Industries and lifestyles are being transformed by green energy everywhere. Solar panels, wind turbines and electric cars often get the most spotlight, but electricians, plumbers, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technicians are simultaneously the unsung heroes of this revolution. The professionals are adapting to innovative technologies and helping decrease environmental impact and ways to sustainability.
In this article, we look at how these trades are changing due to the green energy shift, why making green money is a great time to join in, and what options are available.
The Growing Demand for Green Energy
Green energy means energy coming from renewable sources–that is, from solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources are replenished naturally and cause only minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Fighting climate change and achieving energy independence requires green energy.
Why Is Green Energy Important?
- Environmental Benefits: It reduces air and water pollution.
- Economic Growth: By 2030, the green energy industry will produce over 10 million jobs globally.
- Energy Security: Renewables reduce our reliance on imported fuels, and are a guarantor of stable energy supplies.
Across industries, especially the skilled trades, a ripple effect is resulting from governments around the world investing in renewable energy projects.
Electricians: Powering the Green Revolution
Installing and maintaining renewable energy systems relies on the help of electricians. These systems are operated efficiently and safely thanks to their expertise. As green technologies become mainstream, electricians are adapting to new tasks, such as:
Solar Panel Installation
Green energy is one of the most visible next steps the world can take to counter the effects of climate change. Electricians hook up homes and commercial grids to photovoltaic panels. They make sure the wiring is right, grounding is proper, and an integrated battery storage system is in place for the best performance.
- Statistics: Looking at the U.S. solar industry, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports there are more than 250,000 workers in the Industry, with many doing electrical work, and those businesses paid $19.8 billion to suppliers in 2016.
Wind Turbine Systems
Turbines are used by wind energy to generate electricity. Wiring turbines, setting up transformers and maintaining electrical components are what electricians are tasked to do.
- Fact: With the growth in demand for wind energy electricians around the world, Denmark generates over 50% of its electricity from wind.
EV Charging Stations
Due to the rapid rise of Electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for charging infrastructure has spiked. Residential, commercial, and public spaces may be fitted with charging stations, and then electrical work as they ensure the stations operate correctly.
- Job Outlook: According to Charging up America: The growth of United States electric vehicle charging infrastructure jobs, over 160,000 jobs will be created by U.S electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 2032.
In the green energy field, electricians need to keep up with smart grids and emerging storage systems to succeed; merely applying electrical theory or practicing wiring won’t be enough. Today, many vocational schools now have courses specialized in renewable energy systems.
Plumbers: Conserving Water and Energy
Water conservation and energy efficiency would not advance with the work performed by plumbers. Their work has evolved beyond traditional plumbing to include systems that promote sustainability:
Solar Water Heating Systems
Solar water heaters heat water with the sunlight, cutting back on how much you need to depend on gas or electricity. These systems are installed and maintained by plumbers, so they comply with energy efficiency standards.
- Case Study: Homes with solar water heaters can save 50% on water heating bills each year.
Greywater Recycling Systems
Greywater systems reuse wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines, to irrigate, for example. Such setups involve the design and installation of which is done by plumbers.
- Environmental Impact: Up to 30% reduction in household water usage can be achieved by these systems.
Low-Flow Fixtures
Modern plumbing is installing low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads which use less water but do not affect performance.
- Fun Fact: A single low-flow toilet can save as much as 13,000 gallons of water per year.
Green systems plumbers are hot commodities and are urgently needed in water-deprived regions. Cape Town and Las Vegas have among the most effective sustainable plumbing policies of any major city in the world.
HVAC Technicians: Energy Efficiency: Making it a reality
A huge share of building energy use is related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. HVAC professionals are transforming this field by implementing eco-friendly systems that reduce energy consumption:
- Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are a green choice for conventional air conditioners and furnaces. Second, they are an energy-efficient way to heat and cool buildings by transferring heat rather than generating it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps could reduce electricity use for heating by up to 75%!
- Geothermal HVAC Systems: These systems depend upon the same consistent underground temperature from the earth to control building climates. The very efficient geothermal heat exchangers are installed by HVAC technicians.
- Smart Thermostats and Control: Today’s modern HVAC systems work with smart technology to not only control temperatures remotely but also to optimize the use of energy.
HVAC workers are second to no one in the booming green building market. With an expected growth of 9% over the next 10 years, green HVAC jobs are one of the brightest career paths in the next decade.
Training and Education: A Gateway to Green Trades
Specialized training programs are available for those tradespeople wanting to enter the green energy field. Courses on renewable energy systems, smart technologies and energy efficiency are available with many institutions.
Here are the examples of training programs:
- Solar and renewable energy technologies are available for courses at TAFE NSW in Australia.
- There are information sources for green energy training, such as those available at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
- Jobs with real payoff on this aspect include obtaining certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners).
Why Green Trades Are the Future
The green energy transition is not a fad; it’s on the road to necessity. Electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC trades are adapting to accommodate the demand for sustainable solutions, each of which is vital to the development of a greener future. These fields provide a combination of environmental impact, financial stability and long-term job security that pulls both experienced professionals and newbies into the fields. But the rise of renewable energy and energy efficient systems guarantees that these trades will be critical for years to come.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
- High Demand: Renewable energy is in investment surge among private and public sectors.
- Good Pay: Many green trade jobs pay well as these jobs tend to require specialized skill sets.
- Job Security: A career in green trades is long term stable as the world starts going into sustainability.
Bringing the trades out of the shadows is an opportunity to attract a younger generation to the trades as it moves to green energy. It doesn’t require just a salary to make money; the careers that follow also help us make a positive difference to our planet!
Green Jobs are Opportunity
The trades are being displaced by green energy which presents electricians, plumbers, and HVAC workers the chance to front the line in the transition to a more sustainable future. These professionals use new technologies to approach their work and to reduce environmental impacts, while they also build rewarding careers.
And if you’re a seasoned tradesperson or new to the trades, now is a good time to be getting into the green energy part of the trades. The world is changing indeed and you can be a part of that change.
