Healthy Outlook for ‘Green-Collar’ Jobs

Companies are stepping up their environmental initiatives, and that could mean one thing: a boom in "green-collar" jobs.

A recent forecast by the American Solar Energy Society found renewable energy and energy-efficient industries were responsible for the creation of nearly 8.5 million jobs in 2006, and by 2030 that number is expected to reach 40 million.

Colleges and universities are taking notice, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., a job placement consulting company. Many have introduced specialized degree programs in eco-commerce, environmental accounting, green and social marketing, and ecological economics.

Popular jobs include urban planners, forest tree professionals and environmental lawyers, said the company’s CEO. There is also a growing demand for architects and engineers with Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. For ecologically focused careers, Challenger suggests checking state and federal employment Web sites.