“As big as a football field”—the phrase that describes something really big takes on new meaning after members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 26 helped FedEx Field “go green.” Union members equipped FedEx Field, home of the region’s NFL team, with the largest solar-power installation ever undertaken in the region. As highlighted in the Local 26 magazine, INCharge:

In less than three months, the crew of over 100 Local 26 workers installed over 8,000 solar panels at FedEx Field, connected by over 19 miles of new wiring. Beyond the solar panels above the parking lot and affixed to the side of the stadium, more solar power is captured by the solar sculpture of a football player—affectionately dubbed “solar man” by the Local 26 crew—that can be seen outside one of the stadium’s main entrances. The solar panels create enough energy to meet all of the stadium’s power needs on non-game days, and about 20 percent of the stadium’s power during a game, keeping 1,780 metric tons of carbon out of the atmosphere while keeping the lights shining bright on the Redskins. “This installation shows how, through innovation, creativity and expertise, we are working towards a more secure energy future,” said David Crane, CEO of NRG, which oversaw the design and installation of the solar project.

The AFL-CIO has long supported investment in green technologies as a path to reviving American manufacturing with the creation of new jobs rooted in American innovation. IBEW last year added green technologies to the union’s apprenticeship programs. As we reported in May 2010, a partnership between Local 481 and the National Electrical Contractors Association of Central Indiana led the to the graduation of the first class of IBEW “green technicians.” The Steelworkers are also strong advocates of job creation through green technologies. As Dave Johnson, a fellow at the Campaign for America’s Future, reported here:

United Steelworkers (USW) President Leo Gerard outlined several key elements for a green jobs formula including:

• a national energy conservation initiative;
• retrofitting buildings;
• modernize and rebuilding America’s energy grid; and
• strong domestic-content requirements in renewable energy for our military needs.

In 2009, the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department began working with 1,100 apprenticeship training centers with community organizations to train workers for the opportunities offered by new energy investment.

Investing in green jobs is a smart move for reviving the economy in a way that enhances living standards for everybody—which is one reason why environmentally friendly projects and initiatives are woven into the AFL-CIO’s six-point plan for creating and keeping good jobs.

To learn more about what unions are doing to prepare for a green future, click here, here, here, here, here and here.