San Francisco Sustainable Financing will finance jobs that can never be outsourced and will keep San Francisco at the center of the green job revolution in America. And when we talk about the jobs of the future, and the “innovation” or “green” economy, these are the jobs we mean – the solar panel installers, and the people weatherizing homes.
President Obama recognizes this promise as well with the Administration’s new so-called “cash for caulkers” energy efficiency incentive and new federal stimulus program. The proposal calls for federal rebates for weatherization and other energy efficiency measures that will help building owners save 40% or more on their utility bills and create thousands of new jobs across the country. I strongly support this initiative which, in tandem with our new San Francisco Sustainable Financing initiative, will reduce local energy and water use, create local jobs and cut our local greenhouse gas emissions. Together, we can demonstrate to world leaders in Copenhagen that individual cities like San Francisco are taking action now to address our climate and economic crisis.
+ San Francisco Announces Sustainable Financing Program
I’m not quite willing to believe that this is a huge success yet being as it is only one year in the making; however, even just once doubling solar projects helps. Every water bottle not bought, every faucet shut off while we brush our teeth, every rain barrel used for watering, every replaced weather strip helps our environment. I just hope that the city can keep it to a minimum of red tape so as to not discourage those interested in participating. I’ll be looking for these Green Job openings. Sign me up!
In the midst of disappointing outcomes in Copenhagen, it’s great to see local governments taking substantive action. It sounds like San Francisco’s strategy will also provide enough incentive for landlords and property managers to retrofit buildings where the tenant is responsible for energy costs – a major hurdle in these programs so far.