During EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s trip to San Francisco to discuss President Obama’s recent jobs speech, she met with several of Luminalt’s team members to talk about what Luminalt’s role in growing green jobs in the City. Luminalt was recognized for its commitment to community and its dedication to local hiring and workforce development.
Administrator Jackson toured Luminalt’s solar electric and solar hot water installation at Project Open Hand, a non-profit in downtown San Francisco that provides home delivered meals, groceries and nutrition counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS. This past spring, Luminalt expanded Project Open Hand’s existing solar system by adding an additional 52 panels produced by Suntech – their new solar electric system is approximately 32.72kW DC. Luminalt also designed and installed the solar hot water system that delivers hot water to Project Open Hand’s large and busy kitchen. The money saved by using clean energy generated by the solar system will go towards programs for Project Open Hand, allowing them to better serve the community as they work to lessen their environmental footprint.
Administrator Jackson talks with Luminalt installer Abelardo Rangel, a graduate of Asian Neighborhood Design, about his work on the Project Open Hand installation.
Administrator Jackson has made environmental justice one of the main priorities of the Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental justice, defined by the EPA as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies,” is something that Luminalt as a company embraces. With 60% of our installers coming to us throughworkforce development and community based training organizations, including Asian Neighborhood Design, Luminalt’s diverse workforce reflects the face of the community it serves.
Administrator Jackson has recognized the power that small businesses play in employing Americans in well paying jobs with growth potential. As part of her visit to San Francisco, she is making a stop at the Women and the Economy Summit. Luminalt, with a significantly female workforce in all areas of the organization, embodies many of Administrator Jackson’s priorities for the EPA’s vision for the United States.
Luminalt team members meet with EPA Administrator Jackson on the Project Open Hand roof in downtown San Francisco.
On her second day in San Francisco, Administrator Jackson will be touring the San Francisco Conservation Corps, one of the training programs that Luminalt works with to expand our installation team.
Luminalt’s diverse team reflects the face of the community it serves. 
Photo by Margaret Ford, courtesy of U.S. EPA