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British Embassy /Washington, DC

This position presents a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team focused on delivering aggressive investment results for Great Britain by fostering Trans-Atlantic business development linkages between British and American companies and markets in the Financial Services and Energy sectors.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British Government’s international trade promotion and economic development agency, which works closely with UKTI London and the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to drive foreign investment into the UK, and to support British companies interested in doing business in the US (www.uktradeinvestusa.com).

This position is a leading member of the UK Trade and Investment team in Cambridge, reporting to the Head of UKTI in Cambridge. This Officer will work as part of a wider team responsible for developing strong relationships with C-level executives in companies across the New England region that are either currently invested in the UK or that are poised for international expansion, and with UK companies who are exploring US market entry or further developing their US channels.

The successful candidate will have sound knowledge of the Financial Services, Energy and Cleantech sectors in New England, and preferably the UK.

Main Job Functions:
•Proactively approach New England Financial and Energy companies to discuss the UK, then provide assistance to help them set up new or expand existing operations in the UK
•Raise awareness of the UK by developing marketing and outreach campaigns – utilising Senior / Diplomatic and Industry speakers.
•Facilitate and successfully manage visit programs, plan company meetings and introductions, and produce and manage events;
•Be a speaker at relevant industry events in New England and the UK
•Establish and manage relationships with senior level business leaders, key association groups, and multiplier organisations;
•Meet annual investment targets and build active client pipeline through developing and managing relationships with C-level executives and business leaders in the sector
•Conduct research and compile tailored reports on industry trends, best routes to market and potential US business partners and business opportunities for UK companies
•Monitor market trends, research and identify market opportunities, and manage events and corresponding investment, marketing and local budgets. This will include occasional travel to the UK to understand sector clusters alive in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England in order to promote effectively to a US audience.

Minimum Qualifications/Experience:
•Sound knowledge of the New England and UK propositions for Financial Services and Energy – including financial regulation and energy policy.
•Strong client account management experience and a proven track record in consultative sales.
•An excellent knowledge of UK and US general business environment – taxation, company formation, R&D tax credits, incentives and key selling points
•Excellent research, analysis and report writing skills, particularly the ability to produce high quality outputs;
•A minimum of a bachelors degree in business, finance, economics, international marketing or communications
•Minimum of five years relevant work experience and/or business development experience in the US or UK, ideally in the Financial Services sector
•The ability to work in a team environment towards shared goals;
•An understanding of both private and public sector operations;
•Strong networking skills;
•Proven line management experience;
•A demonstrable track record of business development or sales achievement;
•High self-motivation and initiative;
•Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications and Client Relationship Management (CRM) software applications;
•Driving license and ability to undertake air travel including overnight stays.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A visa holders*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. The appointment of a successful candidate will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

The target salary for this position is $66,900 annualized. Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment.

To Apply:
Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted in a .doc (word) file format by Monday 1 July 2013 to https://careers-britishembassy.icims.com/…gy/job. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as required. Internal candidates must address their resumes through the Head of Group before applying. Interviews will be held in Boston, MA in the week of 8th July.

Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Embassy. The cover letter should be concise and reference the top 3 key qualities that you can bring to this role, showing reference to the job advertisement, UKTI websites and your work experience.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we can not guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Consulate-General is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other categ

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British Embassy /Washington, DC

This position presents a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team focused on delivering aggressive investment results for Great Britain by fostering Trans-Atlantic business development linkages between British and American companies and markets in the Financial Services and Energy sectors.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British Government’s international trade promotion and economic development agency, which works closely with UKTI London and the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to drive foreign investment into the UK, and to support British companies interested in doing business in the US (www.uktradeinvestusa.com).

This position is a leading member of the UK Trade and Investment team in Cambridge, reporting to the Head of UKTI in Cambridge. This Officer will work as part of a wider team responsible for developing strong relationships with C-level executives in companies across the New England region that are either currently invested in the UK or that are poised for international expansion, and with UK companies who are exploring US market entry or further developing their US channels.

