Phoenix Construction Jobs Created by Retrofit Program

A new retrofitting program will help create more Phoenix construction jobs (Click here).

The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded a $25 million Better Buildings Program grant to launch the Energize Phoenix program. The program is a collaboration among the City of Phoenix, Arizona State University, and Arizona Public Service.

The funding will be used to make energy retrofits to residential and commercial buildings along a 10-mile corridor of the Light Rail. These retrofits will include audit testing for energy loss, duct ceiling, HVAC replacement, shade screens, and insulation.

"While the Department of Energy awarded similar grants across the country, Energize Phoenix is unique because Phoenix is one of the few grant recipients targeting commercial buildings, in addition to residential properties," Councilwoman Peggy Neely, chairwoman of the City Council Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee, said. "We are proud of all that has been accomplished by the city and our partners, APS and ASU, since we received the funds this summer. Not only are we on schedule, we are actually ahead of schedule."

Energize Phoenix will create jobs for contractors, auditors, and construction and outreach workers. The program is expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 30 percent, reduce commercial energy use by up to 18 percent, and cut carbon emissions by up to 50,000 metric tons per year.

As this is a government program, employers may check background of anyone who applies for a position.

"Energize Phoenix will offer incentives to perform energy efficiency retrofits for up to 2,000 single- and multi-family residences and approximately 30 million square feet of office and industrial space," Mayor Phil Gordon said. "Most important, it will create up to 2,000 jobs - many will be green jobs that can't be outsourced."

The $25 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be leveraged by up to $190 million in additional funding from banks, local businesses, and public partners.