The future is clean

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, impacting our oceans, wildlife, and human health. Despite growing awareness, plastic remains deeply embedded in our daily lives. This World Environment Day, the United Nations is calling for urgent action to end plastic pollution. Achieving this goal requires rethinking how plastic is produced, used, and managed across society. The Broader Impact of Plastic Pollution According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, much of it intended for single use. Most of this plastic is never recycled. Instead, it ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans, where it can persist for centuries. The damage extends far beyond waste. Plastic pollution harms biodiversity, disrupts food chains, and threatens the health of both terrestrial and marine environments. It even ends up in our food systems, with microplastics now found in everything from fish to bottled water. What’s more, the environmental cost of plastic begins before it even becomes waste. Most plastic is made from fossil fuels, and both its production and disposal generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. This means the more plastic we produce, the harder it becomes to meet climate targets, even as we invest in clean energy solutions. What We Can Do: Everyday Changes That Make a Difference Addressing plastic pollution doesn’t have to mean changing your entire lifestyle overnight. In fact, real impact often starts with small, intentional shifts in behaviour. Here are a few practical ways to cut down on plastic use in your daily routine: Choose reusables over single-use plastics: Carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, or shopping bag. It’s a simple swap that significantly reduces the volume of plastic you consume without even thinking. Shop more consciously: Look for products with minimal or recyclable packaging. Buy in bulk when possible and support brands using recycled or compostable materials. Repair, don’t replace: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), maintaining and repairing plastic products, rather than replacing them, helps reduce overall plastic waste. A cracked storage container, for example, may be fixable rather than disposable. Understand your local recycling rules: Not all plastics are recyclable, and guidelines vary by region. Knowing what can and can't go in the bin makes your recycling efforts more effective and prevents contamination. These might seem like minor changes, but when multiplied across communities and countries, they send a powerful message: we’re moving away from a throwaway culture and towards one grounded in responsibility and long-term thinking. What This Means for Us at Piper Maddox At Piper Maddox, sustainability is the core of what we do. From helping build the teams driving the clean energy transition to making conscious choices in how we work, we’re deeply committed to shaping a future that respects the planet and the generations to come. Recently, members of our team spent time at Brixton Orchard in London, volunteering to support biodiversity in the city. From planting for pollinators to clearing overgrown paths, it was hands-on work that reminded us of our duty to protect the world. Inside our offices, we’ve introduced dedicated recycling bins to help reduce waste and make more conscious decisions part of our routine. Across our global teams, we also marked Earth Day with our “Battle of the Plants”, a small step that brought more greenery into our workspaces and served as a visible reminder of our commitment to care for our environment. These actions are supported and driven by our internal SEE (Social, Environmental, and Ethical) community, a community where people across the business come together to lead meaningful change, champion sustainable practices, and hold ourselves accountable to the values we stand for. The path to a more sustainable future isn’t easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But through the choices we make, as individuals, as businesses, and as a global community, we can begin to turn the tide. At Piper Maddox, we remain committed to being part of that change, every step of the way.

Despite Miami’s booming renewable energy sector, it quickly became clear that professionals lacked a dedicated platform to connect and collaborate. “Outside of recruitment, I feel it’s important to build relationships and grow the wider energy community in the local area,” says Tom Cooper, who leads recruitment across renewables finance and investments for Piper Maddox Miami. “This happy hour gives us the opportunity to bring people together, spark insightful conversations, and hopefully make this a regular event.” And so, The Clean Energy Exchange was born; a relaxed happy hour event for clean energy experts and professionals across South Florida to meet, mingle, and build connections. Why networking matters in Clean Energy For many working in renewables in Miami, in-person networking isn’t something that happens regularly. Kylie Leberman, Principal Consultant at Piper Maddox Miami, knows how rare it can be to meet your network face-to-face. “Having a renewable energy happy hour lets us bring together like-minded professionals in a relaxed setting,” Kylie explains. “It’s a chance to build new connections and spark fresh ideas that can only come from in-person conversations.” Kylie moved to Miami from New York last year to help grow Piper Maddox’s footprint in the Southeast and now leads the Development & Origination function. She’s excited about creating real-world opportunities for the clean energy community to thrive. What to expect from The Clean Energy Exchange Happy Hour The event is open to all clean energy professionals, not just industry leaders, and aims to be a welcoming space where anyone working in renewables can network and share ideas. Piper Maddox Miami is excited to welcome you to what we hope will become a regular, must-attend event in the clean energy calendar. A growing hub of renewable energy Miami’s clean energy sector is booming. More businesses and leaders are relocating here, creating a vibrant, fast-growing market. James Borner, Senior Consultant leading EPC & Operations recruitment for Piper Maddox Miami, says the city is missing a regular event for clean energy professionals to come together. “This happy hour gives everyone, from Miami locals to newcomers, the chance to connect with others in the field,” James says. “It’s a chance to build a stronger, more connected local industry.” Save the Date If you work in clean energy in Miami or South Florida, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to meet fellow experts and grow your network. The Clean Energy Exchange – Happy Hour Networking Event📅 Thursday, 26th June⏰ 5-7pm PDT📍 Brickell, Miami

