Tennesseans have a general sense of what should be done to capitalize on the economic opportunities associated with energy, according to a new report from The University of Tennessee.
“The Business of Southern Energy: Making Choices for Your Community” summarizes information UT collected during community forums in early 2009. About 130 Tennesseans, including researchers and farmers, participated in the forums and discussed how to capitalize on energy-related opportunities, build a green economy and encourage local energy savings.
Each year, the Southern Growth Policies Board (SGPB) engages communities throughout the South in discussions on issues related to economic development. This year, the conversations centered on energy-related economic development, from bioenergy to sustainable design to green collar job development. Forums were held in Memphis, Martin, Jackson, Murfreesboro, Crossville and Blountville in partnership with the University of Tennessee (UT) Institute for Public Service (IPS), UT Extension, a unit of the UT Institute of Agriculture, and state, regional and local partners.
“The university has a responsibility to research and develop sustainable energy sources, then use those new energy technologies for economic benefit,” said Mary Jinks, UT vice president of public service. “Forum participants across the state reiterated the ideas of using energy-related opportunities to attract and grow new business, strengthen our competitive advantage, and prepare workers for the green jobs of the future.”
The UT report details key themes from the forums that include connecting energy efficiency to economic and environmental sustainability, preparing Tennessee’s workforce for emerging occupations, and realizing savings through conservation. The summary of findings is posted online at: www.ips.tennessee.edu/userfiles/file/SGPB%20FINAL.pdf. ■
