island of hawaii green economy report

Island of Hawai‘i Green Economy Report

September 2010

County of Hawai‘i • Department of Research & Development • Hawai‘i County Resource Center

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County of Hawai‘i • Department of Research & Development • Hawai‘i County Resource Center 1

Preface: MOVING TOWARDS GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE

Wind Farm, Concentrated Solar Thermal, Land Restoration, Lettuce Processing, and Local Tomatoes

“The Island of Hawai‘i Green Economy Report” is developed to support the vision of Hawai‘i as a global model for creating a sustainable, flexible, and economically vibrant path to a carbon-free energy future.

This report attempts to cut through the confusion surrounding the terms ‘green economy’ and ‘green jobs’ to provide the reader with an overview of:

๏ Global and local green economy movement;๏ Public and private green investment flowing to the State and County of Hawai‘i; ๏ Existing green sectors and examples of green minded organizations on the Island

of Hawai‘i; ๏ An assessment of existing ‘green’ learning opportunities; and ๏ Recommendations and resources to facilitate the development of a just and

sustainable island economy.

Global “Green New Deal” is funneling billions of dollars to reduce dependence on fossil fuel, create jobs, and mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas pollution. Millions of dollars of public and private investment is flowing to Hawai‘i as hundreds of businesses and organizations are working to make the transition towards a sustainable society on the Island of Hawai‘i.

This report describes what is happening locally from a global context. It is grounded in best practices and references developed by hundreds of experts, business professionals and community leaders from around the world.


Table of Contents

Acknowledgment 2

Methodology 3

1. The Green Economy 7

2. The Green New Deal 10

3. The Green Sector 17

3.1 Renewable Energy and Clean Fuel 20

3.2 Green Construction 22

3.3 Sustainable Agriculture 24

3.4 Conservation and Pollution Mitigation 26

3.5 Environmentally Friendly Products and Services 28

4. The Green Workforce 30

5. Conclusion 37

Appendix 1 - Summary of Green Job Studies and Policies 44

Appendix 2 - List of Organizations 48

Appendix 3 - References 72


AcknowledgmentMAHALO

The report compiled and written by Alex Frost.Hawai‘i County Resource Center (HCRC) Coordinator.A program of Department of Research and Development, County of Hawai‘i.

HCRC mission is: “to facilitate the sustainability of Hawai‘i Island through community based collaboration and capacity building services.”

Sustainable Living Institute

Daniel Morii, Lisa Malakaua, Nicole Kruse, Kaleo Kaapana and Jasmine Kupihea

Green Collar Technology

Brent Norris and Jules Ung

Hawai‘i County Council

Resolution 731-08 supported the development of this report.

Photo Credit

Craig Elevitch - page 3, lettuce processing and tomatoes; page 20, coffee processing and lettuce harvesting, page 25, workshop, page 41, processing center. Barrie Moss - page 3 and page 21, photos from Pelekane restoration project.Angela Kang - page 42, photos of transfer stations. Alex Woodbury - page 21, energy audit. Fren Gavelek - page 32, Kuleana Business Conference

A special thank you to the following people for their editorial comments, suggestions and support: Michael Kramer, Angela Kang, Will Rolston, Samantha Birch, Stacie Iwasaki, Beth Dykstra, Frecia Basilio, Lavern Omori, Guy Toyama, Diane Ley, Jane Testa, Ron Whitmore, Bob Agres, Andrea Dean, Jesse Law and all the people working on transition towards a sustainable future.


Methodology DEFINITION, LITERATURE REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND ORGANIZATION

Definition

Green Economy

A report prepared for the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations, provides the following definition of a green economy:

“The green economy encompasses the economic activity related to reducing the use of fossil fuels, decreasing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the efficiency of energy usage, recycling materials, and developing and adopting renewable sources of energy.”

The Greening of the World of Work can be found at www.onetcenter.org/reports.

Green Workforce

Green Workforce Report: Initial Labor Market Analysis Report, prepared by State of Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industry Relations Research and Statistics Office suggest State of Hawai‘i adopt the following definition of green workforce:

“Hawai‘i’s Green Workforce is employed in occupations or industries that provide products and/or services for expanding clean/renewable energy production; increasing energy efficiency; reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and pollution; and conserving water and other natural resources.”

The Green Workforce Report can be found at www.hawaii.gov/labor.

Green Policy and Investment

Based on definitions of green economy and green workforce, this report adopts the following definition of green public policy and investment:

“Green public policy and investment expand clean/renewable energy production; increase energy efficiency; reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste and pollution; and conserve water and other natural resources.”


http://www.onetcenter.org/reports

http://www.onetcenter.org/reports

http://www.hawaii.gov/labor


Literature Review

The literatures as described in this report are plans, research, and studies related to green job, green economy, and sustainability. List of sample literatures mentioned in this report are highlighted below:

Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations – U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration - 2009

Green Workforce Report: Initial Labor Market Analysis Report - State of Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industry Relations Research and Statistics Office - 2009

The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses, and Investment Across America – Pew Charitable Trust - 2009

Prosperity without Growth?: the transition to a sustainable economy – 2009 – U.K. Sustainable Development Commission

A Climate for Recovery – The Color of Stimulus Goes Green – HSBC – 2008 Clean Energy Trend 2010 - Bloomberg New Energy Finance with supporting data from Clean

Edge and Nth Power – 2010 The County of Hawai‘i Energy Sustainability Plan - Department of Research and Development

and The Kohala Center – 2007 The County of Hawai‘i Agriculture Development Plan –Department of Research and

Development and The Kohala Center - 2010 The County of Hawai‘i Zero Waste Implementation Plan – Department of Environmental

Management, Recycle Hawai‘i, and Rick Anthony and Associates - 2009 Hawai‘i Sustainability Primer – The Natural Step, Department of Research and Development,

and The Kohala Center – 2010 The Green-Collar Jobs: Realizing the Promise - Sightline Institute - 2009

Additional literatures are referenced in Appendix 1 and Appendix 3.

Analysis

In developing this report, researchers tallied individuals and organizations based out of Hawai‘i Island that are currently leading development of a local green economy. The data collected provides the foundation for this capacity analysis and assessment.

In Section 3, “The Green Sectors: Island Numbers” is a preliminary snapshot of 382 Hawai‘i Island organizations, in both the private and public sectors. The sectors were selected based on a match between Green Sectors and Clean Energy Sectors criteria/profiles developed by:

• The Pew Charitable Trust - The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs,

Businesses, and Investment Across America

• National Center for O*NET Development - Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations


Seventeen sector profiles developed by these reports provided the references to cluster local businesses and organizations into an existing green sector on the Island of Hawaii (Figure 1).

Considering the rapid pace of development in the green economy, this list is a rough profile of current activity. Any oversight of any group working to facilitate the sustainability of Hawai‘i Island is unintended.

It is important to note that for this preliminary snapshot the researchers did not identify all of the green sector sub-areas identified by Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations and The Clean Energy Economy:


Repowering Jobs, Businesses, and Investment Across America, due to a lack of industry presence on the island, in sectors such as:

• Transportation • Energy efficiency related to development of “smart electrical grids”• Energy trading• Energy and carbon capture and storage• Manufacturing

Many other organizations identified during our research did not directly relate to the sector categories developed by various national researchers, but industries such as health care, holistic healing and wellness, eco-tourism, and digital (web-based) businesses are all critical to the full development of a sustainable island economy.

Organization of the Report

Section 1. The Green Economy: Introduction highlights challenges of fossil fuel dependence and benefit of investing in a greener economy.

Section 2. The Green Public Policy and Investment briefly highlights policy and funding at the Global, National and State level and the amount of public and private ‘green’ investments flowing to the State and County of Hawai‘i.

Section 3. The Green Sectors: Island Numbers provides an overview and analysis of five existing Hawai‘i Island green sectors and sub-sectors with examples of organizations.

Section 4. The Green Workforce: Capacity Assessment identifies local assets and resources that could fill the existing ability, knowledge and skills gaps that impede the development of green sectors.

Section 5. Conclusion: Recommendation for Next Steps provides an overall recommendation that will facilitate the development of just and sustainable island economy.

