Climate Jobs Institute Speaks at Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York 2026 Winter Conference

In March 2026, the Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) attended the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York (BCTC) 2026 Winter Conference. The conference, which takes place over five days, brings together labor leaders, contractors, workforce development professionals, and industry partners to strategize and get key updates on the unionized construction industry in the New York City area. BCTC convened leaders, members, and representatives from organized labor, unionized contractors, utility and energy companies, and other partners for the conference in Hollywood, Florida.

        As one of the largest labor organizations in the New York metro area, the BCTC plays a vital role in supporting the rights and well-being of over 235,000 unionized construction workers in and around New York City. They are a powerful voice, advocating for fair wages, safe job sites, and strong worker protections on construction projects throughout the region.

        Dr. Lara Skinner, Executive Director of the Climate Jobs Institute, provided an overview of New York State’s mixed progress towards its climate and clean energy goals. She also highlighted various CJI initiatives, including upcoming reports and educational events. Skinner’s presentation helped anchor conversations throughout the week about the shared work in energy generation and climate action. CJI’s Assistant Director for Labor Education and NYS lead, Zach Cunningham, also attended the conference, connecting with and deepening relationships with several of CJI’s partners in organized labor and other sectors.

Among these partners is Climate Jobs New York (CJNY), which also played a visible role in the conference discussions.

        Climate and energy were one of the primary topics of discussion at the event. Esther Rosario, Executive Director from Climate Jobs New York, and Doreen Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), both spoke of the need for collaboration and partnership in tackling the climate crisis, creating high-quality union jobs, and building a skilled and diverse workforce. Representatives from various Apprenticeship Readiness Collective members also highlighted their partnership with CJI to develop curricula and provide support for pre-apprentices in New York City.