Energy efficiency is a broad category that encompasses residential and commercial building technologies, appliances and industrial processes.

Programs such as Energy Star and the LEED buildings program have seen tremendous growth, and the emerging energy efficiency industry is becoming the largest job generator and business creation opportunity in the energy field. Career opportunities exist in a variety of new fields:

• Architecture and engineering specialists to design and build energy efficient homes and buildings
• Home construction and renovation

• HVAC system installation and maintenance including computer diagnostics/testing
• Installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems and distributed generation
• Manufacturing, sales, installation and maintenance of a broad array of energy products
• Evaluation services to audit and track building performance
• High skilled specialty trades in organized labor

As people continue to become more conscious of energy’s impact on the environment and their wallets, they will demand homes and work places to be more energy efficient. Builders and developers who embrace this new cultural wave have the opportunity to put themselves in front of the pack.