Emerging Green Construction In New Hampshire

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireOther Green IncentivesIn addition to ARRA funding, other incentives have helped New Hampshire businessesand residents invest in renewable energy and energy projects. Property tax exemptions for the installation ofrenewable energy heating systemsare offered by eighty-three communities. Specifically, 81 municipalities offer solarexceptions, 44 offer wind power exemptions, and 31 municipalities offer centralwood heating exemptions. A complete list is available through the Office of Energyand Planning. g The federal government offers income tax credit for residential renewable energyefficiency systems. An extensive list is updated by the Database of State Incentivesfor Renewable Energy and Efficiency (DSIRE). h The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and utility companies offer variousRenewable Energy Rebates, Energy Star, and energy efficiency upgrade incentivessuch as energy efficient appliances, heating systems, and lighting; programmablethermostats, and weatherization upgrades.i The residential and commercialprograms have various guidelines, eligibilities, and expirations. DSIRE offers acomplete list. j The Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Fund (GHGERF) is funded throughNew Hampshire’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).GHGERF grants sponsor job training, energy audits, and retrofits for businesses,non-profits, and educational institutions. kIn addition to tax and rebate incentives, local financial institutions are offering greenloans to finance energy efficient home improvement projects. Among these are: Energy Efficiency Consumer Loans are offered at Meredith Village Savings Bank.l As of October, 2011, ten Credit Unions offer the New Hampshire Credit Unions’Greenlight Loans: energy saving home improvement loans. m Laconia Savings Bank has a Certified Green Professional Mortgage Consultant toassist consumers with Energy Star loans. ng. Office of Energy and Planning. Renewable Energy. 1 Jul 2011. s.htm h. Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (DSIRE). 1 Jul 2011 ageID 1&State NH&RE 1&EE 1 .See Appendix A on page 19 for a list of various Green Incentives available to New Hampshire residents.Ibid.k. Public Utilities Commission. Sustainable Energy. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund. 14 Nov 2011. www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/GHGERF.htm .l. The Energy Solution Loan. Meredith Village Savings Bank. 23 Nov 2010. www.mvsb.com/energy/energy loan.php .m. New Hampshire Credit Union League. Energy Efficiency Loans. New Hampshire Credit Unions’ Greenlight Loans. www.gocu.org/advantages/energy-efficiency-loans .n. Thompson, Peter. Laconia Savings Bank. Telephone Conversation. 23 Nov 2010.4New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireConstruction in New HampshireEmployment in many of New Hampshire’s industry sectors was significantly affectedby the most recent recession. However, even prior to the start of the Great Recession inDecember 2007, employment in New Hampshire’s Construction sector had started todecline. Over the past ten years: Construction employment peaked at 31,800 in July 2004; and By February 2011, Construction employment (not seasonally adjusted) haddropped to 17,100, the lowest level for February since 1996.Nonfarm Construction Employment,Not Seasonally Adjusted35,000Nonfarm Employment30,00025,00020,00015,000Construction (NSA)12 month Moving n-11May-11Sep-110Source: New Hampshire Employment Security, Current Employment StatisticsThe Composition of ConstructionAccording to the North America Industry Classification System, the Constructionsector consists of the three following subsectors:Constructionof buildingsEstablishments primarily involved in building construction includingnew work, additions, alterations, maintenance and repairs.Heavy and Civil Establishments primarily involved in the construction of entireengineering projects such as highways and dams.engineeringSpecialty TradecontractorsEstablishments that have specialized primary activities such asplumbing, electrical, pouring concrete, and painting.New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau5

