Manufacturing Climate Solutions

Manufacturing Climate Solutions presents new research linking U.S. jobs with selected low-carbon technologies that can help combat global warming. In the series, we ask, “In a new global economy increasingly affected by the threat of climate change, what are the U.S. job opportunities in technologies that can reduce carbon emissions?”*

This ongoing series builds upon a five-technology report released in November 2008 with two new chapters made available in February 2009.  Technologies analyzed so far include:

• LED lighting (November 2008): Leading U.S. manufacturers find it crucial to ensure high quality and to protect their innovations--two good reasons to keep the manufacturing close to home.
• High-performance windows (November 2008): The U.S. industry faces new, more stringent efficiency criteria that  may spur manufacturers to retool production lines and further innovate.
• Auxiliary power units for trucks (November 2008): Integration of auxiliary power units into long-haul truck manufacturing in the near future will likely increase penetration rates dramatically, with a corresponding boost to manufacturing.
• Concentrating solar power (November 2008): The new market for concentrating solar power plants has potential to create numerous U.S. manufacturing and construction jobs as U.S. companies grow and foreign firms come to the United States.
• Super Soil Systems (November 2008): This new technology for treating hog wastes could allow the United States to become a global market leader in a sector where, until now, no adequate alternative has been available.
• Heat Pump Water Heaters (February 2009): New ENERGY STAR criteria for residential water heaters and new models expected in 2009 could increase demand for these energy-saving products, opening greater opportunities for U.S. component manufacturing in the value chain.
• Recycling Industrial Waste Energy (February 2009): Many industrial processes discard exhaust heat, combustible gases, and other “waste” energy.  These highly recoverable resources can be harnessed to generate electricity, thus saving energy costs, reducing CO2 emissions, creating new jobs, and protecting existing jobs by increasing productivity and competitiveness.
• Carbon Capture and Storage: A Post-Combustion Capture Technology (May 2009): Carbon dioxide capture and storage will allow the United States to continue using fossil fuel for power generation while also achieving national goals to reduce CO₂ emissions. In addition, these billion dollar projects present huge U.S.-based employment opportunities in fields ranging from research and development to manufacturing and construction.
• Hybrid Drivetrains for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks (June 2009):   The United States is well positioned to take the lead in hybrid commercial trucks, a new, fast- growing market that promises future U.S. jobs in truck manufacturing, advanced energy storage, electronics, and software.

We use a value chain lens to present the technology, break it down into its main materials and components, identify companies and their locations, and give examples of the associated jobs. We believe this series is a useful starting point to explore opportunities for U.S. job growth and technology leadership in the new, carbon-constrained global economy.

The Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness prepared the 2008 report for five sponsors: Environmental Defense Fund, the Building and Construction Trades Department (AFL-CIO), Industrial Union Council (AFL-CIO), International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.