Growing the Workforce Needed for Building Retrofits
Services: Evaluation + Learning / Research + Policy / Stakeholder Engagement
Green Building Retrofit Workforce Mayor’s Report
C40 Cities & National League of Cities, New York, NY, 2023-2024
Philadelphia, like many U.S. C40 cities, faces a dual challenge: decarbonizing its building stock while addressing a shortage of skilled labor in the construction and retrofit sector. Buildings are the city’s largest source of emissions, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 requires significant investment in energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades. City offices - including the Office of Sustainability (OOS), the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure (OTIS), the Department of Commerce, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) needed a clear understanding of workforce capacity, labor market trends, and best practices to create equitable green job opportunities while meeting ambitious climate goals.
In partnership with Equitable Cities Consulting and Circular Philadelphia, Rvesta led the development of Growing the Workforce Needed for Building Retrofits. The guide was created to equip cities across the U.S. with the knowledge, strategies, and tools needed to address workforce shortages in building retrofits, increase equity and inclusion in clean energy jobs, and inform municipal planning for climate and energy efficiency goals. Our team conducted peer-city benchmarking, analyzed labor market trends, and interviewed municipal leaders and sector experts nationwide. Drawing on these insights, Rvesta synthesized findings into a comprehensive, actionable guide designed to inform city-level workforce planning, support equitable access to green jobs, and advance municipal climate and energy efficiency objectives.
The final report offers actionable recommendations, highlighting national trends, peer-city best practices, and strategies for leveraging federal funding. It provides municipal leaders with a roadmap to develop a skilled, diverse workforce capable of delivering energy efficiency upgrades and building retrofits at scale, advancing both climate and equity goals in tandem.