Appendix A identifies green job studies, research, forecasts and resources at the international, national, regional, and state level. This summary provides a snapshot of recent activities related to the green economy and green jobs.

Appendix B contains a matrix of local organizations by green sector and sub-sector.

Appendix C provides a list of references of all the studies, research, plans and forecasts that informed this report.


1. The Green EconomyINTRODUCTION

Background

Leaders around the world are talking about a massive new investment in sustainable technologies and “green jobs”, or a Green New Deal as the key route to economic and environmental recovery.

Current global energy and material systems that rely on fossil fuel are unsustainable, because they do not mitigate their environmental impacts and associated social costs1.

The developed world derives 80 percent of its energy from fossil fuels2; State of Hawai‘i, 90 percent3. This global reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable. The United States Department of Defense recently declared “reducing dependence on for-eign fossil fuel a national security issue.”4

Hawai‘i Island’s economy is highly dependent on fossil fuel based energy and on im-ported basic necessities produced and transported with fossil fuel based energy:

๏ 68 percent of fuel for electricity generation (2008)5

๏ 76 percent of total material6 (all goods - 2003)

๏ 85 percent of total food7

๏ 99.9 percent of transportation fuel (2008)8

Because energy is a vital component of all economic activity, and considering Hawai‘i Island's over-dependence on fossil fuel, any disruption in shipping services or a spike in fossil fuel prices will make an enormous negative economic impact.

Dependence on fossil fuel is unsustainable for three reasons. First, easily-accessible fossil fuels will at some point run out, resulting in a far reaching quest for other less accessible sources of fossil fuels at spiraling costs.


Second, burning fossil fuels has a measurable and arguably dangerous effect on the climate. In 2007, Hawai‘i Island Economy released 2.8 million tons of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions9 into the earth’s atmosphere.

Avoiding dangerous climate change for future generations motivates for an immediate change from the current use of fossil fuels. The United States military predicts that the massive disruptions caused by climate change in the absence of concerted global and local action, would be a likely precipitant of increased violent conflict around the world.10

Third, climate change notwithstanding, a drastic reduction in Hawai‘i’s fossil fuel consumption would seem prudent considering security of supply.

As Figure 2 illustrates, over 60 percent of proven world oil reserves are located in politically unstable regions of the Middle East and North Africa.

Figure 2. Proven World Oil Reserves, end 2008 (%) World total: 1.3 trn barrels Source: BP

Benefit of Investing in a Greener Economy

According to a 2009 report published by United Kingdom's Sustainable Development Commission, targeting policy and investment carefully towards energy security, low-carbon infrastructures and ecological protection offered multiple benefits. These benefits include:

๏ Freeing up resources for household spending and productive investment by reducing energy and material costs;

๏ Reducing reliance on imports and exposure to the fragile geopolitics of energy supply;

Figure 2. Proven World Oil Reserves, end 2008 (%) World total: 1.3 trn barrels Source: BP

60.4%

39.6%

Rest of the world Middle East and North Africa


๏ Providing a much-needed boost to employment in the expanding ‘green industries’ sector;

๏ Making progress towards demanding global and local carbon reduction targets; and

๏ Protecting valuable ecological assets and improving the quality of the living environment for generations to come.

To seize the opportunities of a greener economy requires enhancing resource use, creating friendly environment for research and investment, and skilled labor force for island industries. With appropriate mix of local strategies, a greener island economy will generate jobs, businesses and investments through:

๏ clean renewable energy production; ๏ increasing energy efficiency; ๏ reducing greenhouse gas emissions; ๏ reducing waste and pollution; and ๏ conserving water and other natural resources11

A green business reduces dependence on non-renewable materials (e.g. fossil fuel) and toxic substances. A green job facilitates development of sustainable local products and services through responsible and equitable use of renewable resources.

A common misconception about green jobs is that they are primarily for researchers, scientists, and PhDs. The reality is that most of the jobs in the green economy are similar to roles in other industries. Most green manufacturers, for example, still need project managers, accountants, assemblers, information technology professionals, customer service representatives, marketing professionals and account executives, just like other companies.12

Green business, increasingly, is a big business. It is moving rapidly from the periphery to the mainstream13. Every business and occupation on the Island has the potential to become greener or become part of the Green Economy.

There are opportunities for improvement in every economic sector to learn new ways to mitigate risks and identify cost savings and revenue generating opportunities that reduce environmental impact (i.e. energy, material, waste and supply chain audits). Efficient and effective use of resources can improve enterprise competitive advantage and the bottom line.

Ultimately, green is not just about environment. For every enterprise, it represents an innovative way of seeing both risks and opportunities through a new lens.


2. The Green New Deal PUBLIC POLICY AND INVESTMENT

This section is a summary of recent shifts in public policy at the Global, National and State level and the amount of public and private ‘green’ investments flowing to the State and County of Hawai‘i.

Global Green New Deal

During the height of global economic recession in 2008, a major theme was the call for a (global) Green New Deal. Many advocates of the Green New Deal emphasized channeling public and private sector money to address energy and resource challenges of the 21st century.

The analysis by HSBC Global Research group found, out of a total commitment of almost $2.8 trillion by governments around the world on economic recovery plans, $436 billion (15.6 per cent of the total) was characterized as green stimulus.

As Table 1 illustrates, the extent of green stimulus varied considerably across countries. South Korea’s recovery package targeted over 80 per cent of its stimulus towards environmental goals.

Table 1. Green Elements of economic stimulus plans – February 2009

Country/Region Fund $b Period Green Fund $b %Green

United States 787.0 10 years 94.1 12.0

China 586.1 2009 - 10 221.3 37.8

Japan 485.9 2009 – on going 12.4 2.6

South Korea 38.1 2009 - 12 30.7 80.5

European Union 38.8 2009-10 22.8 58.7

Germany 104.8 2009-10 13.8 13.2

Source: HSBC – A Climate for Recovery – The Color of Stimulus Goes Green, 2009

In terms of absolute level, U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allocated around $94 billion (12 percent) from the recovery fund toward green


economic stimulus. In comparison, China allocated $221.3 billion (37.8 percent) from the economic stimulus package targeted towards development of a green sector and clean energy technology.

Private Sector Investment

The private sector is also investing significant capital into a clean energy industry. As Table 2 illustrates, U.S.-based venture capital (VC) investments in clean energy technologies increased from $351 million in 2001 to $2.2 billion in 2009. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, as a percent of total VC investments, energy tech grew from .09 percent in 2008 to 12.5 percent in 2009. This represented the largest share in the history of the clean-energy asset class.

According to The Clean Energy Economy Report by Pew Charitable Trust, the State of Hawai‘i had 356 clean businesses and 2,732 clean jobs in 2007. From 1998-2007 Clean Energy sector grew by 43.6% overshadowing overall job growth rate of 7.3%. During 2006 to 2008, over $12 million dollars worth of VC Fund was invested into the development of the State’s Green Economy.

Global, National, and Local trend is clear. The economies around the world are racing to become the leader in clean and green technology.

Table 2. Clean Energy Venture Capital Investments in U.S.- Based Companies 2001-2009Year Total Venture

Investments(US$ Billions)

Energy TechnologyInvestments

(US$ Millions)

Energy TechnologyPercentage ofVenture Total

2001 $40.6 $351 .09%

2002 $22.0 $271 1.2%

2003 $19.7 $424 2.2%

2004 $22.5 $650 2.9%

2005 $23.0 $797 3.5%

2006 $26.5 $1,308 4.9%

2007 $29.4 $2,867 9.8%

2008 $28.3 $3,213 11.4%

2009 $17.7 $2,216 12.5%

Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance with supporting data from Clean Edge and Nth Power, 2010. Note: New Energy Finance’s energy-tech VC numbers include investment in renewable energy, biofuels, low-carbon technologies, and the carbon markets. VC figures are for development and initial commercialization of technologies, products, and services, and do not include private investments in public equity (PIPE) or expansion capital deals.


Public Investment Flowing to Hawaii

Recent national policy shift to increase funding through ARRA highlights the commitment to national security, job creation, and transition towards a low-carbon economy.

