Skills gap looms for energy efficiency jobs tied to net-zero emission goals: IEA

Sustainable Development Goals and Job Growth in Energy Efficiency

Dive Brief:

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the push for building energy efficiency will drive significant job growth in the coming decade, with retrofitting buildings alone estimated to create an additional 1.3 million jobs by 2030 based on a scenario where net-zero emissions are achieved by 2050.
• Key roles in this job growth will include HVAC installation, insulation, and energy auditing, according to the IEA. However, the U.S. and other countries are facing labor shortages in these areas, which threatens progress toward net-zero emissions.
• Training programs for electricians, building designers, glaziers, insulation workers, HVAC and refrigeration mechanics, and installers are crucial to meeting building energy demand across different climates, the IEA emphasizes. These roles often require apprenticeships and specialized training, which vary by profession. In the U.S., 83% of energy efficiency employers reported hiring difficulties in 2023, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Dive Insight:

As the demand for energy efficiency occupations grows, a well-trained workforce is essential to perform these roles, says the IEA. The agency’s report aims to provide a practical guide for policymakers to identify key energy efficiency jobs and skills in the buildings sector.

In the U.S., pathways to HVAC/R mechanic and installer roles, as well as roles in pipelaying, plumbing, pipefitting, and steamfitting, typically involve enrolling in apprenticeships or secondary educational programs that take two to four years to complete. Electricians in the U.S. attend federally registered apprenticeships provided by various institutions and can take two and a half to four years to complete, including a state certification exam if applicable.

Insulation workers and entry-level glaziers have more informal requirements or pathways in the U.S. Insulation workers are often hired based on prior experience, but vocational or technical schools, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and some secondary education are preferred. For glaziers, vocational or technical schools, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and some secondary education can help candidates stand out in the hiring process.

Certifications are particularly important for energy auditors and building inspectors in the U.S. Additional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager and Association of Energy Service Professionals can help individuals advance in their careers.

The report also emphasizes the significance of strong primary education and a solid foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics. Mathematics, in particular, is crucial for primary energy efficiency occupations that involve calculating electrical loads or converting units. The IEA notes that education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) equips workers with a strong grounding to adapt to innovations and new technologies. However, the increase in STEM degrees granted in the past decade is insufficient to keep pace with demand.

Transitioning to more secure and sustainable energy systems requires digital technologies and adaptability to new tools. However, there is a skills gap in digital roles in the energy sector, hindering greater investment in digitalization. A survey of energy professionals found that 89% of respondents identified skills gaps as a key roadblock to accelerating the adoption of digital technologies.

Digital skills are becoming increasingly relevant in the buildings sector, with digitalization and automation requiring familiarity with specialized software. Understanding modern energy systems like HVAC/R and heat pumps requires a combination of knowledge and experience from traditionally separate roles. The IEA highlights the need for flexible training opportunities to address these requirements.

Dialogue among policymakers, private sector employers, and labor unions, including public-private partnerships and employer-driven training, is crucial in addressing the labor shortage and directly training workers for relevant skills. The report emphasizes the importance of employer involvement to provide clear pathways into employment for workers investing in training.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.3: By 2030, 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 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
• 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 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:

• Number of energy efficiency jobs created in the building sector by 2030
• Percentage of energy efficiency employers reporting hiring difficulties
• Number of trained workers in HVAC installation, insulation, energy auditing, and other energy efficiency roles
• Percentage increase in STEM conferrals across all degrees
• Percentage of energy professionals identifying skills gaps as a key roadblock to digital technology adoption

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: smartcitiesdive.com