsequent movement along the 

green construction pathway will require extensive on-the-job training or technical diplomas, associate degrees, or advanced skills 

development.10

Credentials. Because the range of jobs in these fields spans all backgrounds and many interests, the range of credentials to be 

earned is also wide and varied. Several credentials are available for energy auditors, for example. Both nonprofit and for-profit 

enterprises offer training for positions in green construction and retrofitting requiring skilled workers. In addition, higher 

education institutions are expanding their offerings to meet the demand from area employers and students. Short-term training 

programs as well as advanced degrees are evolving based on market demand information and studies. 

The Green Building Certification Institute, an arm of the U.S. Green Building Council, has developed a credential for those who 

want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design (LEED) Green Associate credential denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations, and serves as 

the first step for individuals who choose to pursue a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) specialization. To take the LEED Green 

Associate exam, involvement on a LEED-registered project, employment (or previous employment) in sustainability work, or an 

engagement in (or completion of) an education program that addresses green building principles is required.11

Role of Workforce Professionals, Training and Education Providers, and Advocates 

Those in workforce development can assist would-be green construction and energy efficiency workers in the following ways: 

 Stay abreast of changing labor market data as well as new and emerging occupations. Monitor workforce information sites like 

the Workforce3One.org Community of Practice on green jobs, O*NET, and others available at the state and regional levels. 

Translate and share this information with job seekers. 

 Work closely with employers in the area to understand their hiring needs and plans for growth or expansion. Labor market 

projections are just that—projections. There is nothing more valuable than one-on-one discussions with employers in an 

area to understand their plans for the future, including their corporate projections for hiring. Supplementing labor market 

projections with interviews and ongoing relationships will provide a much more solid foundation from which career options 

can be evaluated.
June 2010 Women Working in Green Construction and Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet Page 3 

 Provide a range of green career options for job hunters that are appropriate for current or enhanced skill and education levels. 

In the fields of green construction and energy efficiency, there are opportunities for women of all backgrounds, many of 

whom can start where they are to enter the green economy by putting a green tint on existing skills. Others can pursue 

additional skills and credentials to support their employment in this sector. 

 Work with training programs to address the obstacles that may arise before and during employment in a non-traditional career. 

Because construction is a non-traditional field for women, workforce development professionals will want to partner with 

other organizations to provide the support services so often necessary for women to be successful in non-traditional 

occupations. Additionally, work with women entering this field to dispel the myths associated with such work and to address 

any gender-based stereotyping on the part of employers and fellow employees.

 Evaluate the income needs of an individual to develop a career progression that will lead to self-sufficiency and economic 

security. Not every entry-level green job is a good job in terms of earnings, benefits, or work/life balance. Understanding the 

income needs of job seekers, as well as the chain of jobs that will get them to a point where they are earning wages that give 

them the ability to fully meet the needs of their families, will contribute to the long-term success of women entering this 

sector. Working with partners who can provide support services or enrolling women in available programs to supplement 

their cash or in-kind income needs will pay great dividends for the individual and her family as they achieve economic 

security.

 Link efforts with Small Business Development Centers, women’s centers, and other economic development entities to meet the 

needs of potential entrepreneurs or future business owners. For job seekers to find work, the jobs must first be created. 

Because small businesses, especially small businesses owned by women, continue to create the great majority of jobs in this 

country, exploring entrepreneurship with job seekers has value. Talking and working with the economic development and 

business development professionals in an area can provide facts for job seekers who may never have considered the 

possibility of creating a job, instead of just finding a job.

 

To listen to the teleconference that accompanies this fact sheet, and for further information about “A Woman’s Guide to Green Jobs” and 

other Women’s Bureau initiatives supporting green jobs, including Women and Green Jobs Roundtables and green training projects, 

please visit the USDOL Women’s Bureau Web site at: http://www.dol.gov/wb/. 

End Notes

 

1

 Dierdorff, Erich et al. “Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New & Emerging Occupations,” (February 

2009), http://www.onetcenter.org/dl_files/Green.pdf.

2

 “Green Building Retrofits Represent a Potential $400B Market,” (June 2009). http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/06/18/greenbuilding-retrofits-represent-a-potential-400b-market/.

3

 Pike Research. “Energy Efficiency Retrofits for Commercial and Public Buildings,” (2010). 

http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/energy-efficiency-retrofits-for-commercial-and-public-buildings.

4

Pew Center on Global Climate Change. “In Brief: Clean Energy Markets: Jobs and Opportunities,” (April 2010 Update). 

http://www.pewclimate.org/publications/brief/clean-energy-markets-jobs-and-opportunities

5

 SBI Energy, “Global Green Building Materials and Construction.” 2nd Edition. (April 2010). 

http://www.sbireports.com/about/release.asp?id=1610.

