Four out of five clean-energy workers in New York state focus on energy efficiency, according to a new report published by Environmental Entrepreneurs (a national nonpartisan business group), the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, the New York State Sustainable Business Council and New Yorkers for Clean Power.


The report, “Clean Jobs in New York,” found that 69,000 out of approximately 85,000 clean-energy jobs in the state concentrate on energy efficiency. This is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Department of Energy.


“Clean energy now employs as many New Yorkers as some of the most prominent sectors in our economy,” said Ron Kamen, CEO of Rhinebeck, N.Y.-based EarthKind Energy and a director of the New York chapter of Environmental Entrepreneurs.


For example, more New Yorkers now work in clean energy than in investment banking, according to the report.


The report was released in May as part of the launch of New Yorkers for Clean Power, a campaign designed to rapidly shift the state to a clean-energy economy.


“This new campaign is bringing together organizations, businesses, municipalities and communities to implement clean-energy, clean vehicles and create good jobs for New Yorkers,” said Renee Vogelsang, campaign coordinator for New Yorkers for Clean Power.


According to the report, energy efficiency is by far the state’s largest clean-energy employer. Jobs include high-efficiency lighting, Energy Star appliance manufacturing, and high-efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning services designed to reduce wasted energy in homes, schools and businesses.


Based on responses from employers that were surveyed for the report, clean-energy jobs are projected to grow by more than 6 percent this year, which is substantially greater than the projected overall state and national economic growth rate. Reasons for the growth, according to the report, include the state’s energy-efficiency and renewable standards, federal tax incentives and other clean-energy-friendly governmental policies.


“We know New York’s clean-energy industry is thriving, and today’s numbers are exciting to see,” said Ann Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. “And, when the state doubles the amount of electricity generated under the new 50 percent Clean Energy Standard, these economic benefits and jobs will grow even more. New job opportunities will come from renewable energy, like wind, solar and fuel cells, as well as from energy efficiency.”