According to Green For All, a national nonprofit behind the Green Jobs Act (GJA):

“The $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a big, bold, and historic investment intended to kick-start the United States economy and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth and stability. It can also serve as a down payment, if invested wisely, on building an inclusive green economy.”

A significant amount of recovery fund is flowing to Hawai‘i. According to the available public records, approximately $388 million went to energy related projects14. The State Government of Hawai‘i received over $142 million on ‘green’ related programs, including $6 million to develop a green job training program.

On Hawai‘i Island, about $47 million have been awarded to preserve or create additional jobs in green sectors such as: renewable energy, green building, conservation and pollution mitigation, sustainable agriculture, and mass transit improvements.

State Level Funding

The Recovery Act directed over $1 billion to fifteen (15) State of Hawai‘i agencies and University of Hawai‘i through one hundred and fifty one (151) ARRA awards with estimated total job impact on Hawaii at 8,000 jobs through the 4th quarter of 2009.15

Of the $1 billion in stimulus, about $142 million (14 percent) could be preliminary characterized as green investment. Some of these funding are targeted to energy programs such as the State Energy Program ($26m), School modernization/construction ($35m), Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons Program ($4m), State Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant ($9.5m), Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program ($1.2m), Managing Distribution System Resources for Improved Service Quality and Reliability Program ($5.5m), Strategic Training and Education in Power Systems ($2.5m), Developing and Enhancing (Energy) Workforce Training Programs ($0.75m) and State Clean Diesel Grant Program ($1.7m).

Other green related programs on the receiving end are Green Job Training Program ($6m), the Clean Water State Revolving Fund ($30m) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund ($20m).


Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative

"Hawai‘i: a global model for creating a sustainable, flexible, and economically vibrant path to a carbon-free energy future."

Vision from the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative

During the past four years, the Hawai‘i State Legislature has enacted laws that require aggressive renewable energy portfolio standards for electric utilities, energy efficiency standards for public new buildings, new home construction, tax incentive for energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, and renewable energy development incentives.

The Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) is beginning to shift market signals through changes in government policies and regulations. The HCEI is a partnership between the State of Hawai‘i, U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), and Hawai‘i Electric Company (HECO).

The partnership envisions substantive transformation of regulatory, financial, and institutional systems, and for Hawai‘i to serve as a global model for creating a sustainable, flexible, and economically vibrant path to a carbon-free energy future16. The goal of HCEI is the State of Hawai‘i's transition to an economy powered by 70 percent renewable electricity and fuel by 2030.

Significant amount of ARRA money has flowed into the State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), and University of Hawai‘i to support the goals of Clean Energy Initiative. Table 3 illustrates description of these programs and the overall funding amount.

Table 3. ARRA Fund to Support Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative

Agency Program Name Description AmountDBEDT State Energy Program Significant deliverables under this grant include:

• Energy Efficiency Programs; High Performance Buildings; Interisland Cable support; Renewable Energy and Project Support; Transportation Energy Transformation; and Clean Energy Policy.

Link: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program

$25,930,000

DBEDT State Energy Efficiency Conservation Block

Grant

• Energy Efficient Buildings Program for Government and Non-Profits (approx. $3.5 million)

• The Dept. of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) ($3 million) photovoltaic systems on state buildings.

• The Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) ($3 million) "Homestead Energy Program"

$9,593,500


http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/

http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/

DBEDT Hawaii State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

To implement a mail-in rebate program to help Hawaii residents replace older, inefficient refrigerators with ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators. The state-wide program, to be run through Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission and Kauai Electric Utility Cooperative is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2010 and will continue until funds are depleted. Link: State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

$1,236,000

DBEDT Planning for Smart Grid Resiliency

• Strengthen and expand State and local government energy assurance planning and resiliency efforts by incorporating response actions for new energy portfolios and Smart Grid applications; Create jobs; and Build in-house State and local government energy assurance expertise.

Link: State Energy Emergency Preparedness Program

$318,196

UH - HNEI Grid Improvement Managing distribution system resources for improved service quality and reliability, transmission congestion relief, and grid support functions.

$5,548,585

UH Strategic Training and Education in Power

Systems

Electric Power Sector Training - Develop and enhance a career pathway for technicians that will deploy and maintain electric power transmission and distribution through the application of smart grid technologies.

$2,500,000

UHCC Strategic Training and Education in Power

Systems

Integrated Education and Research in Clean Energy and Island Sustainability - Develop a new cross-disciplinary program that will include Responsive and Dynamic (RAD) training coupled with foundational research-based curricula in the areas of clean energy technologies, renewable energy production, storage, integration and smart grid technologies.

$750,000

TOTAL $45,876,281Source: http://hawaii.gov/recovery and http://energy.gov

Hawai‘i Green Job Training

On January 20, 2010, Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations received a $6 million competitive grant to develop programs to train workers for green jobs. The project will focus on developing green industries in Hawaii and provide incumbent workers with cutting-edge training in green skills. One-Stop Career Centers will focus on providing services to dislocated workers and veterans.

Approximately 1,391 participants will complete education and training activities and attain either certificates or licenses in green occupations. The grantee will develop curricula and training programs with opportunities to obtain certificates and/or degrees in Home Energy Rating System (HERS), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Biofuels Processing, and Power Plant Operation. For more information please visit www.hawaii.gov/labor.

Other Source of Funding

The U.S. Senate recently passed the Fiscal Year the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which includes the following provisions:

• $6 million for the Hawai‘i Energy Sustainability Program • $6 million for the Hawai‘i Renewable Energy Development Venture


http://www1.eere.energy.gov/recovery/appliance_rebate_program.html

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/recovery/appliance_rebate_program.html

http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7791.htm

http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7791.htm

http://hawaii.gov/recovery

http://hawaii.gov/recovery

http://energy.gov

http://energy.gov



• $6 million for the Development of High Yield Tropical Feedstocks and Biomass conversion.

Additional $8 million was spent on technical assistance from National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), allocated through US Department of Energy in 2009, to support the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative17.

Although the Recovery Act, Appropriation Bill, and other sources of federal monies have provided significant amount of green funding to the State of Hawai‘i, it is not yet clear how much of those monies, such as energy provisions ($46m) and green job training ($6m), received by State Agencies will be allocated to the Island of Hawai‘i.

County Level Funding

At the County level, nineteen ‘green’ grants ($47m) have been awarded to Federal (FED), State, County (COH), and Non-Profit Agencies (NPO) based on Island of Hawai‘i from ARRA and other federal funds. These investments preserve or create additional jobs in areas such as: renewable energy, green building, conservation and pollution mitigation, sustainable agriculture, and mass transit improvements.

Table 4. Illustrates different projects and amounts awarded to various government and non-profit agencies.

Table 4. Estimates of Green Investment in Hawai‘i Island, 2010Agency Project Name Amount Awarded

COH Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant $737,000COH Mass Transit Improvements $977,000

COHCDBG - funding for installation of a solar water heating system at Kamuela Elderly Housing $215,000

COH Waimea Trails and Greenways Construction $600,000

COHReplacement of the large capacity cesspools in Honoka‘a, extend sewer lines and expand the nearby wastewater treatment plant $6,200,000

COHConstruction of the federally mandated Komohana Heights large capacity cesspool replacement $1,350,000

FED Modernize the Hilo Federal Building (energy efficiency) $15,747,000

FEDInstallation of photovoltaic systems at the Pohakuloa Training Area $1,900,000

FED Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Improvements $7,802,000FED Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Improvements $20,000FED Puuhonua o Honaunou Improvements $61,000FED Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Improvements $590,000NPO The Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed $1,800,000NPO the Wailuku-Alenaio Watershed $250,000

NPO - BIRCD Hawai‘i Agricultural Development Program $70,000NPO – TKC Coastal habitat restoration projects at Pelekane Bay $2,700,000

STATE State Weatherization Assistance Program $50,720STATE - UHH Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center construction in Hilo $5,000,000STATE - UHH Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center staffing in Hilo $700,000

TOTAL $46,796,720


For more information on the status of ARRA funds please visit www.recovery.gov.