The successful candidate will have sound knowledge of the Financial Services, Energy and Cleantech sectors in New England, and preferably the UK.

Main Job Functions:
•Proactively approach New England Financial and Energy companies to discuss the UK, then provide assistance to help them set up new or expand existing operations in the UK
•Raise awareness of the UK by developing marketing and outreach campaigns – utilising Senior / Diplomatic and Industry speakers.
•Facilitate and successfully manage visit programs, plan company meetings and introductions, and produce and manage events;
•Be a speaker at relevant industry events in New England and the UK
•Establish and manage relationships with senior level business leaders, key association groups, and multiplier organisations;
•Meet annual investment targets and build active client pipeline through developing and managing relationships with C-level executives and business leaders in the sector
•Conduct research and compile tailored reports on industry trends, best routes to market and potential US business partners and business opportunities for UK companies
•Monitor market trends, research and identify market opportunities, and manage events and corresponding investment, marketing and local budgets. This will include occasional travel to the UK to understand sector clusters alive in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England in order to promote effectively to a US audience.

Minimum Qualifications/Experience:
•Sound knowledge of the New England and UK propositions for Financial Services and Energy – including financial regulation and energy policy.
•Strong client account management experience and a proven track record in consultative sales.
•An excellent knowledge of UK and US general business environment – taxation, company formation, R&D tax credits, incentives and key selling points
•Excellent research, analysis and report writing skills, particularly the ability to produce high quality outputs;
•A minimum of a bachelors degree in business, finance, economics, international marketing or communications
•Minimum of five years relevant work experience and/or business development experience in the US or UK, ideally in the Financial Services sector
•The ability to work in a team environment towards shared goals;
•An understanding of both private and public sector operations;
•Strong networking skills;
•Proven line management experience;
•A demonstrable track record of business development or sales achievement;
•High self-motivation and initiative;
•Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications and Client Relationship Management (CRM) software applications;
•Driving license and ability to undertake air travel including overnight stays.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A visa holders*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. The appointment of a successful candidate will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

The target salary for this position is $66,900 annualized. Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment.

To Apply:
Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted in a .doc (word) file format by Monday 1 July 2013 to https://careers-britishembassy.icims.com/…gy/job. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as required. Internal candidates must address their resumes through the Head of Group before applying. Interviews will be held in Boston, MA in the week of 8th July.

Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Embassy. The cover letter should be concise and reference the top 3 key qualities that you can bring to this role, showing reference to the job advertisement, UKTI websites and your work experience.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we can not guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Consulate-General is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other categ

Apply To Job

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Conservation Services Group/Philadelphia, PA

Conservation Services Group (CSG) is the leading provider of residential energy efficiency programs in North America. CSG has helped Americans make smart energy use decisions an important part of the way they live and work since 1984. The company designs, develops, and delivers innovative, results-driven programs. CSG employees are committed to a mission of delivering these comprehensive programs to help people use energy more wisely. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are our sole business, not one of a hundred departments in a large corporation. CSG provides proven expertise to utilities, state agencies, trade allies and homeowners, tenants, and property owners seeking to improve home durability, safety, air quality and comfort while saving money. We bring creativity and commitment to our goals of championing the development and use of safe, clean energy.

People who work at CSG say that it's a unique kind of organization — one that nurtures individual talents and inspires dedication. We share a commitment to our work and our mission. CSG has a collegial atmosphere, where people respect and encourage each other to help the environment and change the way our country uses energy. How about you; do you see yourself as a part of our team?

