Ohio has more than 1,100 business involved in the so called “Green
Movement”. A new report by Environment Ohio shows the number of
companies involved in the energy efficiency industry is growing rapidly.
The report identifies business through out the state that are already
contributing to Ohio's clean energy future, everything from home energy
raters, to green architects, to retailers of energy efficient products.
Speaking during a green business forum in Columbus, Congresswoman Mary
Jo Kilroy tied American prosperity with our ability to become a “global
leader in the development production and use of clean and renewable
energy.” Kilroy went to say “We spend billions of dollars a day on
foreign oil and efforts like these will help cut that figure, creating
thousands of new jobs and securing clean energy sources made right here
in America.”
National security and jobs were consistently cited by experts on the
panel as the best reasons to improve efficiency. Eric Zimmer, CEO of
Columbus, Ohio based Tipping Point Renewable Energy said his company is
focused on creating “good jobs in our local communities by deploying
clean energy technologies.”
Zimmer pointed out policies on both state and federal levels that can
reduce dependence on foreign oil and create jobs. Tipping Point has a
current initiative to help veterans returning from war to launch a new
career path in clean energy.
The new report from Environment Ohio, “Ohio's Green Energy Economy: the
Energy Efficiency Industry.” found at least 52 businesses in Ohio
performing energy audits, finding places were energy can be saved in
buildings.
78 Ohio businesses and community organizations weatherize buildings
cutting heating bills by 32%. Another 109 businesses manufacture energy
efficient products, 215 design and construct energy Energy
Star-certified homes and 680 stores sell energy efficient products and
appliances.
Ohio still has work to do according to Jeff McCourt, energy advocate
for Environment Ohio. “First and foremost we need federal energy and
climate legislation.”
One the state level McCourt supports legislation that would allow
homeowners and businesses to amortize their clean energy investments
over a 20 year period through their property taxes. He also believes
the state needs to update aging building codes.
Environment Ohio is a state based, citizen funded environmental organization working for a cleaner, greener healthier future.
The report can be found at Environment Ohio's website at http://environmentohio.org
