Energy and Atmosphere

Energy efficiency is one of the most noticeable ways of making your building sustainable. Whether a given project involves new construction or retrofitting an existing building, our member unions work with customers to increase energy efficient in several ways. On a small scale, you can use low energy light bulbs that reduce the draw of electricity. On a bigger scale, your building can make a large impact by installing renewable energy technology such as wind turbines or solar panels, reducing dependence on the conventional energy grid.

Ironworkers Local 29 and Local 516
All components of a wind turbine are dependent upon one another. The skilled craftsmen of the Ironworkers take great care in building these parts, from the vertical uprights and turbines to the vast network internal components, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship on every job.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48, Local 112, Local 280, Local 659, Local 932

Electricians from our five local member unions play an intricate role in many different renewable energy systems, including solar and wind.

New innovations and rapid development of wind technology requires our various locals to continually educate their electricians to maintain their leadership and skill in the field. When constructing a wind turbine, our electricians bring this vast knowledge and specialized training to each and every project, putting their signature of quality on wind farms across the Northwest.

On the solar front, IBEW Local 48 has been involved in several key projects to help expand the use of that technology. Two recent solar projects for Local 48 include the installation of solar panels for the Portland Habilitation Center (PHC) as well as solar technology at their own union hall. Additionally, Local 48 has installed numerous electric vehicle charging stations to help alternative energy vehicles maintain their charge throughout the day.