6

 Gorman, Vivi. “Green Retrofit Market Growing, Report Says.” (November 3, 2009). http://www.greenandsave.com/green_news/greebuilding/green-retrofit-market-growing-report-says-5333.

7

 Neal, Houston. “5 ‘Green’ Retrofits Electricians Should Be Pitching to Drive Business.” Emerging Energy (May 31, 2010). 

http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/5-%E2%80%9Cgreen%E2%80%9D-retrofits-electricians-should-be-pitching-drive-business

8

 Ibid.

9

 Ibid.

10 COWS Institute. “Mapping Green Career Pathways: Job Training Infrastructure and Opportunities in Wisconsin,” 4-7. (January 

2010) http://www.cows.org/pdf/rp-mappingreportWI.pdf.

11 My Green Education and Career, “Green Career Path: LEED New Professionals Certifications” (2010). 

http://www.mygreeneducation.com/green-career-path-leed-new-professional-certifications/.
June 2010 Women Working in Green Construction and Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet Page 4 

Additional Resources 

The list below provides additional resources. The list is not exhaustive, and inclusion on this list does not represent an endorsement of 

any institution or program. As Web links can change, further Internet searches may be necessary to find the latest information.

Green and Non-Traditional Job Training Programs 

Government Resources 

 Green Jobs, Workforce3One Communities. This site compiles 

an ongoing list of training programs, evaluations, and other 

green economy information. 

http://greenjobs.workforce3one.org/page/resources/10009

16955604530872 

Non-Government Resources 

 The Green Advantage. This organization offers individual 

green certification, including seminars and examinations. 

http://www.greenadvantage.org/

Green Jobs & Labor Market Information 

Government Resources 

 National Center for O*NET Development. The Center 

researched green economic sectors, demand occupations, 

enhanced skills occupations, and new & emerging sectors 

which have been added to the O*NET system. 

http://www.onetcenter.org/green.html and 

http://online.onetcenter.org/help/bright/

 Career Information Delivery System (CIDS). State systems for 

information on employment opportunities. CIDS may be 

found at community colleges, universities or employment 

offices. 

 CareerOneStop provides an outline of green careers.

http://www.careeronestop.org/GreenCareers/GreenCareers.

aspx

 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics will begin 

in 2010 working with agencies across the Department to 

produce green jobs data. 

http://www.bls.gov/green/home.htm

 The U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau maintains 

data regarding the position of women in the green workforce 

and highlights potential jobs, challenges, and training 

programs for women. http://www.dol.gov/wb/ 

Non-Government Resources 

 Energy Efficiency in the American Clean Energy and Security 

Act of 2009: Impacts of Current Provisions and Opportunities 

to Enhance the Legislation looks at job creation as a result of 

utility investment and retrofits. Available from the American 

Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: 

http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e096.htm

 “Green Collar” Job Creation: A Critical Analysis, Beacon Hill 

Institute at Suffolk University. This report reviews three 

studies predicting green jobs growth including reports from 

the U.N. Environment Programme, the Center for American 

Progress, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. 

http://www.beaconhill.org/BHIstudies.html 

 Green Recovery: A Program to Create Good Jobs and Start 

Building a Low-Carbon Economy, a report produced by the 

Center for American Progress, provides estimates of impact of 

a green economic recovery. 

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/09/pdf/gre

en_recovery.pdf

 The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and 

Investments Across America. This 2009 report from the Pew 

Charitable Trust Center on the States and Collaborative 

Economics Inc. looks at 16 economic sectors to develop an 

inventory of existing businesses and jobs in the US. 

http://pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedFiles/Clean_Econ

omy_Report_Web.pdf

 U.S. Metro Economies: Current and Potential Green Jobs in the 

U.S. Economy. The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate 

Protection Center estimates job creation over a 30-year 

period and includes occupations such as retrofitting 

commercial and residential properties. 

http://www.usmayors.org/pressreleases/uploads/GreenJobs

Report.pdf

This fact sheet was produced by Public Policy Associates, Incorporated, in partnership with Wider Opportunities for Women, as part of the 

U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau’s “A Woman’s Guide to Green Jobs” publication series designed to aid in increasing women’s 

access to high-growth and emerging industry occupations in the green jobs sector nationwide. This report was funded through Contract 

Number DOLJ099429561 from the U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau. The materials referenced and the opinions expressed in 

this product do not necessarily reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau, and no official endorsements by that 

agency should be inferred.