🌍✨ "It's harder to convince people of color to come work in clean energy when their communities and their families don't have any experience with things like solar, TVs, or energy efficiency." This quote from Bob Keefe, executive director of E2, really struck a chord with me.
It's a challenge we're facing in the clean energy sector, particularly in construction jobs, which make up nearly half of all clean energy jobs in the U.S. But with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there's a renewed focus on recruiting and retaining diverse talent.
In 2021, Devin Hampton, CEO of UtilityAPI, launched EDICT (Empowering Diverse Climate Talent) to promote people of color in the industry. EDICT has already partnered with nearly 100 clean energy companies, providing paid internships to diverse talent. As Hampton aptly put it, "What we were trying to do was make sure that clean tech doesn't look like regular tech." It's about more than just providing jobs—it's about strengthening our businesses and communities.
The IRA is also geared towards getting more clean energy products into the homes of disadvantaged communities and people of color. These policies aim to bring both clean energy and funding to people of color starting clean energy businesses.
How are you or your organization addressing diversity of clients or of talent in clean energy? Share your thoughts and initiatives in the comments, or feel free to message me directly. Let's inspire and learn from each other! 💬✨
#CleanEnergy #DiversityAndInclusion #Sustainability #InflationReductionAct #EDICT #CommunityEmpowerment