Local ‘Green’ Policy Driver

Overall, major new approaches to transforming the Island’s energy, fuel, food, water, waste, and transportation strategies are being developed through public and private investment, cross sector partnerships, and ‘green’ policies.

Four public ‘green’ policy drivers for the State and County of Hawai‘i are summarized below. These quantifiable targets were selected because they will impact every organization and industry on the island and help catalyze development of a greener island economy.

Four key policy drivers for green economic innovations are:

• 70 percent renewable electricity and fuel by 203018

• 30 percent reduction in Green House Gases by 202019

• 30 percent local food production and consumption by 202020

• 80 percent diversion of discard by 201321

These policies provide a set of ambitious goals to guide the transition towards a greener island economy, but policy alone will not be sufficient to meet these targets.

To realize the vision of Hawai‘i Island as a global model for creating a sustainable, flexible, and economically vibrant path to a carbon-free energy future requires understanding existing economic and environmental assets, clear strategy to enhance the skills of local labor force, and innovative approach to partnership, research, and investment.

The next section, “Green Sector: Island Numbers,” provides an overview of existing green sectors on the Island of Hawai‘i. A comprehensive list of recent policy and legislation promoting the development of green jobs, at the county, state, and national level, can be found in Appendix 2.


http://www.recovery.gov/

http://www.recovery.gov/

3. The Green Sector ISLAND NUMBERS

Coffee processing, fencing, energy auditing, harvesting, and recording

Changes in consumer preferences, government policies, and business strategies geared toward sustainability are contributing to the emergence of the island's green sector. This section provides an overview and analysis of five existing Hawai‘i Island green sectors and sub-sectors. The intent of the Green Sector snapshot is to highlight local ‘green’ organizations and occupations.

The Existing Green Sectors on Island of Hawai‘i

Three hundred and eighty two (382) private, public and community organizations are working to reduce Hawai‘i Island’s dependence on imported fossil fuel.

Researchers’ divided existing individual, public and private organizations into five green sectors based on federal and state definitions of green economy and green workforce (page x) to help identify existing capacity, local assets, and potential gaps.

Existing Hawai‘i Island Green Sectors and Associated Activities:

1. Renewable Energy and Fuel Generation - Activities related to developing and using energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass.

2. Sustainable Agriculture - Activities related to the use of low impact, organic and efficient land management or farming, and aquaculture.

3. Green Construction - Activities related to designing and constructing new green buildings, retrofitting residential and commercial buildings, and installing

County of Hawaii • Department of Research & Development • Hawaii County Resource Center 17

other green construction technology, such as solar water heaters22.

4. Conservation and Pollution Mitigation – Activities related to managing water and other finite natural resources more effectively and to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants that result from the continued use of fossil fuels. Also included are efforts to recycle materials used in production processes, which saves energy23.

5. Environmentally Friendly Products and Services – Activities related to mitigating the harmful environmental impacts of existing products and services. Local firms develop and supply alternative products and processes that encourage or require less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases.

The following pie chart illustrates the existing local green sectors related to renewable energy and fuel, sustainable agriculture, green construction, conservation and pollution mitigation, and environmentally friendly products and services.

Figure 3. Hawai’i Island Existing Green Sector Snapshot (2009)

23%

5%

19%40%

12%

Environmentally Friendly Products and ServicesSustainable AgricultureGreen ConstructionRenewable Energy and Fuel Conservation and Pollution Mitigation


Sustainable agriculture represents the largest green sector with at least 154 organizations or about 40 percent of total, dedicated to local food production, aquaculture research and production, forestry management, network development, education and advocacy.

The second largest sector is conservation and pollution mitigation with at least 90 organizations, or 24 percent of total, working towards environmental and water conservation and improved resource management.

Green construction is the third largest sector with at least 73 organizations, or 19 percent of total, working to provide sustainable building materials, design and construction services, installation of solar equipments, and energy efficiency consultation. Considering the total labor force of the construction industry, there is a huge growth opportunity in this sector.

Fourth in size is the Environmentally Friendly Products and Services sector. At least 45 organizations, or 12 percent of total, are working to provide green products and services.

Finally, the smallest sector is Renewable Energy and Fuel. The small numbers are due in large part to the sector’s capital intensive start-up costs. At least 20 organizations, or 5 percent of total, are involved in biofuel development, clean energy generation, and related research, training and education.

A detailed analysis of five existing Hawai‘i Island green sectors and sub-sectors with examples of organizations and resources are included in the next section. A list of all identified organizations during in this research is provided in Appendix C.


3.1 Renewable Energy and Clean Fuel

Figure 4. Hawai’i Island Green Sub-Sector Snapshot - Renewable Energy and Fuel (2009)

The renewable energy and fuel generation sector covers activities that develop and use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. Locally, Renewable Energy and Fuel comprises three areas: Biofuel, Clean Energy Generation, and Research, Training and Advocacy.

Biofuel – includes organizations working to produce alternative fuels (such as biodiesel and hydrogen), distillation and distribution of alternative fuels, and development of fueling infrastructure.

Examples of Organizations: Cellana LLC; H2 Technologies; Pacific Bio-Diesel; Sunfuels Hawai‘i; Big Island Carbon LLC; and Hawai‘i Biofriendly.

Clean Energy Generation – includes organizations that produce, transmit and store clean, renewable power from solar, wind, low-impact hydro, and geothermal energy sources.

Examples of Organizations: Solfocus, Inc.; Hawi Renewable Development LLC; Puna Geothermal Venture Hawai‘i; The Pakini Nui Wind Farm - Apollo Energy Corporation; and Hawai‘i Electric Light Company (HELCO).

Research, Training, and Advocacy – includes organizations that provide specialized services related to the development of renewable energy and fuel.

Examples of Organizations: Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute; Natural Energy Lab of Hawai‘i Authority; State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and

# of Entities

Biofuel

Clean Energy

Research, Training, and Advocacy

0 2 4 6 8

5

7

8


Tourism (DBEDT); County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development; and Physics, Materials and Applied Mathematics, LLC.

Key Resources

The County of Hawai‘i Energy Sustainability Plan published in 2007 serve as the roadmap for the Island of Hawai‘i to move away from its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuel. www.hawaiicountrandd.net

Blue Planet Foundation’s mission is to end the use of carbon-based fuels on Earth by making Hawai‘i a global model for energy independence within a decade. www.blueplanetfoundation.org

Hawai‘i Bioenergy Master Plan Project was established and funded under Part III of Act 253, Session Laws of Hawai‘i (SLH) 2007 which called for the preparation of a bioenergy master plan to “set the course for the coordination and implementation of policies and procedures to develop a bioenergy industry in Hawai‘i. http://www.hnei.hawaii.edu/bmpp/home.asp

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and dozens of partners have invested millions of dollars to develop energy efficiency and renewable energy training centers across the state.

Training on energy efficiency and clean energy technologies is being provided by community colleges, unions, associations, technical high schools, and through Centers for Energy Efficiency and Building Science (CEEBS).

Certified courses are being offered on building science principles, as well as energy efficiency, photovoltaics, solar thermal, geothermal, small and large wind, and fuel cells. (www.getenergysmart.org).


http://www.countyofhawaiirandd.net/

http://www.countyofhawaiirandd.net/

http://www.blueplanetfoundation.org

http://www.blueplanetfoundation.org

http://www.hnei.hawaii.edu/bmpp/home.asp




http://www.getenergysmart.org/

http://www.getenergysmart.org/

3.2 Green Construction

Figure 5. Hawai’i Island Green Sub-Sector Snapshot - Green Construction (2009)

The Green Construction sector covers activities related to designing and constructing new green buildings, retrofitting residential and commercial buildings, and installing other green construction technology. Locally, Green Construction comprises seven areas: building materials, construction, design, installing solar water heater and PV (photovoltaic) technologies, energy efficiency, site management, and research, training and advocacy.

Building Materials – these organizations supply green building materials, such as bamboo, reuse materials, and forest stewardship certified wood.

Examples of Organizations: Habitat For Humanity ReStore; Laulima Hana; Bamboo Too; HPM Building Supply;and Trojan Lumber Co.

