Energy efficiency creates nearly 1 million jobs in the EU

A new study, Assessing the employment and social impact of energy efficiency, published in December 2015, shows that some 900 thousand people were employed in work relating to the supply of energy efficient goods and services in 2010.

According to the study, the sectors with the greatest levels of energy efficiency jobs were those that produce, or are part of the supply chain for, investment goods. This includes jobs in the manufacturing of the machinery and equipment that enables the production of energy efficient goods, as well as the energy efficient goods themselves.

The study also found that more jobs could be created in the manufacturing and installation of energy efficient products, in particular since it is a relatively labour intensive activity. Opportunities for new jobs are greatest in the buildings and transport sectors.

The construction sector is expected to be a major source of both low-skilled and high-skilled jobs related to energy efficiency. There will be demand for new skills in handling new materials and technologies, sustainable construction processes, planning, management, calculation of carbon footprints etc. However, while there is a great potential for energy efficiency jobs in construction, it may be difficult to train the workforce in the necessary skills, due to the high levels of self-employment in the sector. As a result, the potential lack of skills in the sector could slow the take-up of energy efficiency measures.

For further information, please visit the relevant European Commission website:http://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/energy-efficiency-employs-nearly-1-million-eu

Source: News Url - http://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/energy-efficiency-employs-nearly-1-million-eu

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