LOS ANGELES, April 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauds the City of Los Angeles for its leadership in establishing the nation's first public-sector green building retrofit program that will create green jobs and reduce carbon emissions. The ordinance calls for the green retrofitting of all city-owned buildings over 7,500 square feet or built before 1978, using guidelines from the U.S. Green Business Council and others. It sets a goal of starting 100 retrofits annually and priority will be given to projects with high community-impact level. Its green careers program features training and placement for local, low-income and underemployed workers. The ordinance creates two management positions, an interdepartmental taskforce and an advisory council of experts and stakeholders to oversee, guide and report on progress. "The 'Green Building Retrofit Ordinance' shows how environment and energy policies can stimulate California's economy. It will put people to work in green jobs, generate revenue for local businesses, save L.A. taxpayers up to $6 million in energy costs and cut global warming pollution," said Derek Walker, director of EDF's California Climate Initiative. "Los Angeles is setting an example that cities nationwide can follow." "There are tremendous opportunities for employment in the green economy and this ordinance shows how community, labor and environmental groups can work together to link environmental policies with valuable green job training, placement and apprenticeship programs," said Tim O'Connor, attorney and climate change analyst at EDF.