Design - these organizations provides consultation on sustainable building plan and design, such as architectural firm that focus on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED®; Hawai‘i BuiltGreen; and the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star® program.

Examples of Organizations: Westpro Development, Inc; Vidana Construction; VerBurg Architecture; Integrated Architecture; Flemmings Associates, and Ali‘i Architects.

Construction - these organizations build green buildings and facilities.

Examples of Organizations: Green Island Builders; Ken Miller Construction; Hamakua Drafting, LLC;and Solar Aide Company.

Energy Efficiency – these organizations provide energy and building consulting work, such as energy audits, and Energy Star® and LEED® rating.

# of Entities

Building MaterialsDesign

ConstructionSolar (PV) Installation

Solar (Water Heater) InstallationEnergy EfficiencySite Management

Research, Training and Advocacy

0 5 10 15 20

38

619

94

186


Examples of Organizations: Woodbury Inspection Group; Big Island Inspection Services; Energy Specialists Hawaii, Inc; Skylights of Hawai‘i and Fan; and DigiPro.

Solar (Photovoltaic – Water Heater) Installation – these organizations install photovoltaic panel and solar water heaters for residential, commercial and industrial customers’ facilities.

Examples of Organizations: Apollo Solar; Inter-Island Solar Supply; Island Solar Service; Poncho's Solar Service Inc.; and ProVision Technologies, Inc.

Site Management – includes organizations that promote green real estate services, and green landscape design and management.

Examples of Organizations: Hawai‘i Green Realty; Kona Irrigation Supply; Ki Concept LLC; Shell Management Hawai‘i, Inc.; and Aloha Green.

Research, Training and Advocacy - includes organizations that provide specialized services related to the development of green construction industry.

Types of Organizations: Bamboo Village Hawai‘i, Inc.; and General Diversified Development Corporation.

Key Resources

U.S. Green Building Council Hawai‘i Chapter’s mission is to be a coalition of leaders working in the spirit of lokahi to promote ecological stewardship and leadership across the building industry through sustainable planning, design and construction. www.usgbchawaii.org

Hawaii Energy’s mission is to educate, encourage, and incentivize the rate payers of Hawaii to chose to invest in efficiency measures, to learn new ways to conserve, and to contribute to improving Hawai‘i’s bright energy future. www.hawaiienergyefficiency.com


http://www.usgbchawaii.org/




3.3 Sustainable Agriculture

Figure 6. Hawai’i Island Green Sub-Sector Snapshot - Sustainable Agriculture (2009)

The Sustainable Agriculture sector encompasses activities related to the use of low impact, organic, efficient farming, aquaculture, and land management. Sustainable farming practices minimize petroleumbased pesticide, fertilizers and herbicides. Locally, Sustainable Agriculture comprises five areas: aquaculture, produce production, forestry, social network and media, and research, training and advocacy.

Aquaculture– these firms produce seafood and marine species, ocean based health supplements, and aquaculture research.

Examples of Organizations: Big Island Abalone Corporation; Black Pearls, Inc. (Kona Blue Water Farms); High Health Aquaculture, Inc.; and Indo-Pacific Sea Farms.

Produce Production – includes locally produced fruits, vegetable, honeys and nuts without the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Polycultural practices such as keyline design; permaculture; biodynamic agriculture; natural farming; agroforestry; closed loop systems; and local seed exchanges, promote place-based learning, biodiversity, soil restoration, water efficiency, and encourage consumption of healthy, nutritious regional food.

Examples of Organizations: Adaptations, Inc.; Ahualoa Organic Farm; Aloha Aina Tropicals; Benton Family Farms; and Big Island Bees, LLC.

Forestry - these firms are utilizing or working to develop a market for local wood, such as eucalyptus.

Examples of Organizations: Future Forests Nursery, LLC. and Tradewinds Forest Products.

# of Entities

Aquaculture

Produce Production

Forestry

Social Network and Media


0 30 60 90 120

15

9

2

108

20


Social Network and Media – includes local networks, online information, and forums related to sustainable agriculture.

Examples of Organizations: Slow Food Hawai‘i; Big Island Farm Bureau-Kealakekua; Know Your Farmer Alliance (KYFA); Hawai‘i Farmer's Union; and the Kona County Farm Bureau.

Research, Training and Advocacy - includes organizations that provide specialized services related to the development of sustainable agriculture.

Examples of Organizations: Hawai‘i Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) Apprenticeship Program; Hawai‘i Organic Farmers Association; Agroforestry Net; University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Master Gardeners Program; Hamakua/North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative (HNHAC); and the Hawai‘i Island School Garden Network.

Key Resources

Hawai‘i Organic Farming Association’s The Hawaii Organic Products Directory is available online. The directory includes organic farms, retailers, organic suppliers, and related local and national contact information.

The County of Hawai‘i Agriculture Development Plan 2009 envisions, “A thriving and sustainable agriculture industry will be a vital contributor to the Hawai‘i Island’s character and economy by producing food, fiber, and energy for local consumption and export.” The second draft is accessible athttp://kohalacenter.org/agplan.html.

Food Security Workshop Hawi (2009) - Craig Elevitch


http://www.hawaiiorganic.org/HOFA_DIR_RDRS.pdf

http://www.hawaiiorganic.org/HOFA_DIR_RDRS.pdf

http://kohalacenter.org/agplan.html

http://kohalacenter.org/agplan.html

3.4 Conservation and Pollution Mitigation

Figure 7. Hawai’i Island Green Sub-Sector Snapshot - Conservation and Pollution Mitigation (2009)

The Conservation and Pollution Mitigation sector covers activities related to managing water and other finite natural resources more effectively and to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Also included are efforts to recycle materials used in production processes, which saves energy. Locally, Conservation and Pollution Mitigation comprises five areas: water catchment, recycling and waste reduction, training and support (water), environmental education, and research, training and advocacy.

Water Catchment – these organizations design and install water catchment systems for residential and commercial buildings and facilities.

Examples of Organizations: Hawai‘i Water Catchment; Koba Pumps - Integrated Filtration System; Akamai Catchment Covers – Tanks; Island Catchment Company - Design and Installation; and Akamai Gutters

Training and Support (Water) – includes organizations that provide specialized services related to the development of water quality and conservation strategies.

Examples of Organizations: Pololei Labs; The International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance; American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA); and the Hawai‘i Rainwater Catchment System Association.

Recycling and Waste Reduction – these organizations provide services related to solid waste and wastewater management, treatment reduction, and recycled materials processing.

Examples of Organizations: Reynolds Recycling; Hawaiian Cracked Glass Products; Freecycle Hawai‘i; County of Hawai‘i - Department of Environmental Management; and Recycle Hawai‘i

# of Entities

Water Catchment

Recycling and Waste Reduction

Training and Support (Water)

Environmental Education


0 10 20 30 40

3

14

6

27

40


Environmental Education – these organizations promote environmental sustainability.

Examples of Organizations: The Kohala Center; Environmental Education Services - Green Power Girl; Tree Center Hawai‘i; Environment Hawai‘i; and Hawai‘i Forest & Trail.

Research, Training and Advocacy - includes organizations that provide specialized services related to the development of the conservation and pollution mitigation sector.

Examples of Organizations: University of Hawai‘i - Sea Grant Extension Service; County of Hawai‘i - Department of Water Supply; and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch.

Key Resources

According to The County of Hawai‘i Zero Waste Implementation Plan, “Resource management methods of – reuse, recycling, composting, and special discards management, among others – represents increased job creation and economic growth in sectors more stable, and sustainable, than tourism.” www.hawaiizerowaste.org

The Hawai‘i Rainwater Catchment Service Directory is a single-point resource to find businesses that provide services for water catchment systems. You can download a free copy here.

Hawai‘i Backyard Conservation Guide provides practices you can use to conserve and improve natural resources in your own backyard. The guide contains tips you can use to protect the environment, preserve or recover wildlife habitats, and create an attractive and enjoyable back yard www.hcrc.info/resources


http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/

http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/wq/publications/Hawaii_Rain_Services_Directory.pdf

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/wq/publications/Hawaii_Rain_Services_Directory.pdf

http://www.hcrc.info/resources

http://www.hcrc.info/resources

3.5 Environmentally Friendly Products and Services

Figure 8. Hawai’i Island Green Sub-Sector Snapshot - Environmentally Friendly Products and Services

Environmentally Friendly Products and Services sector firms develop and supply alternatives products and processes that require less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases than do their conventional counterparts. Locally, this sector comprises five areas: green business consulting, green school, green products, social networks and media research, training and advocacy.

