Clean Energy as an Economic Development Tool

Chambers across the nation are already using clean energy to diversify their local economies, help their businesses find new entry points into supply chains, and attract new investors and entrepreneurs to their regions. An analysis of the Department of Energy's fiscal 2017 budget found that for every dollar spent on clean energy research and development (R&D), $1.60 is created in other parts of the economy, contributing a projected $8.6 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

With close ties to business leaders and policymakers, chambers are uniquely positioned to help their regions become hotbeds of innovation for new technologies and services and advocate for investment in new services and technologies — such as energy efficiency, energy storage, electric vehicles, LED lighting, and renewable energy manufacturing.

Energy Organizations

• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy - Energy efficiency nonprofit focused on energy policy, research, and outreach.
• Energy Efficiency—Jobs and Investment (March 2017)
• How Saving Energy Helps American Businesses and Creates Jobs (March 2016)
• Verifying Energy Efficiency Job Creation: Current Practices and Recommendations (Sept 2015)
• More publications from ACEEE
• Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy - Clean energy information hub with resources including incentives, best practices, publications, and FAQs.
• ACCE Chamber of the Year Knows a Winning Project When It Sees One (May 2018)
• See their recommended publications
• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
• U.S. Economic Development Administration - Available grants.

Tools for Assessing Clean Energy in Your Region

• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
• City Energy Efficiency Scorecard
• Local Energy Self-Scoring Tool
• State and Local Policy Database
• State Energy Efficiency Scorecard
• American Council on Renewable Energy
• Status of Renewable Energy in Each State
• International Economic Development Council
• Green Metrics: Common Measures of Sustainable Economic Development (2017)
• Creating the Clean Energy Economy (2013)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory
• Clean Energy Potential in Your Region

Chamber Examples

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See examples at Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy

• Chambers Across America video series
• Chambers in Action blog
• Local Chambers as Change Agents: Creating Economic Vitality through Clean Energy and Innovation report (May 2013)

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• Chambers of Commerce Gain Cost Savings with Solar Installs - EnergySage, Inc. and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy launched a partnership to help local chambers of commerce and their member businesses take advantage the cost savings of installing solar energy. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce (Mass.) was the first chamber to take advantage of the new partnership in 2014.
• Austin Chamber of Commerce (Texas) - Works with university, municipal, and utility partners to attract new clean energy entrepreneurs and capital to the region.
• Energy Alliance of Greater Pittsburgh (Pa.) - A program of the Allegheny Conference and affiliate of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and Innovation Works, the Alliance is an economic development initiative and a collaboration of more than 100 businesses, universities, and other organizations with the purpose of facilitating the innovation, education, and coordination needed to enhance the region's energy economy and advance its global leadership in improving the environment.
• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (Mo.) - The mayor, chamber, and a local utility demonstrate commitment to help the city reduce energy consumption to save money, increase competitiveness, and improve the environment.
• Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy Video Series - Cathy Bennett, Vice President of Public Policy and Programming at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, discusses how clean energy and energy efficiency have helped drive economic development in her community.
• KC Chamber Boosts Area Economy Through Smart Energy (July 2014)
• Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (Pa.) - Energy & Environment Committee
• Hosts a Energy & Environment Outlook and Expo and annually awards a member business with the best energy practices.
• Home of “The Rock”, Lehigh Valley Chamber Focuses on Energy (May 2016)
• The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce (S.C.) - Has led the state in efforts to promote wind as an alternative source of energy and in particular off shore wind farms off the SC coast.
• Salt Lake Chamber - Brought several organizations together with the goal of improving the environment and life quality of the state's residents while highlighting the benefits of clean air for business and the economy by introducing the Clear the Air Challenge.
• Clear the Air Challenge: Synopsis - 2016 ACE: Award of Excellence

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Last updated: 5/11/2018