Atlanta's Clean Economy Driving Job Growth

Report highlights region's job creation strengths in top clean tech sectors

ATLANTA, Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The metro Atlanta region is poised to become a global industry leader in clean technology in several key industry sectors, according to a new clean tech industry report released by the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC).

The report, which includes the results of a new clean tech economy inventory for the region, reveals that metro Atlanta is home to 541 clean tech company facilities representing 30,605 jobs focused on clean technology.

The report also shows Atlanta has clean tech strengths in top industry categories for employment and job creation, including energy efficiency; recycling and solid waste; smart grid; services, and products/materials. Those sectors represent areas for strategic growth in the future, along with solar and water technologies.

Since 2010, the metro Atlanta region has recruited some 34 clean tech companies, creating more than 2,200 jobs. Top clean tech employers in the region include GE Energy Management, Acuity Brands Lighting, Hill-Phoenix, Rock-Tenn, TOTO USA, Exide Technologies, Pratt Industries, Novelis, Siemens, Ventyx, and Southern Company, the report indicates.

"Atlanta's clean economy is in full bloom. The results of a new report on our clean tech industry show that Atlanta is well positioned to become a global clean tech leader. The Metro Atlanta Chamber's chief mission is to create jobs and enable progress and prosperity. Innovation in clean technologies creates jobs, reduces costs and conserves energy to preserve our environment. In Atlanta, those innovations are being created with a tremendous amount of support from our community and leaders, making our future as a global leader in clean tech very bright," said Bill Strang, Chair, MAC Clean Tech Leadership Council and Chairman of TOTO Mexico; President Operations – Americas, TOTO USA.

To better understand and communicate metro Atlanta's clean tech assets and strengths, MAC set out to create a comprehensive inventory of metro Atlanta's clean tech firms and identify the region's key clean tech strengths by industry sector.

"The report shows Atlanta's clean economy as a leading economic driver for our region," said Bob Pertierra, MAC Vice President of Supply Chain & Advanced Manufacturing. "Our region continues to attract top clean tech companies that are leading new clean tech innovations, clearing new paths for sustainability options and creating high-wage jobs."

The clean economy has become an engine for the country's emerging next economy, providing a robust cross section of job opportunities, including high-wage jobs in segments where innovation and advanced technologies are essential for success.

"Clean technology and the promotion of sustainability and clean tech innovation continue to be a key focus for our region," said Anup Shah, MAC Vice President of Environmental Affairs. "The clean economy employs more than 2.7 million workers in the U.S. and is a driving force for our future economy, making Atlanta a central player in this growing field."

The region's strength as a clean tech hub has steadily grown. Atlanta represents the most diverse metropolitan area clean economy in the nation, according to a 2011 national report by the Brookings Institution and Battelle Technology Partnership Practice. Atlanta has the 7^th largest metro clean tech economy in the country, ranks No. 1 in its number of LEED certified buildings, and ranks 5^th in the nation with the most Energy Star buildings. Georgia is a national leader in Nissan Leaf sales, driven by aggressive incentives for Alternative Fuel Vehicles adoption.

SOURCE The Metro Atlanta Chamber