Green Consulting – includes green business coaching, consulting services, and socially responsible investment consulting.

Examples of Organizations: Natural Investments, LLC.; Andrea Dean, LLC.; Eco-Living.net; Lynn VanLeeuwen and Associates; and Tracy Solomon, LLC.

Green Schools – these schools incorporate green curricula and promote green practices.

Examples of Organizations: Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy; Hualalai Academy; Kanu O Ka Aina Learning Ohana; Kua O Ka La Public Charter School; and West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy - Public Charter School

Green Products – includes sales and marketing of environmentally friendly products.

Examples of Organizations: Kona Brewing Company; Sustainable Island Products; Hawaiian Body Products; Island Natural; Organik Clothing; and Moonsprout.

Social Network and Media - includes local networks, online information sources and forums related to development of environmentally friendly products and services.

# of Entities

Green Consulting

Green School

Green Products

Social Network and Media


0 3.75 7.50 11.25 15.00

15

6

13

6

5


Examples of Organizations: GreenHawai‘i.com; Sustainable Kohala; The Institute for a Sustainable Future; Transition Town Hawai‘i; and Purplefireweed.

Research, Training and Advocacy - includes organizations that provide specialized services related to the development of environmentally friendly products and services.

Types of Organizations: Kuleana Green Business Program - Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce; North Kohala Community Resource Center; Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board Inc.; County of Hawai‘i Office of Housing and Community Development; Hawai‘i Community College; University of Hawai‘i at Hilo; Friends of NELHA; and Malama I Ka Aina Festival - Hilo Chamber of Commerce

Key Resources

Initiated in 2005, the Kuleana Green Business Program is the first program in the State of Hawai`i to promote ethical and socially responsible business practices and environmental stewardship among every sector of the local economy.http://www.kona-kohala.com/kuleana-green-business-program.aspGreen Collar Technology is a non-profit with a mission to educate green collar workers on Hawai‘i Island. For more information please visit www.greeencollartech.comSustain Hawaii is dedicated to helping transform our islands’ capacity for enduring self-reliance by balancing ecological, socio-cultural and economic needs through community education, innovative practice and advocacy. www.sustainhawaii.org

Kuleana Green Business Winner (2009) - Fren Gavelek


http://www.kona-kohala.com/kuleana-green-business-program.asp

http://www.kona-kohala.com/kuleana-green-business-program.asp

http://www.greeencollartech.com

http://www.greeencollartech.com

http://www.sustainhawaii.org

http://www.sustainhawaii.org

4. The Green Workforce CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

Capacity Assessment is an identification of programs or processes that develop and strengthen the skills, knowledge, abilities, and resources that individuals, organizations, and communities need to adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world.

There are unique opportunities, both immediate and long-term, for the Island of Hawai‘i to become a world leader in clean energy and the green sector.

Hawai‘i County continues to lead the state in renewable energy generation (32 percent), pacific agriculture and aquaculture research and production, commitment to conservation and pollution mitigation, natural and marine science research, application of social technology and a rural ‘community-centric’ quality of life. Yet, despite abundance of natural and community assets, there are significant gaps that impede the development of green sectors.

While there are currently many local organizations working in various green sectors, there are few opportunities for local residents to learn the skills, knowledge and ability to be gainfully employed in the field of renewable energy and fuel, green construction, conservation and pollution mitigation, and environmentally friendly products and services. The only area with significant opportunity for learning is sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and natural resource conservation and management.

A proactive response to tackle the challenges of fossil fuel dependence and the development of a greener economy requires a compelling vision, priorities to shift away from unsustainable practices, and a clear understanding of green occupation and skills.

Green Occupation and Skills (excerpt from O*NET-SOC report p.4)

Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations defines three layers of green occupations and skill development. From a workforce development perspective, the “greening” of occupations refers to the extent to which green economy activities and technologies increase the demand for existing occupations, shape the work and worker requirements needed for occupation


performance, or generate unique work and worker requirements.

There are three general occupational categories, each describing the differential consequences of green economy activities and technologies on occupation performance:

Green Increased Demand Occupations – a direct impact of green economy activities and technologies is an increase in the employment demand for an existing occupation. However, this impact does not entail significant changes in the work and worker requirements of the occupation. The work context may change, but the task themselves do not.

Examples include: Natural Resources Managers; Bus Drivers; and Agricultural and Forestry Supervisors.

Green Enhanced Skills Operations – green economy activities and technologies result in a significant change to the work and worker requirements of an existing O*NET-SOC occupation. The essential purposes of the occupation remain the same, but tasks, skills, knowledge and external elements, such as credentials, are expanded.

Examples include: Solar Power Systems Engineers; Diesel Retrofit Installers; Building and Facilities Managers; Commercial Green Building and Retrofit Architects; Green Plumbers and Pipefitters; Environmental Journalists; Green Job Trainers; Sustainability Communicators; Sustainable Development Policy Analysts; Permaculture Designers/Contractors; Sustainable Agriculture/Landscape Consultants; and Recycling Collections Drivers.

Green New and Emerging (N&E) Occupations - The impact of green economy activities and technologies often generates new occupations relative to the O*NET taxonomy. New occupations may be entirely novel or “born” from existing occupations.

Examples include: Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Mangers; Methane/Landfill Gas Collection System Operators; Solar Power Plant Technicians; Fuel Cell Engineers; Supply Chain Mangers; Energy Engineers; Carbon Credit Traders; Biochemical Engineers; Robotics Technicians; Climate Change Analysts; Environmental Restoration Planners; Ecological Economists; Industrial Ecologists; Water Resource Specialists; and Sustainable Design Specialists.

The occupational taxonomy provides a preview of emerging ‘green’ occupations and potential training requirements for existing jobs. Unless there are opportunities for local

The O*NET program is the nation's primary source of occupational information.

The O*Net website provides educational and training requirements or training programs through the Classification of InstructionalPrograms (CIP) for each green job occupational codes. http://online.onetcenter.org


http://online.onetcenter.org

http://online.onetcenter.org

residents to gain the skills required for 21st Century jobs, the County of Hawai‘i will continue to rely on outside expertise and employees, who have the occupational skills needed to lay the foundation for a greener economy.

Local Green Education and Training Opportunities

Residents of Hawai‘i Island fortunately have many opportunities to learn about sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, natural resource conservation and management. Sustainable Agriculture

The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo offers a Bachelor of Science program with specializations in Agroecology and Environmental Quality, Aquaculture and in Sustainable Livestock Production. Sustainable and organic agriculture techniques are practiced on the 110-acre Hilo Agricultural Farm Laboratory.

At the community level, there were many workshops and trainings offered to learn how to grow food without the use of petroleum based fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides during 2008. Some of these activities offered in various districts of Hawaii Island in 2008 included:

• Natural Farming Methods • Medicinal Herbs in Forest Systems • Hawaiian Islands Permaculture Convergence • Growing Vegetables on a Volcano – organically! • Traditional Silviculture and Regenerative Agriculture: Coppice Forestry and

Keyline Design and their potential on Hawai'i • Amy Greenwell Garden Grow Hawaiian Festival • Ecological Sanitation: Closing the Human Nutrient Cycle • Hawai'i Island Homegrown: Food Self-Reliance Workshops • Annual Hawai'i Island Seed Exchange

The most cost effective way to learn about sustainable agricultural production locally is by volunteering at local farms. Lodging and food is often provided depending on the program. Currently, a large number of the participants involved in organic farming and learning about organic farming on Hawai‘i island are young people from the mainland and overseas through the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF).

Green Building

Several programs on Hawai‘i Island recognize buildings designed for lower energy consumption.

