20 for MI: Create Quality Jobs and Reduce Pollution by Reducing Energy Use in Michigan’s Schools, Hospitals, and Public Buildings
Reducing energy use in Michigan's schools, hospitals and public buildings by 20 percent will create 24,000 jobs by 2030, save $4.5 billion in energy costs, and 56,000 gigawatts of energy.
A new proposal by the BlueGreen Alliance shows that reducing energy use in Michigan’s schools, hospitals and public buildings by 20 percent will create 24,000 jobs by 2030, save $4.5 billion in energy costs, and 56,000 gigawatts of energy. This proposal recommends the implementation of a comprehensive program to achieve deep levels of energy efficiency in Michigan’s schools, hospitals, and other public buildings (also known as the M.U.S.H. sector for Municipal Buildings, Universities, Schools, and Hospitals) as a venue to create quality jobs and reduce carbon pollution.
An aggressive program to reduce energy use in Michigan’s schools and hospitals would create good jobs with family-supporting wages and benefits. A school and hospital energy efficiency program could provide jobs for workers vulnerable to layoffs in power plants as well as new workers seeking a stable career in the green economy. In addition, the program can support training and education for existing building staff, engaging custodial staff and other building workers in the energy savings opportunities right at their fingertips.