Hartford Business Journal

28 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 7, 2023 Opinion & Commentary OTHER VOICES Energy efficiency holds key to unlocking a thriving CT climate economy By Al Subbloie P eople from Connecticut aren't the type to shy away from a challenge — the matter of climate change should be no different. The state has set some pretty ambitious goals, including cutting carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and generating all energy from zero- carbon sources just a decade later. Unfortunately, according to the state Department of Energy & Envi- ronmental Protection, progress has stalled, and emissions have actually ticked up in the past couple of years. Meeting the state's climate goals will not be simple, but it does present a clear opportunity to build a thriving energy-efficient economy in Connecticut. Specifically, one that creates healthier communities, brings thousands of jobs to the state and supports a strong GDP. Energy efficiency is one of the most undervalued tools that local commu- nities have to enable economic opportunity and make consider- able, measurable progress toward net zero. Unlocking its full value, however, requires strong public and private investment to help the state's small business community be more energy efficient. It's important to note that today's energy efficiency technologies far surpass your grandpa's LED lights. Sure, things like heat pumps and refriger- ation controls may seem mundane compared to flashy electric vehicles or gigawatt-scale offshore wind turbines, but they can have a massively positive impact on both the day-to-day operations of Connecticut's small businesses, and the planet. Technologies like heat pumps come with far lower lifetime ownership costs compared to gas or electric utilities, which makes switching to more efficient energy systems not just good for the climate, but good for business, too. For example, according to the Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to $1,000 per year by switching from an HVAC system to a heat pump, while high-efficiency air conditioners could reduce home- owners' energy use by 20% to 50%. Energy-intensive businesses, such as the state's 10,000 or so restaurants, can save up to 10 times that amount. Energy efficiency technologies are also extremely attractive assets for investors seeking ways to reduce their portfolio's emissions. Indeed, the energy efficiency sector is set to exceed $600 billion in invest- ment this year alone as governments and businesses increasingly recog- nize its many advantages. In particular, energy efficiency offers Connecticut a scalable and affordable way to meet its climate goals while also helping improve the physical and fiscal well-being of its residents and business owners. According to some estimates, the mainstream adoption of ener- gy-efficient technologies throughout Connecticut could generate cost savings of up to $70 million annually and lower energy use across the state by 243 gigawatt-hours per year by 2035, or the equivalent of consuming 7 million gallons of gaso- line less per year. Importantly, Connecticut's small business community could greatly benefit from public and private sector support for energy efficiency. These businesses are the backbone of the state's economy, employing nearly half of all workers. Unfortunately, many of them are still recovering from pandemic-related challenges, in addition to having to contend with inflation and rising energy costs. As the health of Connecticut's economy is intrinsically tied to the success of these businesses, providing opportunities for relief through energy efficiency seems like an obvious solution. Energy efficient technologies can slash small business' energy consumption by up to 40%, massively reducing operating costs, creating new job opportunities, and advancing Connecticut's net-zero targets. More than 150 small businesses statewide — ranging from restaurant franchises like McDonald's, Subway and Dunkin', to Ryders Health Management and local YMCAs — have already embraced energy efficiency to save money and drive down emissions. To date, these businesses have avoided using over 15,500 mega- watt-hours of energy, which equates to taking nearly 2,500 gas vehicles off the road each year. Equipping the remaining 360,000 small and medium businesses throughout Connecticut with effi- cient upgrades would go a long way toward meeting the state's climate goals. Al Subbloie owns Subway fran- chises in Southport and Woodbridge, and is the CEO of Budderfly Inc., an energy efficiency company based in Shelton. CT should invest $500M in summer/'Opportunity Youth' programs to boost talent pipeline By Lisa Tepper Bates & Alex Johnson C onnecticut is facing a substan- tial gap in its state labor force: our employers urgently need more residents prepared for the workforce. Presently, thousands of young people are not actively participating, including those who are finishing high school and not planning for college, or disconnected from education and employment entirely — years after high school completion. Helping connect these young people with the workforce helps our economy and helps them. Last year, the high-impact Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program served 3,016 youth across the state — a decline of 54% from the 2010 service level. This year, an increase in the minimum wage coupled with inflation meant that summer youth employment programs are even more expensive to imple- ment, stretching thin the $5.8 million in funding available across the state for this important program. Valiant efforts to expand the Connecticut youth employment program to $10 million, resulting in thousands of additional youth signing up for anticipated summer employment, failed to materialize in the final days of state budget negotiations, dashing the hopes of youths and employers. We thank Mayor Luke Bronin for his recent investment of $300,000 for Hartford youth, yet more commitment and support is needed statewide. The unmet demand for youth employment connection comes at a particularly challenging time in our state. Chris DiPentima, head of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), noted in June that the state's labor force is at its lowest level since September 2021 — down 16,700 in 2023 alone. A robust investment in our youth is critical to meeting our business and industry needs, growing our future talent pipeline, keeping workers in the state and growing the state economy. As Gov. Ned Lamont stated, "With more than 100,000 jobs currently available in Connecticut, it's the right time to make this investment in our future workforce and for the state's business community." We agree. In addition to the number of in-school youth facing scarcity in public summer employment oppor- tunities, there are an estimated 40,000 Connecticut young adults who are both out-of-school and out-of-work. These young people — ages 16 to 24 — called "Opportunity Youth," are severely off-track or disconnected from school or employ- ment and need to be reconnected. Many of these youth come from low-income communities and commu- nities of color, and already face lasting negative impacts from the pandemic, violence and disruption in their daily lives. These young people particularly require structured work- based learning and training programs and supports to become gainfully employed, or otherwise face long- term and permanent unemployment. Faced with the critical need to strengthen Connecticut's future talent pipeline, the Campaign for Working Connecticut (CWCT), has issued a report: "Connecticut's Pathways to the Future," with a call to action urging state leaders to immediately launch a $25-million statewide investment this year, and $500-million over a 10-year initiative, to provide comprehensive support for quality career pathways engage- ment for those estimated 40,000 Opportunity Youth. Ernst & Young's 2016 report, "Untapped Potential: Engaging all Connecticut Youth," argued that by providing comprehensive support for quality career pathways, Connecticut could reduce the number of disen- gaged and disconnected youth by half, and increase the number of workers actively engaged in our state economy, helping to fill the labor gap. The report noted this effort would result in an estimated additional $3 billion in gross state product for Connecticut over the long term. Our state continues to face a labor crisis. Our untapped young talent needs attention. It's time to make a robust investment in programs that support building a future talent pipeline in Connecticut. Lisa Tepper Bates is the pres- ident and CEO of United Way of Connecticut. Alex Johnson is the president and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners. Al Subbloie Alex Johnson Lisa Tepper Bates

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