Retrofitting

A recent project of the Clinton Foundation has been facilitating the Retrofitting of the Empire State Building. For those unfamiliar, retrofitting is the process used to make buildings built generations ago far more energy efficient. The environmental benefits, such as lower greenhouse gases, make this worthwhile. Buildings use most energy in cities, where most people live. 

In addition to the benefits environmentally, the financial aspects make a strong case for this to happen more often. Initially, there are the jobs created to actually make the renovations. This is short term work, but will create a small stimulus and put some people to work. The retrofit of the Empire State Building is an estimated $20 million job that will give a savings of $4.4 million dollars per year once completed. These savings can allow the occupants of the building to invest their energy savings in new employees, creating jobs. Retrofitting is a genuine stimulus plan. It creates jobs that will funnel money into the economy. 

The Obama administration has proposed using stimulus money to retrofit buildings, a project worth consideration. While some of the jobs created by these efforts will be short term positions, they create opportunities for some to work, an opportunity many are desperate for these days.