The future is clean

The clean energy sector thrives on innovation and progress. Every breakthrough in renewables, storage, and sustainable infrastructure depends on those willing to challenge the status quo. As engineers lead the charge toward a net-zero future, it’s critical to recognise the women helping to shape that future, solving complex problems, designing smarter systems, and accelerating real-world change. This International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating the women building the energy transition from the ground up, and highlighting why diverse talent is essential to engineering a better tomorrow. Why Gender Diversity in Engineering Matters A truly sustainable energy system is one designed for everyone, and that starts with the people designing it. Gender-diverse teams bring broader perspectives, improve problem-solving, and help create systems that are more inclusive, resilient, and effective. Still, women remain underrepresented in engineering. Globally, they make up just 16.9% of the UK’s engineering workforce. Leadership roles are even more imbalanced. Closing this gap is vital, as more inclusion means greater innovation. Breaking Barriers: Spotlight on Lacey Collins To mark International Women in Engineering Day, we spoke with Lacey Collins, Divisional Manager of Renewable Fuels, Bioenergy & CCUS at Piper Maddox in New York, to gain her perspective on the barriers women face in technical sectors, and why visibility is essential for progress. Lacey highlights the ongoing barriers women encounter in technical and male-dominated sectors. “The main barriers we see are a lack of representation or role models,” she explains. “It’s difficult for the first woman to pave the path for those behind her.” She also notes that caregiving responsibilities often create added pressures, especially in roles with long hours, inflexible work environments, or limited support systems. For Lacey, spotlighting women in energy and engineering is essential to breaking those barriers. “When women see others succeeding in these spaces, it breaks down stereotypes and shows that we all belong,” she says. She believes visibility isn’t just about recognition, it’s about making space for new perspectives and leadership styles that are vital to a more inclusive, balanced workforce. Supporting Women in Clean Energy and Engineering Careers At Piper Maddox, we’re proud to work alongside the women who are engineering the future of clean energy. From renewable fuels to grid infrastructure and beyond, progress depends on diverse talent, equitable opportunities, and inclusive workplace cultures. We’re committed to connecting forward-thinking organisations with the professionals driving that change.

Every second, we lose a piece of our planet’s oldest and most vital ecosystems. Rainforests, home to more than half of the world’s terrestrial species and critical to regulating the Earth’s climate, are disappearing faster than we can replace them. This World Rainforest Day, we’re not just celebrating their beauty. We’re recognising their power. Rainforests aren’t separate from the sustainability mission, they’re central to it. If we hope to build a net-zero future, we need to protect the ecosystems that have been storing carbon and sustaining life for millions of years. Why rainforest protection belongs in every climate strategy Rainforests act as natural carbon-capture machines. These ecosystems absorb billions of tonnes of CO₂ every year, helping offset the emissions we’re still working to eliminate. Their role is quiet but powerful, storing carbon, filtering air, and keeping global temperatures in check. But when we cut them down, they don’t just stop helping, they start hurting. Degraded rainforests release carbon back into the atmosphere, turning from climate stabilisers into sources of emissions. In other words, we can’t build a net-zero future if we’re destroying the ecosystems that have been supporting the climate all along. The skills needed for a sustainable energy future As the climate sector grows, so do the expectations. It’s no longer just about technical skills, it’s about understanding the full picture. The best teams today are made up of people who can think holistically, work cross-functionally, and prioritise long-term impact over short-term wins. That’s where we come in. At Piper Maddox, we help companies find forward-thinking talent, people who bring both expertise and environmental awareness. Whether you're hiring for growth or impact, we’ll connect you with the talent who understand the pace, purpose, and potential of the energy transition.

Every year on Global Wind Day, the world comes together to celebrate the power of wind, not just as a renewable resource, but as a catalyst for economic and environmental progress. This year’s theme, “The power of wind: building a clean and secure energy future,” is a timely reminder that the global energy transition depends on more than just infrastructure. With nearly 4 million wind energy jobs projected by 2030, the future of the industry rests on its ability to attract and develop the right talent. Where wind energy jobs are coming from As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, wind power is playing a leading role in reshaping global energy systems, and creating jobs in the process. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), offshore wind is set to become the largest source of electricity in the European Union by 2040. This rapid expansion is being driven by large-scale investments in both onshore and offshore wind projects, which in turn are fuelling demand across a wide range of roles. Careers in wind turbine installation, operations and maintenance, project planning, environmental compliance, and grid integration are all seeing strong growth. With wind power capacity expected to keep rising over the next decade, the industry is offering more opportunities than ever, especially for those looking to pursue a long-term career in renewable energy. The skills gap threatening wind power growth Despite the momentum, the wind energy industry faces a significant obstacle: a growing skills gap. The number of people entering the sector isn’t keeping pace with demand, especially in technical areas like offshore wind, electrical systems, and marine engineering. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) estimates that wind power could support nearly 4 million jobs by 2030, but this projection depends on whether the workforce is ready. Many employers are already struggling to fill critical roles, and as the sector grows, so does the pressure to invest in workforce development, reskilling, and inclusive hiring practices. If the world is serious about building a secure, sustainable energy future, closing the talent gap must be part of the plan. Investing in talent, securing the future With nearly 4 million wind energy jobs expected by 2030, the opportunity to build a cleaner, more secure energy future is within reach. But turning that potential into progress means investing in people, attracting new talent, supporting those already in the sector, and building the skills needed to sustain long-term growth. At Piper Maddox, we work alongside the companies and individuals driving this change, helping connect the right people to the right opportunities, and shaping the teams that will power the future of wind energy.

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?