Change is Green

By Marcy Allen

In the wake of a monumental election in the United States, the word ‘Change’ keeps ringing in my ear. No matter who you voted for I think we can all agree that with our current economic condition we are in need of some change. Change is always something we can count on. It is not always something that we revel in or even feel comfortable with. I often have to remind my self that with change comes opportunities.

My point being that with the current economic downturn, rising fuel prices, and upcoming 'Change' we have opportunities. I believe that one of those opportunities is the Green Building Industry. The green building industry is HUGE! It is projected that the green building industry will reach 60 billion dollars 2010, and approximately 10% of commercial construction starts are expected to be green by 2010. In our region we currently have two LEED certified commercial projects underway totaling 40 million dollars. The green building industry offers a wide range of job opportunities for our region from blue collar and professional positions. Green can come in the form of HVAC installer, builders, engineers, computer scientist, architects, and loggers. This is the reason that I like green industry, you can be a PhD in computer science and be developing energy informatics application or you could be a skilled carpenter offering your customer green building. It offers Rural Urban business opportunities, Good Wood is a great example of this, logged throughout the region, milled in Superior, and sold in Missoula.
'Change' will come in the form of green house gas reduction and green job policies and regulations. We can be prepared and grow our local economies from this “Change” and my suggestion is through green industry. My next post I will discuss how at a recent presentation my notion that with change and distress can come opportunities where reinforced. Sustainable Venturing coming soon.