Going green is not only good for the planet, according to a new study completed for Orange County, it's also good for the job market.
Clean Technology - an emerging field focused on technology innovations that reduce environmental impacts - is a $284 billion global market that is expected to reach over $1.3 trillion by 2017. Recognizing the potential of this emerging industry to economic growth and job creation, Central Florida is among regions worldwide working to develop a cleantech cluster.
Establishing a game plan to accomplish that task was the purpose of the Orange County Cleantech Study, which was authored by the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Competitiveness. The report proposes a 17-point action plan, including the following: increase access to capital by creating targeted cleantech funds; create grants as incentives for research and commercialization of new technologies; enact comprehensive green building codes and ordinances; and expand partnerships within the community, including establishment of a Cleantech Leadership Council and Green Jobs Committee.
In issuing the report, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty noted that existing support for the industry on a local and statewide level, natural resources, and award-winning research facilities (such as UCF's Florida Solar Energy Center) already located in Central Florida will contribute to the county's goal of making this region a hub for cleantech. Emphasizing the long term job creation potential of this strategy, the Mayor added: "We can turn green into gold."
John Lewis, Orange County economic development administrator, added: "Cleantech is the next wave of innovation and job creation in the country. Regions that take advantage of that are going to be successful."
To view a copy of the study, click here.
