Unlocking the Benefits of Clean Construction: From Job Growth to Safer, More Sustainable Cities

A growing shift toward meaningful sustainability practices is starting to take hold in the global construction industry. As cities increasingly embrace clean construction, building plans are becoming more focused on both aesthetics and function for a healthier environment and a stronger economy. According to recent research from C40 Cities, prioritizing sustainability in the construction sector—now estimated as responsible for roughly 39% of global carbon emissions—could create millions of green jobs, reduce the carbon footprint, and lead to safer, more resilient urban spaces.

Clean Construction Initiatives Around the World

Oslo, Norway is a city leading the way in clean construction and is ranked as one of the most sustainable cities in the world. The Oslo City Council introduced procurement criteria in 2019 to encourage the use of emission-free construction machinery and transportation of materials. This initiative has led to 77% of municipal building sites being emission-free over the course of just five years.

Notably, the renovation of Sophie’s Minde, a 19th-century heritage building, was completed using zero-emission construction machinery and extensive material reuse. Oslo utilizes advanced methods, such as circular economy practices like promoting the reuse of construction materials through dedicated marketplaces and reducing waste to lower the carbon footprint associated with this industry. And as of 2025, all the city’s construction projects are emission-free.

Seattle, Washington has implemented the Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS), which mandates that existing buildings over 20,000 square feet achieve net-zero emissions between 2041 and 2050. Starting in 2031, these buildings must meet interim greenhouse gas reduction targets or face penalties. Seattle is also actively fostering green construction jobs through strategic investments in workforce development, aiming to both combat climate change and promote economic equity.

In June 2024, the city allocated over $2.24 million to organizations to recruit, train, and place approximately 260 workers from underserved communities into construction and clean energy sectors. Since its inception in 2013, this program has generated over $101 million in wages for Priority Hire workers, significantly exceeding projections.

In Maine, clean energy projects have provided job stability for local construction workers, thanks to the incentives created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law by President Biden in 2022. These projects, which include solar, wind farms, and marine plants, have kept workers employed year-round, offering them the opportunity to stay close to home and maintain job security. The Maine Labor Climate Council has seen over 100 projects initiated, primarily employing local workers and contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Decarbonizing Construction and Job Growth

Decarbonizing the construction industry is an initiative to reduce and eventually eliminate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon dioxide (CO₂) associated with the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. This focus on greener construction is sparking significant job growth, driven by federal investments and a shift toward sustainable building practices. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that in 2022, energy construction added over 45,000 jobs, with energy efficiency roles accounting for nearly half of this increase. Similarly, the IRA is projected to create 1.5 million jobs by 2030, particularly in construction and clean energy sectors.

“Ensuring career pathways for a diverse and qualified green buildings workforce will enable high performance buildings nationwide.”—U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Key job categories emerging in the decarbonized construction industry include:

• Energy Efficiency Specialists: Professionals who assess and implement measures to reduce energy consumption in buildings.
• HVAC Technicians: Experts in installing and maintaining energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, such as heat pumps.
• Solar Photovoltaic Installers: Workers responsible for installing solar panels, a rapidly growing field with projected employment increases of 22.3% from 2022 to 2032.
• Wind Turbine Service Technicians: Technicians who maintain and repair wind turbines, with employment expected to grow by 44.9% over the same period.

These roles not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer competitive wages and opportunities for workforce development, especially in underserved communities. As the demand for green building practices continues to rise, the decarbonized construction sector stands as a promising avenue for job seekers and a cornerstone in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Building a Sustainable Future at Capitol Tech

Developing a more sustainable construction sector is not only about reducing emissions, but also about creating jobs, ensuring social equity, enhancing the quality of life in urban areas, and building safer, more resilient cities. At Capitol Technology University, our degree programs in Construction Management put you at the forefront of industrial knowledge and skills that will help you succeed and innovate in this dynamic field. To discover our academic programs, contact our Admissions team or request more information.

Written by Jordan Ford

Edited by Erica Decker