Position Summary:
- Conservation Services Group, Inc. (CSG) is seeking Energy Advisors in southwestern New Jersey / eastern Pennsylvania.
- Conduct energy audits in residential homes, entering attics, basements and crawl spaces. Determine insulation levels in both attics and walls. Conduct visual checks of age and condition of HVAC equipment and ducts. Install compact fluorescent lamps and water conservation devices as defined by program.
- Perform thorough and accurate residential audits in accordance with program energy efficiency standards and client requirements.
- Complete an energy use data collection form to capture home data and generate lists of recommended retrofits. Generate computerized report for the customer. Track and enter all required program data in an accurate and timely manner. Provide proper and timely reporting of program progress.
- Interact with homeowners and answer questions regarding energy efficiency and recommend next steps.
- Encourage homeowners to undertake specific energy saving measures based on the home energy audit. Explain incentives and/or loans, and tax credits for energy efficiency improvements that may be available
- Stay current on latest program initiatives, policies, procedures, etc. and proposing ideas for improvement.

Qualifications:
- HS Diploma or equivalent
- BPI, RESNET or other building science certifications
- 5-7 years experience in residential construction, energy conservation, HVAC, building diagnostics, air infiltration reduction and sidewall and attic insulation
- Strong customer service and client relationship management skills and enthusiasm for energy conservation.
- Ability to effectively communicate technical and program concepts to contractors, consumers, and other interested people or organizations. Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Computer proficiency, experience with Windows-based office applications required. Familiarity with computerized building energy modeling software such as – REM/Rate, ResCheck and Home Check, Manual J, or other residential construction software required (may be acquired on the job).

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

CSG's compensation package includes comprehensive medical coverage with BlueCross BlueShield Blue Care Elect PPO, dental coverage with Delta Dental PPO, and vision coverage with EyeMed Vision Care; Employer paid life and AD&D insurance and STD & LTD insurance coverage; Plus paid holidays, PTO, and employer matching 401(k) retirement plan.

Please apply online at: http://jobs-csg.icims.com

CSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Key Words: green jobs, energy efficiency, utility, conservation, BPI, LEED, weatherization, HVAC, clean energy, energy conservation, csg jobs, energy consulting, energy efficient, green energy, renewable energy

If interested, please apply online at http://track.tmpservice.com/…d=1835062-2411-9488

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I’ve now written, oh, it seems like a kabillion posts on what’s wrong with electric utilities and how they might be adapted for the 21st century. All of my thinking on this subject has been informed by smart work from other folks, but I didn’t include a lot of links or block quotes or charts’n’graphs, because I was struggling to make the posts compact and readable by normal humans.

So here, then, is some further reading on the subject. I’m sure I’m leaving a ton of stuff out, so please email me or leave a comment if there’s something else you think should be included.

Wonky reports

The report that started it all, from the Edison Electric Institute: “Disruptive Challenges: Financial Implications and Strategic Responses to a Changing Retail Electric Business” [PDF]. It captures the U.S. utility perspective on the “death spiral” it believes could be brought about by distributed energy.

—

The best thing I’ve read on utilities and distributed energy is a report from eLab, the electricity arm of the Rocky Mountain Institute, called “New Business Models for the Distribution Edge.” (Yes, that’s where I got “distribution edge.”) It’s written in plain language, fairly short, and best of all, comes to conclusions similar to mine. I’m particularly fond of what it describes as the “Independent Distribution Network Operator,” or DNO, the ultimate evolution of the smart utility, which it describes thusly:

The utility’s distribution wires function is separated from the electricity supply function; the former remains a regulated monopoly business. The wires company is subject to performance-based regulation that provides it with strong incentives to earn higher rates of return by minimizing costs. The distribution utility is encouraged to develop pricing mechanisms and market-based incentives for customers and distributed resource developers to develop these resources in ways that reduce distribution system costs.

Sounds about right. You’ll want to follow all of eLab’s work.

—

The folks at the Environmental Energy Technologies Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, or EETDLBNL as no one calls it, have a great presentation called “Utility Business Models in a Low Load Growth/High DG Future: Gazing into the Crystal Ball?” Despite the weird misuse of the question mark in the title, it does a good job of introducing the issues. One thing it does really well is show where utility models are now and the ways they could progress, both incrementally and fundamentally. This is the dream:

It makes sense, I promise. Read the presentation.

