Green Jobs

Accomplishments

  • Green Jobs Pledge - Local governments that sign the Green Jobs Pledge commit to joining a nationwide movement that will proactively create and shape a green economy. While these efforts will begin at the community level, they are intended to spur on similar efforts at the state and federal level.

    On December 9, 2008 Leon County committed to preserve the County’s ongoing economic development efforts and its goal of welcoming green and ecologically sound businesses and developments by taking the Green Jobs Pledge. The pledge, which is co-sponsored by Green for All, Apollo Alliance, Center for American Progress, and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) – Local Governments for Sustainability, aims to “build a green economy from the bottom up.” The pledge defines Green-collar jobs as those that:

    1. Provide pathways to prosperity for all workers
    2. Offer competitive salaries and lead to a lasting career-track, thereby strengthening the middle class
    3. Emphasize community-based investments that cannot be outsourced, and
    4. ontribute directly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality.
       
  • Defining Green Jobs – In May of 2009, Leon County assisted WorkForce Florida in developing a definition and explanation of ‘green jobs’ for the State which now serves as a nation model. The definition states that “A green job increases the conservation and sustainability of natural resources for the benefit of Floridians. This includes jobs that reduce energy usage or lower carbon emissions, and protect Florida’s natural resources. Green jobs should provide worker-friendly conditions, pay sustainable wages and offer opportunities for continued skill training and career growth.” Source: Defining Green Jobs for Florida, a report by WorkForce Florida.
     
  • Symposium for Florida Leaders of Sustainability – On April 23rd, Leon County hosted the Symposium for Florida Leaders of Sustainability to provide a one-day training for 45 attendees from around the State who were interested in implementing sustainable principles within their organization.