Hawai’i Homegrown Food Network build and support a new food paradigm based on a thriving community network of producers, sellers, educators, and consumers dedicated to a sustainable and diverse local food economy. For more information please visit www.hawaiihomegrown.net.


http://www.hawaiihomegrown.net/

http://www.hawaiihomegrown.net/

http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/

http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/

• Energy Star® program, new homes must be at least 15 percent more energy-efficient than standard homes built to the International Building Code.

• The LEED® program covers many different architectural, engineering and site features of new buildings.

• The Hawai‘i Built Green program of the Building Industry Association of Hawai‘i has been active for years, however listed buildings have not been checked by a third-party reviewer since 2004.

Just one educational institution in State of Hawai‘i — Maui Community College (MCC) - offers degrees in green and sustainable building. Currently MCC offers:

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Sustainable Construction Technology• Certificate of Achievement (CA) in Sustainable Construction Technology• Certificate of Completion (CC) in Sustainable Construction Technology

Having a similar degree program in sustainable construction technology at Hawai‘i Community College (HCC) or University of Hawai‘i Hilo (UHH) will be essential to develop a homegrown green construction industry.

Going Beyond Green

According to the State Green Workforce Report, employers are stressing the need to go beyond obtaining the necessary certifications of the job, to acquire broad sets of green knowledge that cross many industries and occupations that will be critical to the future sustainability of island economy. These green concepts include:

• Sustainability – How ecological systems work and the conditions under which they can function, including a basic understanding of the interconnectedness of human activity and the natural flows and cycles, the effects of energy consumption, waste disposal, and the effects chemicals and other manmade substances have on natural systems.

• Green Technologies, Standards, and Processes – Awareness of the policies, nationally recognized standards, equipment, and work practices that mitigate the environmental impacts of human activity, including energy use. Many aspects of business and government are changing to enable the transition to a green economy.

• Life Cycle Analysis – The environmental and economic effects of a product at every stage of its existence, from extraction of materials through production to disposal and beyond. Employers report that this concept is very useful in educating consumers to the benefits of using green technologies.

Because the field of green and sustainability is so new, there are plethora of frameworks, principles, and tools that add to the general confusion. To clarify the relationships of


various sustainability approaches, the hierarchy of sustainability models organizes key concepts into level of functions.

Key Resources

Hawaii Sustainability Primer cut through the confusion surrounding the term ‘sustainability’ and provide the reader with an overview of:

1. The root causes of ‘unsustainability’ in the world today;2. An internationally recognized, science-based definition of sustainability; and3. A strategic framework for applying sustainability in day-to-day planning and decision making.

This primer describes 20 years of thinking about what sustainability is and how to achieve it. It is grounded in best practices, rigorous science and the contributions of thousands of experts, business professionals and community leaders from around the world. The primer is available at www.hcrc.info.

Hierarchy of Sustainability Models

The hierarchy (Figure. 9 and Table. 5) was development by Darcy Hitchcock and Marsha Willard, author of The Business Guide to Sustainability, Principles of AXIS Performance Advisors and executive management team for the International Society of Sustainability Professionals.

• Laws of Nature - Life is fundamentally supported by natural processes, such as gravity, the capturing of energy from the sun by photosynthetic organisms, and the purification of air and water. These processes are essential to maintaining human life, yet traditional businesses and economics system externalizes (ignores) these impacts, systematically altering the


http://www.hcrc.info

http://www.hcrc.info

ecosystem structures and functions that provide life-supporting services. Addition to the laws that govern physical environment, there are also laws of ‘human’ nature for people to remain healthy – physically, mentally, and socially24.

• Frameworks – Several conceptual frameworks have emerged to translate the laws of nature into understandable rules. The Natural Step Framework (TNSF) is one of them. TNSF is scientifically rigorous, internationally recognized, successfully implemented across the world, and offers concrete and simple ways to accelerate change toward sustainability. The most popular framework, though not as scientifically rigorous, is the concept of a triple bottom line - where environmental issues must be considered along with social and economic issues. This concept is frequently illustrated by a three-legged stool.

• Principles – The next level in the hierarchy contains a large collection of guidelines that have attempted to specify the actions needed in specialized industries or sectors.

• Tools - At the bottom of the hierarchy are the methodologies that are very useful when it comes to implementation. Standardization allow for comparison between industries. Analytical tools help resolve specific problems and reporting protocols provide specific directives to organizations.

Table 5. (page 36) Highlights common sustainability/green frameworks, principles, and tools that are widely utilized by innovative businesses, governments, and non-profits.

There are few to no formal higher education options for local students to learn Common Sustainability/Green Frameworks, Principles, and Tools, as listed on table 5, but there are some promising trends.

Many green charter schools are incorporating sustainability concepts, such as ecol-literacy and project based learning, into their curriculum. And in the past two years, the County of Hawai’i in partnership with community organizations and local stakeholders have offered several workshops and introduced various approaches to sustainable development such as:

• Smart Growth/New Urbanism/Smart Code • The Natural Step Framework • Industrial Ecology • Zero Waste • Integrated Design Process (Charrette) • Green Building (LEED) • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (LGOP) • Community based Economic Development (CBED)


To fully realize the potential of sustainable economic development requires learning and incorporating these foundational concepts by local schools, government agencies, non-profits, grass roots groups, and businesses to fill the current knowledge gap.

Table 5. Common Sustainability/Green Frameworks, Principles, and Tools

FRAMEWORKS (overarching)

The Natural Step(Scientific definition of sust society; includes Backcasting as a visioning/planning process)

Triple Bottom Line(Social, Economic, Environmental)(Economy, Environment, Equity)

(People, Planet, Profit)Corporate Social Responsibility

Herman Daly's Triangle

NOTE: These lists are not exhaustive.

PRINCIPLES GENERAL GOVERNMENT BUSINESSEarth Charter Agenda 21 (nations)

Melbourne Principles (municipalities)Caux Roundtable for Govt (general)Millennium Goals (international)

CERES (general business)Natural Capitalism (general business – also under tools) Talloires Declaration (universities)Equator Principles (financial)Caux Roundtable (international business)UN Global Compact (international business)

TOOLS GENERAL GOVERNMENT MANUFACTURING BUILDING NATURAL RESOURCE

Global Reporting Initiative (standards for sust reports)

Greenhouse Gas Protocol(s) (standards for reporting GHGs)

Ecological Footprint (measuring impact of individuals, orgs, communities or nations)

Life Cycle Costing (evaluating costs over life cycle of product, building, etc.)

Environmental Management Systems/ISO 14001 (plan-do-check-act)

SA 8000 (social audit)

AA1000 (stakeholder engagement)

Local Government Operations Protocol (standard for reporting GHGs)

Zero Waste (resource management)

Smart Growth (land use)

New Urbanism (land use)

Precautionary Principle (toxics)

Industrial Ecology (land use)

WEEE, REACH, RoHS, EUP (European legislation re toxic products)

Life Cycle Assessment (compare impacts of products)Biomimicry (design)

Design for Environment (methods for product design)

Cradle to Cradle (certification for products)

EPEAT (standard for electronics)

Green Seal (certification for wide variety of products, hotels, etc.)

Hannover Principles (design)

Product Stewardship/EPR (life cycle responsibility)

Precautionary Principle (toxics)

Industrial Ecology (trading waste streams)

Zero Waste

LEED (certification for buildings and neighborhood)

BREEAM (European certification)

Hannover Principles (design)

Charrette (integrated design process)

One Planet Communities (community certification)

Developers: See also

Smart Growth and New Urbanism under Govt.

Organic (ag)

Food Alliance (ag)

Biodynamic (ag)

Marine Stewardship Council (fisheries)

Forest Stewardship Council (wood products)

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (wood products)

Green Globe (travel)

STEP (travel, Sustainable Travel Intl; see related SCORE assessment)

Source: Axis Performance Advisors www.axisperformance.com


http://www.axisperformance.com/

http://www.axisperformance.com/

5. Conclusion RECOMMENDATION FOR NEXT STEPS

Recycling, Geo-thermal Power Plant, Sustainability Training, Bamboo Building, and Processing Station

The addiction to fossil fuel is unsustainable and the world is moving towards a greener economy (Section 1). Millions of green stimulus dollars are flowing to state government, private sectors, and public sectors on Island of Hawaii (Section 2). Hundreds of local organizations are working within the green sector (Section 3) and new sustainability models suggest huge economic potentials, but there are limited opportunities for local green/sustainability workforce development (Section 4). Although there are positive signs of movement towards greening the economy, the challenges presented by industrial system and rapid degradation of world’s life support system requires even more aggressive green policy and investment in local jobs, networks, assets, and infrastructure.