—

In May, the Princeton-based Distributed Energy Roundtable, a group of policymakers, regulators, utility reps, industry types, and academics, released the results of their collaboration: “Valuing Distributed Energy: Economic and Regulatory Challenges,” authored by Travis Bradford and Anne Hoskins. I mentioned in my last post that one of the most important tasks in years ahead is to properly value distributed energy and energy services. This white paper gets pretty deep into how that can work. Super-interesting.

—

Ceres put out a great paper on utility evolution a few years ago called “The 21st Century Electric Utility: Positioning for a Low-Carbon Future” [PDF]. Here’s the report’s summary of the differences between 20th and 21st century utilities:

—

Big-time consultancy Deloitte had a report earlier this year called “Beyond the math: Preparing for disruption and innovation in the US electric power industry.” There’s lots more from Deloitte on related subjects here.

—

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council put out a report on “A PURPA-based approach to promoting DG growth” [PDF], which is way more interesting than it sounds. It’s about using the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of the late 1970s to appropriately value the benefits of distributed energy.

—

Peter Fox-Penner is a bit of a grid guru; if you’re looking for an accessible book-length introduction to these issues, you can’t beat his Smart Power (and all his other work).

—

If you want to get a comprehensive view of the U.S. grid and its challenges, you need “The Future of the Electric Grid,” an interdisciplinary study by MIT. It’s a beast, but if you can get through all of it, you’ll know everything.

—

Eurelectric, the European electricity sector trade group, recently released a big ol’ report called “Utilities: Powerhouses of Innovation” [PDF]. Rather than the somewhat gloomy assessment offered by its U.S. counterpart, Eurelectric looks forward to how utilities can aggressively innovate to take advantage of current trends. Here are the five take-home recommendations, for your nerdy pleasure:

The first one is, in my humble estimation, the most important and the key to the others.

Shorter articles and briefs

One of the smartest and most knowledgable people writing on this subject is Jesse Berst over at SmartGridNews. I recommend two short articles to get started: “From volume to value: Why utilities must change their business model (and one way to get started)” and “Why every utility must learn the word transactive.” Both are accessibly written and smart.

—

Chris Nelder is smart about this like he’s smart about everything energy-related. Read his two-parter: “Can the Utility Industry Survive the Energy Transition?” and “Private Utilities and the Distributed Energy Juggernaut.”

—

Rob Day wrote an interesting post a couple of months ago urging utilities to invest in distribution-edge technologies and services through unregulated subsidiaries.

—

Forbes had a great write-up of the EEI paper mentioned up top and its implications.

—

Here’s a brief from consultants at Bain & Company (remember them?) on how distributed energy will put stress on conventional utilities.

—

The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions has a nice rundown of the various emerging technologies at the distribution edge and the factors (including utilities) that are preventing their wider uptake.

—

What did I miss? I’ll add things as they come in.

Filed under: Article, Business & Technology, Climate & Energy

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Conservation Services Group/Nashville, TN

Conservation Services Group (CSG) is the leading provider of residential energy efficiency programs in North America. CSG has helped Americans make smart energy use decisions an important part of the way they live and work since 1984. The company designs, develops, and delivers innovative, results-driven programs. CSG employees are committed to a mission of delivering these comprehensive programs to help people use energy more wisely. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are our sole business, not one of a hundred departments in a large corporation. CSG provides proven expertise to utilities, state agencies, trade allies and homeowners, tenants, and property owners seeking to improve home durability, safety, air quality and comfort while saving money. We bring creativity and commitment to our goals of championing the development and use of safe, clean energy.

