Developing a Global Energy Efficiency Workforce in the Buildings Sector – Analysis – IEA
Developing a Global Energy Efficiency Workforce in the Buildings Sector – Analysis IEA
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About this report
Introduction
At COP28, all countries committed to work together to collectively double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements. They also recognized the role of energy efficiency as the “first fuel” in the clean energy transition. Implementing this global target will require a skilled workforce.
In the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, the growth of the energy efficiency workforce will be led by the building sector, which will create 1.3 million jobs over the next six years. However, many countries face labor shortages for key energy efficiency occupations.
Identifying Key Energy Efficiency Jobs and Skills
This practical guide pilots an approach to help policymakers identify the key energy efficiency jobs and skills in the buildings sector. IEA analysis finds that training workers for occupations addressing building insulation, the installation and repair of efficient cooling, heating, ventilation and refrigeration devices (HVAC/R), and windows can address the largest drivers of building energy demand across climates.
Key Occupations and Training Requirements
The key occupations identified are:
- Insulation workers
- Building and construction inspectors (energy auditors)
- HVAC/R mechanics and installers
- Glaziers
Training a range of professionals including construction workers, electricians, and workers who will design buildings with improved energy efficiency from the outset will also be vital to achieve global energy efficiency targets. These workers will require different types and lengths of training.
Involving policymakers, employers, trade unions, and other stakeholders is vital to coordinate the alignment between those training requirements and the jobs and skills that will be relevant and provide energy efficiency workers with decent jobs and wages through formal and inclusive pathways.
Clean Energy Ministerial Empowering People Initiative
This report is part of the work of the Clean Energy Ministerial Empowering People Initiative (CEM EPI).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Not mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the need for a skilled workforce to achieve global energy efficiency targets and highlights the role of energy efficiency in the clean energy transition. It also mentions the growth of the energy efficiency workforce in the building sector and the need to address labor shortages for key energy efficiency occupations. These issues are connected to the SDGs mentioned above.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article indirectly addresses these targets by emphasizing the need for energy efficiency improvements, the creation of decent jobs in the energy efficiency sector, the retrofitting of buildings for sustainability, and the reduction of environmental impact.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of energy efficiency, the need for a skilled workforce, and the role of various occupations in achieving global energy efficiency targets. However, it does not provide specific indicators or measurements of progress towards these targets.
Source: iea.org