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireCovered Employment* in New Hampshire’s Construction SectorTotal 2010Average ConstructionEmployment: 21,418Heavy and civilengineering12%Specialty tradecontractors65%Construction ofbuildings23%Source: New Hampshire Employment Security, Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages, 2010 Annual Average Employment*Covered employment is an establishment based measure of jobs covered by Unemployment Insurance.The largest subsector, Specialty trade contractors, has a great potential for green jobs.An increasing number of contractors offer energy efficient and pollution reductionoptions, such as builders framing ENERGY STAR certified structures, paintersusing low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, and roofing, flooring, and pavingworkers using similar environmentally-friendly products.Another construction-related industry where green practices and use of greenmaterials are already incorporated is Architectural, engineering, and related serviceswhich includes landscaping, designing, engineering and architectural services.New Hampshire’s average annual covered employment in this industry group was4,707 in 2010. Examples of evolving green services in this group are Leadership inEnergy and Environmental Design (LEED ) standard architecture, energy efficientand environmentally sustainable landscaping, and engineering for renewable energyprojects, LEED building projects, and energy efficient projects.Together, the Architectural, engineering, and related services industry group and theConstruction sector cover all stages of the planning and building process. It is possibleto utilize green practices and products throughout a construction project.6New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireGreen Occupations in the Construction IndustryAnother way to study employment trends in green construction is to examine databy occupation. O*Net, the Occupational Information Network, gathers information onoccupations, and the knowledge, skills, abilities, activities, and tasks required toperform each one. 7 Researchers at the National Center for O*Net Developmentidentified three ways that green economic activity impacts occupations. The impactswere defined as occupations that would experience increased demand due to greeneconomic activity, occupations that would experience enhanced skills due to the greeneconomy, and unique new and emerging occupations resulting from green economicactivity. 8For occupations experiencing increased demand due to the green economy, the contextof work may change, but general tasks will remain the same. For example, insulationworkers use a similar or slightly different technique as the material they use differs.As energy cost goes up, the incentive to improve the energy efficiency of a buildingbecomes larger and the need for services performed by insulation workers willincrease.O*Net Green Increased Demand OccupationsO*NET-SOC Code O*NET-SOC Title17-3011.01Architectural on Carpenters47-2031.02Rough Carpenters47-2051.00Cement Masons and Concrete FinishersAlternative Job Titles ReportedArchitecture Technicians47-2073.00Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment n Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall47-2221.00Structural Iron and Steel igeration Mechanics and InstallersRefrigeration Engineers49-9051.00Electrical Power-Line Installers and RepairersElectrical Power Line Installers and Repairers49-9098.00Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers51-2041.00Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters51-4121.06Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters51-4121.07Solderers and Brazers51-8021.00Stationary Engineers and Boiler OperatorsBoiler Technicians53-7051.00Industrial Truck and Tractor OperatorsIndustrial Truck Drivers53-7062.00Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, HandMetal FabricatorsSource: The Occupational Information Network (O*NET). www.onetcenter.org/green.html 7. The Green Economy. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET). 18 Nov 2010. www.onetcenter.org/green.html .8. “Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations.” Appendix B:Green Enhanced Skills Occupations by Sector. O*NET Research and Technical Reports. February 2009. The OccupationalInformation Network (O*NET). 13 May 2011. www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html .New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau7

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireConversely, occupations classified as enhanced skills are expected to experiencesignificant changes to the work and worker requirements. This means that the jobtitle will remain the same, but new green tasks, skills, knowledge, and credentials maybe required. Examples of occupations with green enhanced skills include constructionmanagers obtaining knowledge of environmental protection practices, civil engineersgaining skills to work in renewable energy generation, and landscape architectsenhancing their knowledge of natural pesticides and efficient land management. 9Many of the professionals in enhanced skills occupations will need to obtain some sort ofgreen certification and/or attend workshops and seminars related to green building.Green Enhanced SkillsO*NET-SOCCodeO*NET-SOC TitleAlternative Job Titles Reported11-1021.00General and Operations ManagersBuilding and Facilities Managers11-9021.00Construction ManagersEnergy Efficient Site Foremen; Environmental Construction Engineers; ProgramManagers, Environmental Construction; Site Supervising Technical Operators; SolarCommercial Installation Electrician Foremen; Solar Installation Managers/ProjectForemen; Weatherization Operations Managers13-1073.00Training and Development SpecialistsGreen Material Construction Trade Instructors13-2051.00Financial AnalystsGreen Material Value-Added Assessors17-1011.00Architects, Except Landscape and NavalCommercial Green Building and Retrofit Architects; Green Building Architects; GreenBuilding Design Specialists; Green Building Designers (Commercial/Residential);Residential Green Building and Retrofit Architects17-1012.00Landscape ArchitectsSustainable Landscape Architects17-2051.00Civil EngineersEnergy Infrastructure Engineers; Hydro-electric Plant Structural Engineers; StructuralDesign Engineers; Wastewater Plan Civil Engineers; Water Systems Designers andEngineers17-2071.00Electrical EngineersWind Farm Electrical Systems Designers, Smart Grid Engineers17-2141.00Mechanical EngineersHeating Engineers; HVAC Engineers; HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designers;Industrial Green Systems and Retrofit Designers; Senior HVAC Engineers19-3051.00Urban and Regional PlannersSustainable Communities Designers47-2061.00Construction LaborersBiofuels Plan Construction Workers; Nuclear Plant Construction Workers47-2152.01Pipe Fitters and SteamfittersGreen Pipefitters47-2152.02PlumbersGreen Plumbers47-2181.00RoofersCool Roofing Installers47-2211.00Sheet Metal Workers47-4011.00Construction and Building InspectorsInfrastructure/Construction Technicians47-4041.00Hazardous Materials Removal WorkersHazardous Materials Handlers49-9021.01Heating and Air Conditioning MechanicsGround Water/Heat Pump Contractors or Installers,Heating/Air Conditioning Installersand InstallersMaintenance and Repair Workers, General Environmental Maintenance Workers; Water Purification Systems ServiceTechnicians, Building Control Operators, Building Maintenance Engineers49-9042.0051-8013.00Power Plant OperatorsEquipment Operators/Controls OperatorsSource: The Occupational Information Network (O*NET). www.onetcenter.org/green.html 9. The Green Economy. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET). 18 Nov 2010. www.onetcenter.org/green.html .8New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireNew and emerging occupations are unique occupations that are generated directly fromthe green economy’s activities and technologies. Examples of new and emergingoccupations include: Energy engineers/ energy managersThese workers reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency by designing,developing, or evaluating energy efficiency projects; Industrial energy engineer, or Environmental solutions engineerThese workers design, develop, and assess energy related programs and projects; Weatherization installers and techniciansThese workers weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient; and Energy auditorsThese workers audit energy use in buildings and process systems. 1010. Ibid.New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau9

