People who work to save energy are all around us. Energy-efficient technologies and services employ over 2.1 million people across the United States, according to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Energy. Efficiency workers can be found in thousands of companies, across many areas of business, and in all 50 states.
Energy efficiency creates jobs in multiple ways. Efficiency workers make, sell, and install efficient products (such as ENERGY STAR® appliances), build well-insulated buildings, and offer energy-saving services, such as weatherization. In addition, efficiency creates supporting jobs, such as those in the supply chains that provide parts and materials for efficient products. Last but definitely not least, efficiency supports other jobs by reducing energy use and thus energy bills, leaving customers free to spend or invest that money elsewhere in the economy.
Typically, the savings from energy efficiency yield even more jobs than the efficiency work itself. When this is all taken into account, the total number of jobs that are linked to energy efficiency is likely at least three times the number reported above. This is the power of energy efficiency. It helps us do more with less, creating a faster-growing, more stable economy and the dynamic job growth that comes with it.
As our technologies evolve to address the climate crisis, the potential for energy efficiency jobs is virtually limitless. By investing in these jobs, we are not only creating a workforce that can help slash climate-warming emissions, but we are also growing our economy and creating more jobs for those who need them.
We need a clean energy workforce to rejuvenate our economy and tackle the climate crisis. Investing in energy efficiency jobs is key.
For more information, please explore our People Who Save Energy series, which includes case studies as well as fact sheets on energy efficiency investments and energy efficiency workers.