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world, but at what cost to the planet? As Earth Day 2025 calls on us to triple global renewable energy by 2030, the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” reminds us that progress must come with responsibility. While world leaders and industries push for greener solutions, we also need to examine the digital tools driving that change. AI is one of the most powerful innovations of our time, but its environmental footprint is growing just as fast as its influence. Understanding AI’s Environmental Impact AI tools like ChatGPT may seem effortless to use, operating through a few simple keystrokes, but each interaction depends on an energy-intensive infrastructure. According to Earth.Org, training a large language model like ChatGPT can generate more than 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of five roundtrip flights between New York and San Francisco for over 500 passengers! And that’s just the training. Once operational, these models run on powerful servers housed in data centres that require constant electricity and water for cooling. As the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) explains, these centres often rely on non-renewable energy sources and use significant amounts of fresh water, contributing to resource depletion. The hardware powering these centres relies on rare earth minerals, which are often extracted through mining processes that cause serious ecological harm. A single request made through ChatGPT uses 10 times more electricity than a typical Google search, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). While global data is still emerging, the IEA also estimates that in Ireland, a key tech hub, data centres could consume nearly 35 per cent of the country’s total electricity by 2026. According to a report by BGR, even the simple act of saying "please" and "thank you" to ChatGPT contributes to higher usage costs, an efficiency issue that’s costing OpenAI tens of millions of dollars, highlighting how even seemingly harmless habits can carry a hidden environmental price. As AI becomes more widely adopted across industries and everyday life, so too does its demand for energy and resources. The ease and speed of generating an AI response masks the significant environmental toll behind the screen. A Tool for Climate Solutions Despite its environmental impact, AI also has the potential to support climate action, if used wisely. It can help optimise smart grids, boost the efficiency of wind and solar power, and model the effects of environmental policies. For researchers and scientists, AI speeds up climate modelling, biodiversity tracking, and pollution monitoring. AI is also becoming a valuable tool for environmental education. Platforms like ChatGPT make sustainability information easier to access and understand, helping more people engage with the issues and take action. As UNEP notes, the challenge isn’t the existence of AI, it’s how we design, power, and deploy it. A shift toward “green AI” is not just possible; it’s essential. This includes prioritising energy efficiency in model design, powering data centres with renewables, and ensuring hardware is ethically and sustainably sourced. Building a Responsible Digital Future Earth Day 2025 is a reminder that we all have a role in shaping a more sustainable world, including how we develop and apply technology. As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, it needs to be part of the climate conversation. Its impact, positive or negative, depends entirely on the choices we make: how we design, power, and regulate these tools. At Piper Maddox, we’re committed to building a future powered by clean, conscious innovation. This Earth Day, we’re asking: how can we use technology to drive real climate progress, not just convenience?

Water is essential for life, ecosystems, and economies, yet it is increasingly under threat. On World Water Day 2025, the focus is on glacier preservation, recognising the critical role glaciers play in our planet’s water systems and the urgent need to protect them. The United Nations has also declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, marking 21 March 2025 as the first-ever World Day for Glaciers. Glaciers store nearly 69% of the world’s freshwater, gradually releasing it into rivers and lakes. This process sustains drinking water supplies, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation. However, climate change is accelerating glacial melt, leading to unpredictable water cycles, increased floods and droughts, and rising sea levels. Without urgent action, these changes will have severe consequences for people, industries, and the environment. How can we better protect our water sources to ensure health and survival for all? Water is a basic human necessity, yet one in three people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. Clean water is crucial for sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention, making it an essential pillar of public health. Without it, communities face higher risks of waterborne diseases and poor living conditions. The decline of glaciers exacerbates water scarcity, particularly in regions where glacial meltwater is a primary source of drinking and irrigation water. As these ice reserves shrink, millions of people may experience water shortages, affecting food security and overall well-being. What is the impact of Glacier loss on Agriculture and food security? Agriculture depends heavily on stable and predictable water supplies, much of which originates from glacial melt. In many parts of the world, seasonal glacial runoff is crucial for irrigation, ensuring crops receive the water they need to grow. As glaciers shrink, farmers face reduced water availability, leading to lower crop yields, rising food prices, and increased reliance on unsustainable groundwater extraction. This puts vulnerable regions at a greater risk of famine and food insecurity. Without glacial-fed water sources, entire agricultural systems could be disrupted, threatening global food production and economic stability. Glacial Melt and Rising Sea Levels Glacial melting contributes significantly to rising sea levels, which threatens coastal cities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. As sea levels rise, millions of people living in low-lying areas risk displacement, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes and flooding become more frequent.The destabilisation of glaciers also increases the risk of natural disasters, such as sudden glacial lake outburst floods and landslides caused by weakened permafrost. Urgent action is needed to slow glacial melt and protect vulnerable communities. These environmental risks demand urgent global action to slow glacial melt and protect coastal and mountainous communities. What can we do? Protecting water resources requires collective action. Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable water solutions, such as conservation policies and renewable energy alternatives. Preserving natural water sources like rivers, wetlands, and forests helps maintain the Earth’s water cycle, while reducing waste, through water-efficient practices and responsible consumption—ensures long-term availability. Raising awareness and advocating for smarter water management can drive meaningful change on both local and global levels. Building a workforce for a sustainable future At Piper Maddox, we are dedicated to building the future of clean energy and sustainable infrastructure by connecting top talent with the companies driving global change. From renewable energy and grid modernisation to sustainable water solutions, we help businesses find the experts they need to create a more resilient and sustainable world.

