Rebuilding New Orleans
Solar installation on Global Green’s Holy Cross Project Homes in Lower 9th Ward demonstrates expansion of green workforce
South Coast Solar installers will permit students from local green jobs training course working towards certification in solar installation to participate and observe
New Orleans, LA. – On Wednesday, May 27, Global Green USA was joined by New Orleans’ citizens and green energy leaders at a special event highlighting the progress of the Holy Cross Project as two solar panel systems were installed on the 2nd and 3rd of 5 planned single-family houses under construction at the site. The installations were performed by local renewable energy installer, South Coast Solar, and students of a solar installation training course presented by Louisiana CleanTech Network, a local organization providing green jobs training programs at college campuses throughout the state.
Attendees were invited to view local trainees assisting the South Coast Solar staff with the installation of the solar panels as part of their training to achieve certification as solar installers. Global Green has made development of a green workforce a top priority of its green building programs in New Orleans and around the country.
“We are trying to demystify the use of renewable energy equipment and green building techniques, “said Beth Galante, Director of Global Green’s New Orleans office.
“We really appreciate our vendor, South Coast Solar providing a platform with a bird’s eye view of the installation, so people can actually see how and where the panels are installed,” said Galante.
“This installation by solar installation trainees also marks a milestone in the development of our rapidly expanding local green workforce. Since opening a New Orleans headquarters just after Hurricane Katrina, Global Green USA has been a leader in raising awareness of green building, promoting sustainable products and practices, and providing work opportunities that have contributed to the growth and development of the emerging green-collar industry here.
“What the New Orleans community needs are not only green and sustainable buildings and houses like the model house here at the Holy Cross Project, but contractors that have been trained to build this way, using the green methods and practices we’ve used and are using to build these structures,” said Mike Lopez, Global Green USA construction manager of the Holy Cross Project.
“For that reason, we decided to try to hire only local, professional contractors, and train them in how to build this way, so that long after we’ve completed this and our other projects, local citizens will have access to a pool of skilled and qualified contractors who can build to sustainable, responsible standards for their own projects, both residential and commercial.”
Since 2005, the local green workforce has seen significant growth. The expansion has particularly picked up speed during the last year with the emergence of new training programs and increasing opportunities for green collar workers to gain experience and employment. Less than one year ago, in June 2008, only 2 local solar equipment suppliers held the license that enables clients to receive generous tax credits available for the purchase of solar panel systems. Currently, 39 solar suppliers are licensed. Organizations such as Louisiana CleanTech Network (LCTN), who offer training courses in solar electric and other renewable energy and efficiency-based labor skills, have begun offering courses to accommodate the increased local interest in green building. The students who participated in the Holy Cross project installation were from the largest class yet since LCTN began offering the course in 2008, which had 35 enrolled students.
LCTN alone has trained over 140 people in solar electric installation during the past year through over 10 completed and in-progress solar electric training courses statewide, 7 of which have been held in New Orleans. As in many fields, job-site experience with real residential and commercial installation projects are a key part of the training and certification process.
Companies such as South Coast Solar, who are based in New Orleans and completed the solar panel installation on the 2nd and 3rd houses at the Holy Cross Project, have also seen significant business growth as more residents and commercial enterprises are seeking alternative energy options.
"South Coast Solar grew from three principals to over twenty employees in its first year. Our commitment to the development of green jobs in South Louisiana is evidenced by the rapid growth of our company,” said Troy Von Otnott, President of South Coast Solar. “We are pleased to have been selected by Global Green to install solar energy systems on these green homes in the Holy Cross neighborhood, and we're also excited to use this project as a training session for those interested in learning how solar systems are integrated into a residence."
Throughout the implementation of all of their green building projects in New Orleans, Global Green has cultivated a skilled and qualified foundation of “green collar” workers who will increase the accessibility of green building techniques in the city. Through green building initiatives including the Holy Cross Project and the Green Seed and Model Green Schools programs, Global Green has provided opportunities for local contractors and builders to gain experience that will help build a qualified, sustainable green workforce.
Contractors and workers who have worked on projects such as the Holy Cross Project have been trained in green building techniques and are now qualified to offer these services to other local homeowners and builders in the future, as well as to share their knowledge with other construction workers. Through the Holy Cross Project, for example, Global Green successfully trained master electrician and 9th ward resident Allan Jones on solar photo-voltaic panel installation. Jones is now pursuing certification to launch his own solar panel installation business in the city.
Global Green USA has fueled green collar workforce expansion through local projects including the Holy Cross Project, Model Green Schools and Green Seed Schools programs, the Build it Back Green initiative and free, monthly, public panel discussions on green building principles and practices. Such initiatives have been instrumental in not only bringing green building to the forefront of rebuilding dialogue and efforts, but in providing opportunities for green jobs training and employment and local workforce development that will help develop a sustainable local green industry.