People who work at CSG say that it's a unique kind of organization — one that nurtures individual talents and inspires dedication. We share a commitment to our work and our mission. CSG has a collegial atmosphere, where people respect and encourage each other to help the environment and change the way our country uses energy. How about you; do you see yourself as a part of our team?

Home energy evaluations include:
- Determining insulation levels in both attics and walls
- Conduct home energy evaluations/assessments which will require entering residential attics, basements and crawl spaces; climbing ladders; interacting with homeowners; and generating a computerized report to the customer. CSG will provide equipment and training.
- Visual checks of age and condition of HVAC equipment and ducts
- Visual checks of windows and weather-stripping
- Completing an energy use data collection form to capture home data
- Encourage homeowners to undertake specific energy saving measures recommended based on the home energy evaluation
- Explain incentives and/or loans, and tax credits for energy efficiency improvements that may be available.
- Educate customers on other TVA efficiency programs

Qualifications:
- Experience in residential energy conservation, residential construction, or a related field, and enthusiasm for energy conservation is a key attribute for this position.
- Computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft programs including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Very good interpersonal, reporting, sales, writing and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work well independently and in a team setting.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Availability to call on customers some evenings and Saturdays.
- Ability to lift thirty five pound (35lbs) and the physical ability to inspect tight areas, attics, crawl spaces, hatch doors, etc.
- Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check
- These are full time positions although some flexibility of schedule is possible.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

CSG's compensation package includes comprehensive medical coverage with BlueCross BlueShield Blue Care Elect PPO, dental coverage with Delta Dental PPO, and vision coverage with EyeMed Vision Care; Employer paid life and AD&D insurance and STD & LTD insurance coverage; Plus paid holidays, PTO, and employer matching 401(k) retirement plan.

Please apply online at: http://jobs-csg.icims.com

CSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Key Words: green jobs, energy efficiency, utility, conservation, BPI, LEED, weatherization, HVAC, clean energy, energy conservation, csg jobs, energy consulting, energy efficient, green energy, renewable energy

If interested, please apply online at http://track.tmpservice.com/…d=1831985-2411-4788

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Center for Energy & Environmen/Minneapolis, MN

Primary Responsibilities:

-Identify promising technologies and system strategies to reduce energy use while preserving or enhancing indoor environments in commercial/institutional, industrial or residential facilities.

-Secure funding to conduct applied research and/or demonstration projects that will quantify real world energy savings and costs, identify factors affecting savings and costs, and assess non-energy performance attributes.

-Serve as principal investigator on these projects.

-Coordinate work of other researchers, research technicians, analysts and/or interns assisting with these projects.

-Participate in research projects led by others.

-Provide technical input into CEE’s energy programs and policy work.

Qualifications:

-Proven ability to generate research funding.

-Successful experience as principal investigator on field research and/or demonstration projects in energy efficiency, demand response, renewable energy, and/or indoor environmental quality.

-MS or PhD in engineering or other scientific field strongly preferred.

-Five or more years’ experience.

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The cleanest electricity is no electricity at all — a fact that is not lost on new Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

During his first speech after being sworn into his new post, Moniz said energy efficiency would be one of his top priorities.

From Greentech Media:

Secretary Moniz spoke to a crowd at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum about his upcoming agenda as secretary.

“Efficiency is going to be a big focus going forward,” he said. “I just don’t see the solutions to our biggest energy and environmental challenges without a very big demand-side response. That’s why it’s important to move this way, way up in our priorities.” The audience applauded.

Moniz’s decision to speak at an energy efficiency conference “speaks volumes about how important efficiency is” to his plans at the Department of Energy, said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy.

Indeed, Moniz made it very clear that efficiency would be a central priority during his tenure. He backed up President Obama’s call in the State of the Union for doubling U.S. energy productivity by 2030

The Hill reports that Moniz has already started meeting with lawmakers to promote a recently introduced efficiency bill:

New Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz vowed Tuesday to help advance a big bipartisan energy efficiency bill that’s moving through Congress and make conservation a major priority using his existing authorities. …

Moniz said he has met with senior leadership in both chambers of Congress about legislation, noting he sees an opening for the measure sponsored by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and a companion plan in the House.

