Fueled by initiatives like the Tennessee Green Star Partnership (TGSP) and the selection of Nashville for the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, Nashville is building a reputation as a leader in sustainability and eco-friendly practices. This green movement is supported by large corporations, non-profits, and small businesses all actively contributing to the city’s environmental efforts.
The commitment to environmental responsibility in Nashville is creating numerous job opportunities for veterans transitioning into civilian life. As Nashville embraces sustainability, veterans can leverage their unique skills and experiences to excel in various roles within this growing industry.
Green Jobs for Veterans: Key Areas
Renewable Energy
One of the most promising fields for veterans is renewable energy. This transition not only helps reduce reliance on traditional energy sources but also lowers carbon footprints. Companies in Nashville are investing heavily in solar energy and are also exploring wind energy and geothermal systems.
Examples of roles in this sector include solar installation technicians, who install and maintain solar panels on residential and commercial properties, and project managers, who oversee renewable energy projects from conception to completion, ensuring they meet sustainability goals and stay within budget.
Waste Management and Recycling
Waste reduction and recycling initiatives are gaining traction in Nashville. Many companies are implementing comprehensive recycling programs and reducing single-use plastics. Veterans can take on roles in waste management, sustainability coordination, and environmental compliance, ensuring that businesses adhere to eco-friendly practices. Those with experience in logistics and compliance make excellent candidates for these positions.
Green Building and Infrastructure
As Nashville experiences a surge in green building initiatives, sustainable infrastructure, and eco-friendly design have become priorities. Companies are increasingly seeking professionals who can help minimize energy consumption and enhance operational efficiency. Veterans with backgrounds in construction, engineering, and project management, or those who have leadership experience, can find opportunities in this industry.
Embracing Sustainability: Businesses Outside of the Eco-Sector Are Leading the Change
As Nashville’s eco-sector rises, even companies not directly associated with sustainability are finding innovative ways to adopt greener practices within their operations. Many veterans seek workplaces that align with their values, and if eco-friendly practices and sustainability are important factors, these companies offer excellent opportunities for them to make a meaningful impact:
HCA Healthcare has established comprehensive programs and initiatives to minimize waste. The organization aims to reduce energy and water use, decarbonize energy, and improve water quality while also ensuring that its operations and the communities it serves are better equipped to handle climate risks. Additionally, HCA focuses on decreasing emissions from purchased goods, sourcing responsibly, and managing the environmental impact of new constructions and renovation. This company has successfully diverted over 793,000 pounds of medical devices and more than 30 million pounds of construction waste from landfills.
Nissan North America, headquartered in Franklin, just outside Nashville, is also making great strides in sustainability. Nissan is committed to energy efficiency, exemplified by its multiple ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year awards, which recognize its leadership in energy management. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050 and has implemented comprehensive energy management systems across its facilities.
The company is expanding its EV lineup with models like the Nissan Leaf and the upcoming Ariya, showcasing its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Nissan is investing in charging infrastructure to support EV adoption and collaborating with partners to promote sustainable mobility solutions.
Bridgestone Americas, another major employer in the region, has adopted ambitious sustainability goals, including a commitment to achieve a 35% reduction in the carbon footprint of its products by 2030. The company is focused on developing sustainable sources for natural rubber, which extracts rubber from guayule, a native shrub. Bridgestone also prioritizes environmentally conscious product design, evidenced by its Eco-Products designation for many tires, and operates the Bandag business to manufacture retreaded tires, saving billions of gallons of oil.
Additionally, three of its manufacturing facilities have achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status, and all company-owned retail stores recycle 100% of the spent tires they collect. Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainable practices extends to building operations that meet stringent LEED® standards.
Dollar General has also set greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, aiming for a 15% emissions reduction per square foot by 2026 and a 30% reduction by 2031. These targets reflect the company’s proactive approach to mitigating its environmental footprint, which it has already taken significant steps toward.
In 2023, Dollar General’s cumulative recycling efforts had a remarkable impact, achieving a reduction equivalent to maintaining nearly 1.4 million acres of U.S. forestland for one year, according to the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model. In that same year, Dollar General recycled over 274,000 tons of cardboard, 933 tons of paper, 2,014 tons of plastic, and reused 6 million pallets. These impressive figures demonstrate how Dollar General is not only reducing waste but also contributing to the circular economy.
Nashville is not only growing economically but also becoming a center for eco-friendly and green companies and careers. For veterans seeking post-military employment, Nashville presents many opportunities to significantly contribute to creating a more sustainable environment for future generations.