Solar power is one of the most sustainable and abundant energy sources available today. As the world moves towards sustainability, solar energy is playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs, and ensuring a greener future. According to the United Nations, cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of the world’s total electricity supply by 2030 , highlighting the growing impact of solar power in the global energy transition. Solar Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognise the impact of solar power and the progress being made in renewable energy. At Piper Maddox, we are committed to supporting this transition by connecting the best talent with the companies driving solar innovation. Why Solar Energy Matters The sun provides an unlimited source of clean energy, yet the world has long relied on fossil fuels that pollute and deplete natural resources. According to the United Nations, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are the largest contributors to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. With advancing technology and decreasing costs, solar energy is now a practical and affordable solution for businesses, governments, and homeowners. One of the biggest advantages of solar power is its environmental impact. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power produces no greenhouse gas emissions and significantly reduces air pollution. It also requires very little water to operate, making it essential in the fight against climate change. As the cost of solar panels continues to drop, businesses and governments are cutting energy expenses while creating jobs and driving economic growth. With the industry expanding rapidly, demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. New Developments in Solar Power The solar industry's rapid growth is driven by technological advancements that make solar power more efficient and versatile. One major innovation is floating solar farms, which generate clean energy on reservoirs and lakes while reducing water evaporation: an ideal solution for regions facing land and water shortages. At the same time, solar technology is being seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Photovoltaic windows and solar roofing materials now enable buildings to generate electricity without traditional panels, embedding solar power directly into urban infrastructure. Reliability has long been a challenge for renewable energy, but recent improvements in energy storage technology are solving this issue. New battery systems are making it possible to store excess solar energy during the day and use it at night, ensuring a stable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining. Driving the Future of Clean Energy Solar power is no longer a niche industry, it is now a key driver of the global energy transition. With governments setting ambitious renewable energy targets and businesses turning to solar to reduce costs and emissions, the industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Beyond economics, solar energy is also creating a more resilient power grid. As extreme weather events become more common, decentralised solar installations - such as rooftop solar and microgrids are helping communities maintain access to electricity even during power outages. With demand for solar energy accelerating, the industry is facing a major challenge: finding the right talent to support its rapid expansion. At Piper Maddox, we partner with businesses across the entire solar value chain, ensuring they have the right people to drive innovation and growth. If you’re ready to take the next step in your solar energy career or are looking to build a team that can drive real impact, we can help! Let’s power the future, together.

At Piper Maddox, we are proud to be part of LHi Group, a global specialist in talent solutions, and even prouder to share that our parent company has just released its first-ever Impact & Sustainability Report, an exciting milestone that reflects our collective commitment to a more sustainable future. A Year of Progress: Sustainability and Social Responsibility in 2024 For those of us working in clean energy and clean tech recruitment, sustainability is more than just a corporate initiative, it’s at the heart of everything we do. That’s why LHi’s 2024 Impact & Sustainability Report is particularly meaningful. It showcases the group’s outstanding achievements across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, diversity and inclusion efforts, and responsible business growth. Key highlights from the report include: Record-breaking fundraising efforts: LHi Group raised an incredible £26,894 for charitable causes, reinforcing our culture of giving back and driving social impact. Strengthening diversity & inclusion: LHi-IN, our dedicated DEI initiative, expanded to include eight thriving communities, providing a platform for employees to engage, learn, and drive meaningful change. A focus on sustainability: LHi continues to integrate ESG into business decisions, from internal policies to industry partnerships, ensuring we contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Empowering women in leadership: The launch of the Women’s Sales Board marked a major step toward achieving 50/50 gender representation in leadership within five years. Technology-driven impact: AI-powered recruitment solutions enhance our ability to connect top talent with organisations making a difference in clean energy and beyond. What this means for Clean Energy talent solutions For us at Piper Maddox, this report reaffirms our mission: To power the clean energy transition by connecting the best talent with the companies leading the charge. With LHi doubling down on ESG commitments and sustainable recruitment, we are better positioned than ever to support clients and candidates who share our passion for a net-zero future. As we step into 2025, we are excited to align with LHi’s key strategic goals: Expanding sustainable recruitment practices to ensure we place candidates in roles that drive real environmental impact. Enhancing AI-driven hiring solutions to streamline the recruitment process and deliver even greater value to clients and candidates. Growing our presence in high-demand clean energy and clean tech markets, particularly in North America, where investment in renewables and grid transformation is accelerating. Looking Ahead The release of LHi Group’s Impact Report is more than just a reflection on the past, it’s a commitment to the future. At Piper Maddox, we are proud to be part of an organisation that prioritises sustainability, DEI, and responsible business practices. We invite our clients, candidates, and industry partners to explore the full LHi Group Impact & Sustainability Report.