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireNew and Emerging Occupations in Energy EfficiencyEnergy auditor — a new and emerging occupation — is gaining recognition. An Energyauditor identifies areas of a building prone to heat loss and makes recommendations toimprove efficiency, with the goal of savings on energy bills. Energy auditors must havea background in construction or building science, and they use specialty equipmentsuch as a blower door (a diagnostic tool that measures air tightness of a building) andinfrared cameras. Energy auditors do not need a state-issued license in New Hampshire,although there are voluntary certified energy auditor credentialing programs available,such as the BPI Certified Building Analyst credential. As new construction comes intocompliance with the IECC 2009 building code, jobs in this field will likely increase asenergy audits are mandated by the code. Not only will this increase demand for greenjobs like Energy auditors, it will also create more energy efficient houses and commercialbuildings throughout the state, reducing New Hampshire’s energy demand andcarbon emissions. However, these new building standards may increase building costs.When an Energy auditor identifies a building’s heat loss, a Weatherization technicianperforms the recommended remediation work. This occupation emerged fromexisting skills of HVAC technicians and general repairmen. Weatherization technicians,also called Retrofit installers, or Weatherization installers, have knowledge of the energyaudit process and subsequent diagnostics, but ultimately their tasks involve installing,repairing, and weatherizing windows, doors and ventilation systems. In addition,Weatherization technicians seal the thermal envelope, reduce heat loss, and increaseO*Net New and Emerging Green OccupationsO*NETSOC CodeO*NET-SOC TitleDescription17-2199.03Energy EngineersDesign, develop, and evaluate energy-related projects andprograms to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiencyduring the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction.May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality;or energy procurement.13-1199.01Energy AuditorsConduct energy audits of buildings, building systems and processsystems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings orsystems.47-4099.99Weatherization Installers and TechniciansPerform a variety of activities to weatherize homes and make themmore energy efficient. Duties include repairing windows, insulating,air-sealing, and performing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning(HVAC) work. May perform energy audits and advise clients onenergy conservation measures.Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) TechniciansTest, adjust, and balance HVAC systems so they perform asdesigned.n/aSource: The Occupational Information Network (O*NET). www.onetcenter.org/green.html 10New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau

Emerging Green Construction in New Hampshireenergy efficiency through air sealing,insulating, and covering sources ofheat loss. They may perform generalcarpentry repairs, and replace lighting,fans, thermostats, and faucet fixtures.Weatherization technicians must have abasic knowledge of building science,energy codes, human health, and safework practices. 11 While Weatherizationtechnicians tend to be younger, due inpart to the intense labor and difficultworking environments, exposure tohigh heat, the elements, and confinedspaces, Energy auditors tend to be older with more certifications and education. 12,13To encourage cross education between these two occupations, the Belknap-MerrimackCounty Community Action Program in New Hampshire created teams to allowWeatherization installers to become part of the auditing process and vice versa. 14 As theaverage age of a U.S. residential builder is 53 years old, 15 employment opportunitieswith the potential to develop a skilled younger workforce may be important to theconstruction industry’s future.11. “NREL Job Tasks Analysis: Energy Auditor.” May 2011. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. U.S. Department ofEnergy. 20 Jul 2011. www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/pdfs/51672.pdf .12. Shields, Jack. Assistant Director of Energy Conservation. Weatherization Program. Belknap- Merrimack Community ActionProgram. Personal Interview. 16 Nov 2010.13. Duncan, Andy. Energy Training Manager. Lakes Region Community College. Personal Interview. 14 Nov. 2011.14. Shields, Jack. Assistant Director of Energy Conservation. Weatherization Program. Belknap- Merrimack Community ActionProgram. Personal Interview. 16 Nov 2010.15. “Profile of the Typical Single-Family Builder in 2009.” 1 Jul 2010. National Association of Home Builders. 13 May 2011. www.nahb.com/generic.aspx?sectionID 734&genericContentID 140366 .New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau11

Emerging Green Construction in New HampshireProfessional Education, Certifications, and AccreditationsWith any emerging sector, assessingquality and standards can be difficult.In order to appraise and accreditindividual professionals and individualprojects, certification programs have beendeveloped to distinguish green buildingsand green builders from their non-greencounterparts. There are numerous wellestablished professional and membershiporganizations offering educationalprograms, certifications, and accreditationsfor the construction industry, many withboth public and private sponsorship. These certifications have rigorous requirementsto ensure that green construction follows quantifiable guidelines that offer markedenergy efficiency improvement over non-green construction. Some of the providers ofpopular programs for construction-related professionals include: U.S. Green Building Council , which developed the Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED ) building certification system and exam-basedbuilding professional credentials. National Association of Home Builders, which offers Certified GreenProfessional (CGP) and Master Certified Green Professional (MC

2 New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Emerging Green Construction in New Hampshire The construction sector is regarded as having significant potential to "go green" and as a result provide green jobs for workers. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the green construction market has grown dramatically and should continue to