Oakland’s Green Jobs and Energy Initiatives
The Green Market Oracle
Oakland, California is seeking comprehensive solutions to environmental problems that include social issues like poverty. In July, Oakland was named a 2010 Smarter City for Energy.
Oakland is developing local green businesses and training residents for the new green workforce. Local groups and educational establishments haveteamed up to train and place low-income residents in jobs like solarinstallation, energy-efficiency retrofits and green building.
Oakland is behind some innovative energy initiatives. The city is launching aprogram to jumpstart energy efficiency in the commercial downtown areaand encourage investment. The program provides technical assistance andincentives to increase the energy efficiency of older buildings.
Oakland’s green jobs and energy initiatives are a model for cities around the world.
Richard Matthews is a consultant, sustainable investor, writer and owner of The Green Market Oracle, a leading sustainable business blog that covers the convergence of sustainable capitalism and the global environment.The Green Market is one of the most comprehensive resources for information and tools on sustainability. Follow The Green Market's twitter feed and see the Facebook Fan Page.
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