The California Construction Academy, a project of the UCLA Labor Center, launched its new book, Beyond Green Jobs: Building Lasting Opportunities in Energy Efficiency. The launch party was held on March 14 in conjunction with the California Labor Federation’s Building Workforce Partnerships Conference and the Blue Green Alliance Foundation’s Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference. Thank you to those who celebrated with us!
Over three hundred attendees from labor, business, community and policy attended the launch. Man One, a Los Angeles-based graffiti artist, created a mixed media art piece live at the event, using recycled construction materials, hardhats, and construction tools. A live band performed at the event. James Rojas, MIT Alum and Urban Planner, set up an interactive display of moveable buildings for participants to imagine their ideal green city. Guests took turns taking pictures at a photo booth with a large version of the book cover.
Beyond Green Jobs puts forth a foundation to bring energy efficiency to scale. Some things the book discusses:
- There are many shades of green. Going deep green can provide the greatest benefits to the economy, the environment, and the community.
- Rather than receiving training to just replace lightbulbs, a worker can become an electrician and have a career far into the future. Deep green means lifelong opportunities for plumbers, HVAC mechanics, and other skilled construction craft workers.
- Many innovative programs across the country are creating good green jobs despite a tough economy.
- Knowledge of the construction industry matters. Construction can exploit workers in dangerous and temporary dead-end jobs, or it can provide entry to stable, middle-class careers. It is important to build upon tools that work.
Find out more about Beyond Green Jobs.
The book is now available to order online or for free download. Download the book.
