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Germanna holds conference on green jobs Date published: 5/21/2009
BY BILL FREEHLING
About 150 people came to Germanna Community College's Culpeper campus Tuesday to learn more about green jobs--and maybe make a little green. Twenty-six presenters spoke on energy-efficiency technology and its possibilities for economic opportunities. It was part of a "green jobs" conference organized by the school. Germanna President David Sam called green technology both a way to make money and change the world for the better. Virginia is making a strong push for green jobs, said Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alleyn Harned. Gov. Tim Kaine's "Renew Virginia" initiative calls for the state being a leader in energy conservation and efficiency. Harned noted that the federal stimulus package provides for more than $50 million in energy efficiency conservation grants to Virginia localities. Millions more are available to help weatherize homes and offset the costs of renewable energy projects. People must become better educated about their energy consumption, said Lisa Johnson, a senior vice president with Old Dominion Electric Cooperative. That means becoming familiar with what household items use the most energy and taking steps to reduce consumption. Johnson noted that alongside increased consumer awareness there must also be more energy efficient products and building techniques. Solar technology is one such improvement, said Bob Bennett, president of Spotsylvania County-based Energy & Environment Inc. Bennett argued that solar panels need to become cost-efficient enough that they become just another standard building material. Energy captured from those panels can be used to reduce household energy needs or even contribute electricity to the grid. Sanjay Chandra, president of Herndon-based GreenBrilliance, said the U.S. is poised to become the world's largest market for solar power in the next couple of years. He said government incentives are needed to make this market take off. Tuesday's six breakout sessions covered residential and commercial construction, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and federal tax credits. Green Jobs Alliance Executive Director Randy Flood recommended two books: Thomas Friedman's "Hot, Flat, and Crowded" and Van Jones' "The Green Collar Economy." John Esson, who heads the Hampton-based Green Careers Center, noted that someday "green" won't be used to describe environmentally friendly projects. Everything will be green. In the meantime, Esson urged the crowd to learn green building techniques. He said those who do will be well-positioned when the economy regains steam. Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405
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