The document discusses the concepts of a "green economy" and "green-collar jobs". It defines a green economy as one that balances social, environmental and economic goals for sustainability. Green-collar jobs directly contribute to environmental quality and tend to be local, family-wage jobs in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and green building. The document also lists some drivers of a green economy and examples of green economy sectors and initiatives at the local, state and national levels.

1. The Greening of America What does it really mean? Susan Zaffarano

2. The “Green” Revolution Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability

3. The Fundamental Question: What does green mean in the context of your business model. Internal Processes External Processes Customer Supply Chain Market Partnerships

4. What is a “Green Economy”? A rapidly growing, billion dollar sector that includes renewable energy sources, organic product and products, new or restored green buildings, alternative fuel sources, and more. 1 A the new economy that balances a community’s social, environmental, and economic goals to enable sustainability, prosperity and opportunity for its citizens today and in future generations. -Susan Zaffarano An economy that values nature and people and creates decent, well-paying jobs. 2

5. Green Economy Drivers Concerns over global warming and greenhouse gas emissions Continued rise in the cost of energy Growing brand pressures at a local and national level Increasing recognition that the building sector creates the largest percentage of greenhouse gases Increasing political power national, state and local social and environmental organizations driving for change Awareness of U.S. security threats due to our reliance on foreign energy sources

6. What is a “Green-Collar Job”? Jobs that contribute directly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality. Tend to be local with focus on long-term, sustainable jobs that provide a family-wage. 1 Positions in agricultural, manufacturing, R&D, administrative, and service activities aimed at alleviating the myriad environmental threats faced by humanity. 2

7. Green Economy Sectors Green Architecture and Design US Green Building LEED certification Sustainable Building and Construction New construction and retrofitting existing bldgs Energy Efficiency assessments Heating and Cooling, Windows, Insulation Alternative Energy Supply Wind, Solar, Bio, Nuclear Consumer Goods Sustainable Agriculture/Farming Transportation Auto Mass Transportation Clean Manufacturing

8. What is going on Green …. Local Level: NextEnergy – non profit dedicated to the advancement of the alternative energy industry in Midwestern Wind Energy Conference – July 2008 held in Detroit USGB – Green conference for buildings, architects, designers being held Spring 2008 Kresge Foundation – Environment Grants for Green building Oakland County Green Initiative announced July 10, 2008 State Level: Harvest Wind Farm LLC , Huron County( Partnership of Wolverine Power Cooperative and John Deere) Operational Michigan Legislature Renewable Energy Resources Act HB5218 Revitalize downtowns – SB 970-72,74,76,78,80 Related: Rebuild Michigan Community Partnership National Level Green For All, Apollo Alliance and Center on Wisconsin Strategy – Green Collar Jobs initiative City of Chicago- Mayors’ Initiative on Green Manufacturing completed Green Exchange in Chicago – Platinum LEED certified Incubator and Hub for “anything Green” Heavy upswing in investment into Green industry by individuals

9. Simple deduction…. IF….. Macomb County has the employers, employees, infrastructure and capabilities in the area of engineering, manufacturing, architecture, construction, advanced technologies….. AND…… The Green sector is heavily dependent on those employers, capabilities and infrastructure for growth , THEN….. Macomb County needs to be show intent and focus on plans to identify and attract new “green” business opportunities and take action on enablement of a “green economy” through public policy, business partnerships, education and training, and community support.