The following recommendations are intended to support the Island of Hawai‘i’s existing efforts, future development of green and sustainable economy, and the workforce needed for green jobs.

The transition to a greener island economy will require shift in market signal and removal of institutional barriers that hinder progress towards a sustainable society.

For the Island of Hawai’i, the current dependence on imports is also an opportunity to catalyze local community based economic development related to energy, food, waste, and buildings. For example:

• Reducing spending on energy imports by 10% would leave $75 million in the local economy and create renewable energy and energy efficiency jobs

• Replacing only 10% of imported foods (state-wide) with those locally produced


and consumed would amount to approximately $313 million in value and create 2,300 jobs25

• Diverting 80% of the county’s discarded materials to make new products, could create 547 direct jobs and generate nearly $11 million of additional revenue26.

• If all new buildings were built to the IECC standards, the Island of Hawaii could save over 25% of its energy use27.

To achieve these targets mentioned in various research documents will require a significant investment in education and infrastructure, creating opportunity for entrepreneurism, developing community linkage, and providing access to training.

Near Term Opportunity

The recommendations for the near term include finding out the needs from those that are impacted or will be impacted, allocating resources to implement existing plans that move towards greening the economy, developing educational programs to fill the knowledge gaps, building capacity for collaboration, and introducing green concepts into existing workforce development programs.

The biggest opportunity in the near term for green job creation on Hawai'i Island is in boosting energy efficiency in buildings and linking workforce development with immediate industry needs, such as Tradewind, Inc. (forestry) and Big Island Carbon, Inc. (biochar manufacturing). Tradewind is intending to hire 100 workers28 and Big Island Carbon is planning to hire 30+ employees in the immediate future.29

Boost Energy Efficiency in Buildings

The Green-Collar Jobs: Realizing the Promise, published by Sightline Institute in October 2009, offer recommendations to boost demand for energy efficiency in buildings.

Supply Workers Two training strategies for green jobs: 1. Focus on training programs that lead to credentials or certifications; 2. Create career ladders that link training, employment, and education.

Stoke DemandSeven lessons on successful programs for boosting energy efficiency in buildings: 1. Use smart marketing to educate property owners about energy efficiency;2. Assemble partnerships and link organizations with shared interested; 3. Measure building energy use through audits and rating systems; 4. Connect building owners with trusted contractors; 5. Create an “energy concierge” to guide property owners through the process;6. Teach people to take advantage of their retrofits;

Secure Capital Three solutions for financing energy-efficiency improvements in buildings:


1. Let building owners pay for retrofits on their property tax or utility bills by developing property assessed clean energy (PACE) program;

2. Offer family-friendly retrofit or green financing through local banks or community credit union;

3. Use emerging tools to finance big projects that have long payback periods, such as performance contract.

Recent update of local building codes could increase demand for third-party inspectors, such as Home Energy Rating Auditor (HERS), to monitor compliance requirements based on model energy code.

Provide appropriate resources to implement existing plans such as:

Community Development Plans (N/S Kona, Puna, N/S Kohala, Ka’u) County of Hawai‘i Energy Sustainability Plan Agricultural Development Plan Zero Waste Implementation Plan and Integrated Solid Waste and Resource

Management Plan

Conduct a survey for each green sector to determine:

Level of Customer Demand Number of Employees Median Income Education and Training needs Barriers and Opportunities for Employers and Future Development

Develop and Implement Green Job Programs and Sustainability Education Program by:

Accessing local sustainability resources Developing a degree program in sustainable construction technology at Hawai‘i

Community College (HACC) or University of Hawai‘i Hilo (UHH). Creating space for experiential learning Trial and error Incorporate or Introduce Green Concepts Into Existing Programs such as:

o Internships o Apprenticeships o Workforce Training

Build Capacity for Collaboration at:

Local level State level National level International level


Long Term Opportunity

Many symptomatic solutions (business as usual) that focuses on immediate issues will continue to delay the opportunity to develop a vision of a flourishing island society that lives within its ecological limits.

System approach based on a full sustainability framework will align existing and future policy and investment priorities. To minimize risk and uncertainty, an integration of existing policy, plans and research can assist the overall direction to optimize the development towards a sustainable island economy.

Develop a Plan for Island Sustainability

According to the Natural Step International founder, Karl-Henrik Robert30, an effective long-term strategy requires:

1. Clear analyses of current practices from a full sustainability perspective; 2. Discovering solutions to problems and out of the box visions that may design the

problem out of the system;3. Finding strategic and economically feasible or competitive investment routes to

arrive at such solutions and visions; and 4. Selecting and informing the tools needed for the transition.

Assessing and integrating existing local research, policies, plans, and indicators based on a full sustainability perspective can facilitate the identification of policy and investment strategies towards a greener island economy.

IntegrateBased on a full sustainability framework bring the pieces together:

Community Development Plans (N/S Kona, Puna, N/S Kohala, Ka’u) County of Hawai‘i Energy Sustainability Plan Agricultural Development Plan Zero Waste Implementation Plan and Integrated Solid Waste and Resource

Management Plan General Plan Indicators

IdentifyKey economic and community development strategies:

Eco-effectiveness: Managing Waste as a Resource Import Substitution Value Added Production Synergistic Business/Sector Cluster Entrepreneurship Incubator Social Marketing Market Trends and Policy Eco-efficiency: Extract More Economic Value Per Unit of Resources


InvestBased on integration and identification, invest in:

Local Assets Community Capitals Community Network Project based Learning Civic Space Green Infrastructure Workforce Development Social Marketing Policy Development Sustainability Research to quantify value of Island Ecosystem Services and

Resources Use through: o Ecological Footprint Analysis based on per capita consumption o Island Carbon Footprint (Every Three Years) o Island Water Footprint o Long Term Island Metabolism of Energy and Material Flows

Conclusion

These broad recommendations will begin to fully move Hawai'i Island towards energy security, low-carbon infrastructures, and ecological protection that will offer multiple benefits. These benefits include:

๏ Freeing up resources for household spending and productive investment by reducing energy and material costs;

๏ Reducing reliance on imports and exposure to the fragile geopolitics of energy supply;

๏ Providing a much-needed boost to employment in the expanding ‘green industries’ sector;

๏ Making progress towards demanding global and local carbon reduction targets; and

๏ Protecting valuable ecological assets and improving the quality of the living environment for generations to come.

To seize the opportunities of a greener economy requires enhancing resource use, creating friendly environment for research and investment, and skilled labor force for island industries. With an appropriate mix of local strategies, a greener island economy will generate jobs, businesses and investments through:

๏ clean renewable energy production; ๏ increasing energy efficiency; ๏ reducing greenhouse gas emissions; ๏ reducing waste and pollution; and ๏ conserving water and other natural resources


A green business reduces dependence on non-renewable materials (e.g. fossil fuel) and toxic substances. A green job facilitates development of sustainable local products and services through responsible and equitable use of renewable resources. A truly vibrant local and sustainable economy promotes the development of individual and community well-being concurrently with economic and environmental sustainability.

Green business, increasingly, is a big business. It is moving rapidly from the periphery to the mainstream31. Every business and occupation on the Island has the potential to become greener or become part of the Green Economy.

There are opportunities for improvement in every economic sector to learn new ways to mitigate risks and identify cost savings and revenue generating opportunities that reduce environmental impact (i.e. energy, material, waste and supply chain audits). Efficient and effective use of resources can improve enterprise competitive advantage and the bottom line.

Ultimately, green is not just about environment. For every enterprise, it represents an innovative way of seeing both risks and opportunities through a new lens.

Appendices available on-line at www.hawaiicountyrandd.net.


http://www.hawaiicountyrandd.net

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island of hawaii green economy report

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