“There is a ways to go to get it together, but there is clearly an interest in moving this,” he said. “This is the kind of initiative that I think has a real chance to move forward and I certainly will work with Senator Shaheen and others to try and help make it work.”

The Shaheen-Portman plan, which sailed through the Senate’s energy panel with bipartisan support recently, contains an array of provisions to boost efficiency in buildings by improving codes, workforce training and other steps.

It also contains measures to help manufacturing plants become more efficient and boost conservation within the federal government itself.

The Energy Department posted Moniz’s 11-minute speech on YouTube:

Filed under: Business & Technology, Climate & Energy, Politics

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) stopped throwing a temper tantrum and took a deep breath for long enough Thursday to allow the Senate to unanimously confirm Ernest Moniz as secretary of energy.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor and fossil fuel-industry fan was confirmed with a 97-0 vote. The vote had been delayed more than three weeks by Graham in protest over $200 million of planned nuclear energy budget cuts in his state.

Moniz served as an energy undersecretary in the Clinton administration and he is replacing Steven Chu, also a physicist, who is stepping down from the department’s top job.

From the AP, via the Washington Post:

Obama hailed Moniz as “a world-class scientist with expertise in a range of energy sources and a leader with a proven record of bringing prominent thinkers and innovators together to advance new energy solutions.”

Moniz shares his belief that “the United States must lead the world in developing more sustainable sources of energy that create new jobs and new industries, and in responding to the threat of global climate change,” Obama said in a statement.

Environmentalists have warned that Moniz could place energy industry interests ahead of environmental protections. We told you in March about his links to BP, General Electric, Saudi Aramco, Shell, Chevron, and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. Big Oil likes him, but so, too, does the cleantech sector, which straddles the energy industry and the climate movement. From a statement issued by Solar Energy Industries Association President Rhone Resch:

Ernest Moniz will be an outstanding Secretary of Energy.  As a Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor, an expert in energy issues and a veteran of Washington politics, he is uniquely qualified to tackle the many policy challenges facing our nation and the world.  In today’s combative political environment, his unanimous selection in the Senate stands as a testament to his abilities, as well as to the respect he brings to his new position.  We look forward to working with Secretary Moniz on policies and opportunities which will create new American jobs, expand the U.S. economy and provide energy security for our nation.

Oh, and about that three-week delay in the confirmation vote? Graham insists it was nothing personal. Just politics, ya know? From the AP again:

Graham made clear Thursday he had nothing against Moniz, calling him a “fine fellow.” Graham said he has other “leverage points” to continue putting pressure on the Obama administration to fully fund the Savannah River project.

Also Thursday, the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee cleared Obama’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency by a 10-8 vote along partisan lines. The full Senate will now consider Gina McCarthy’s nomination, though more trouble is brewing.

The committee vote was delayed last week by a different Republican tantrum, this one over claims that the EPA hasn’t answered all of the questions put to it by senators. And despite Thursday’s vote, Republicans are threatening to filibuster McCarthy’s nomination over the same complaint once the nomination reaches the Senate floor, The New York Times reported.

Filed under: Climate & Energy, Politics

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Ecology Action.
CA – California, Sacramento
Location: Sacramento, CA Salary Range: TBD based on skills and experience Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Benefits: Ecology Action offers a generous benefit package that includes a cafeteria plan with medical, dental, and…

Salary: non-disclosed. Date posted: 05/14/2013

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Back in 2011, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) declared war on energy-efficient lightbulbs, calling “sustainability” the gateway into a dystopic, Big Brother-patrolled liberal hellscape. When the lights went off during Beyoncé’s halftime set at the last Superbowl, conservative commentators from the Drudge Report to Michelle Malkin pointed blame (erroneously) at new power-saving measures at New Orleans’ Superdome. And one recent study found that giving Republican households feedback on their power use actually encourages them to use more energy.

