Colorado Springs IBEW Hall Goes Green

by James Parks, May 6, 2009

Workers mount solar panels on the roof of IBEW Local 113 in Colorado Springs.

The members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 113 in Colorado Springs, Colo., are living the union movement’s commitment to creating good green jobs and protecting our environment.

In late March, union members completed installing rooftop solar panels at the union hall. The all-union project will provide about 80 percent of the local’s electrical needs for the next 25 years.

The project will help save the environment and put money back into the union’s coffer. With an average of 330 sunny days a year in Colorado Springs, Local 113 expects to recoup the photo voltaic system’s $164,000 cost in short order. The solar energy system, which consists of 144 union-made panels, is a direct use system—meaning power is used as it is generated. And whatever surplus energy is generated can be sold back to the local utility company.

Local 113′s project highlights the commitment of union members to transform the struggling economy through a range of environmental investments in green technology, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Charlie Johnson, president of Local 113, told the Colorado Labor Advocate:

The idea came from the floor. Our members wanted this. I think we all realize the importance of being on the forefront of any new electrical technology, and our members understand that the best way to lead is by example. It proves we’re not just talking when we claim that the IBEW sets the standards in the electrical industry. Besides that, it’s also about doing the right thing. You don’t get any greener than this. I think we can take a lot of pride in the fact that we’re also doing something that’s good for the environment.

The union estimates that over the next 25 years, the solar energy system, one of the largest in Colorado Springs,  will offset some 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. That is the equivalent of taking 10 cars off the road for 25 years or planting 14.7 acres of trees, says Local 113 member Joe Collins.

In addition to the energy savings, the highly visible project—the union hall sits on a heavily traveled highway—could generate interest in solar energy and create jobs for IBEW members who install the panels. To help spur enthusiasm for solar energy, the local is building a stairway to the roof, so anyone interested in solar energy can take a close look.    

Local 113 is just one of many unions that is working to create good green jobs and clean up the environment. Read about other union efforts to go green here, here and here.

On Earth Day, the AFL-CIO, in conjunction with its Center for Green Jobs, announced an initiative to reduce energy consumption, cut waste and reduce the carbon footprint of its national headquarters. Read more here.

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