Why do conservatives, who should have a natural inclination toward conservation, have a beef with energy efficiency? It could be tied to the political polarization of the climate change debate.

A study out Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examined attitudes about energy efficiency in liberals and conservatives, and found that promoting energy-efficient products and services on the basis of their environmental benefits actually turned conservatives off from picking them. The researchers first quizzed participants on how much they value various benefits of energy efficiency, including reducing carbon emissions, reducing foreign oil dependence, and reducing how much consumers pay for energy; cutting emissions appealed to conservatives the least.

The study then presented participants with a real-world choice: With a fixed amount of money in their wallet, respondents had to “buy” either an old-school lightbulb or an efficient compact florescent bulb (CFL), the same kind Bachmann railed against. Both bulbs were labeled with basic hard data on their energy use, but without a translation of that into climate pros and cons. When the bulbs cost the same, and even when the CFL cost more, conservatives and liberals were equally likely to buy the efficient bulb. But slap a message on the CFL’s packaging that says “Protect the Environment,” and “we saw a significant drop-off in more politically moderates and conservatives choosing that option,” said study author Dena Gromet, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

The chart below, from the report, shows how much liberals and conservatives value each argument for efficiency: While liberals (gray) valued all three equally, conservatives (white), were significantly less moved by and most at odds with liberals over the carbon-saving argument.

Gromet said she never expected the green message to motivate conservatives, but was surprised to find that it could in fact repel them from making a purchase even while they found other aspects, like saving cash on their power bills, attractive. The reason, she thinks, is that given the political polarization of the climate change debate, environmental activism is so frowned upon by those on the right that they’ll do anything to keep themselves distanced from it.

“When we’re given an option where the choice is made to represent a value that we don’t identify with or that our ideological group doesn’t value,” she said, “this can turn the purchase into something undesirable. By making [the environment] part of the choice, even though they might see the economic benefit, they no longer want to put their money toward that option.”

This graph, lifted from the report (on the x-axis, -1 is liberal and 1 is conservative), shows the damage the wrong messaging can do: With no messaging, roughly 60 percent of all participants picked the CFL; a pro-environment message boosted support in liberals but cut it sharply in conservatives:

That gap could represent real lost opportunities in the private sector: The EPA’s Energy Star label, for example, perhaps the most prominent label for energy-efficient products, puts greenhouse gas savings front and center in its packaging, and proudly boasts that products with the label help Americans “protect our climate.”

This isn’t just a problem for businesses trying to push energy-efficient products, but also for environmentalists and policymakers pushing to write efficiency or other climate-friendly policies into law, said Jessica Goodheart, director of RePower LA, which advocates for energy-saving practices in the Los Angeles power utility. Goodheart said while tackling climate change is driving force behind her lobbying, she more often finds herself talking about jobs and the economy, especially when addressing small business owners.

“It’s always important to speak to people where they are, and with energy efficiency there are so many positive messages you can use,” she said.

And there’s no shortage of opportunities to roll those messages out: Last week, Energy Department researchers found that rules requiring utilities to use renewable energy were under attack in over half the states they exist in; such laws might have better luck fending off Bachmann-esque fusillades if they refocus their rhetoric around their cost-savings, energy independence, or other benefits, Gromet’s research suggests, especially in conservative states.

That doesn’t necessarily mean green advocates need to somehow cover up the environmental benefits of a policy or product: A study from Stanford psychologists released last December found that reframing environmental messaging in terms of preserving the “purity” of the natural world resonated morally with conservatives.

“There’s not going to be a one-size-fits-all message that will appeal equally,” Gromet said. “It’s important to know the market you’re appealing to; there are some messages you may want to avoid.”

This story was produced as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

Filed under: Article, Climate & Energy, Politics

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