{"id":18538,"date":"2023-02-28T11:47:21","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T11:47:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adzuna.co.uk\/blog\/?p=18538"},"modified":"2023-07-18T09:22:54","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T09:22:54","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-cleantech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adzuna.co.uk\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cleantech\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about Cleantech"},"content":{"rendered":"

Milder winters, warmer summers, and fiercer storms are a constant reminder of global warming and the need to make more eco-conscious choices. Gen Z are reporting increasing levels of climate anxiety, and more of us are looking for workplaces that care about the planet, as well as the bottom line.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of us want to go beyond this and work for companies actively looking at creating a more sustainable future. Step in Cleantech, one of the niches of the technology industry looking to tackle these problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

We uncover some of the emerging trends in the industry, some of the top jobs on offer, and the Cleantech companies to watch over the next year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What the heck is Cleantech?<\/h3>\n

Cleantech is short for clean technology and is an umbrella term that covers a range of ways that current technologies are being adapted to have less of a negative impact on our planet. This includes clean energy and sustainable, environmental, or green products or services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleantech revolutionises traditionally harmful industries (such as energy and transport) with innovative ways of transforming environmental impact for the better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s big business and is an industry that will continue to grow exponentially! In 2015, the COP21 event saw world leaders sign the Paris Agreement, which set a number of long-term goals to achieve new zero, limiting greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. This means that governments across the globe are investing and supporting businesses that are working to offer renewable energy and environmentally friendly alternatives to existing technologies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Far from simply addressing greenhouse gas emissions, Cleantech also addresses soil, air and water pollution and creates new ways of addressing recycling and waste.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Climate tech, on the other hand, addresses ways of actively removing greenhouse gases from the environment through reforestation (creating new forests) and carbon capture as well as geoengineering to alter the climate system, reducing the effects of climate change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Is Cleantech growing?<\/h3>\n

Yes! Cleantech is growing substantially. In 2022, the top 100 Cleantech companies in the world raised <\/span>$6.7 billion<\/span><\/a> (about \u00a35.5 billion) in investment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Familiar businesses want a slice of the pie too; the Circular Electronics Partnership (CEP) saw Microsoft, Dell, Amazon and Google join forces to help build a circular economy for electronics by 2030 and high street coffee shop Costa is trialling the use of blockchain technology to make it easier for its customers to caffeinate responsibly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since 2011, the UK\u2019s Cleantech and sustainability sector has raised more than 2,500 equity rounds, worth a total value of <\/span>\u00a35.29 billion<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>And with the ongoing energy crisis in the UK, Cleantech is hotter than ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\" Read more: <\/strong>13 jobs you\u2019ve never heard of (but are set to soar in 2023)<\/a><\/p>\n

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What qualifications do you need to work in Cleantech?<\/h3>\n

There is a huge breadth of roles and career pathways available in Cleantech, and new roles are being created every day. With a lot of companies growing from nothing in the last couple of years, Cleantech professionals are in demand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Engineering is a particularly beneficial skill to have, but we mean this in the loosest sense. Talented computer engineers and software developers are needed to develop and create apps and computer systems, and manage data, while architects, mechanical, and structural engineers create and design physical products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those looking to enter Cleantech as an engineer, you will need to have completed a relevant degree or enter the industry as an apprentice. Either way, you\u2019ll need strong academic foundations in maths and science.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mathematics is also a skill that Cleantech companies are looking for in new hires. Analytical brains that are able to digest huge data sets and predict outcomes such as annual impact are highly sought-after.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most graduate-level and above roles require a degree or masters in a subject such as mathematics, engineering, material science, chemistry, physical sciences or something more specialist such as environmental engineering, sustainable design and construction, energy, or low carbon. However, due to the nature of the industry, often a range of degrees and experience from applicants is welcomed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Cleantech is an emerging industry, it relies heavily on innovation and collaboration from a variety of sources such as the oil and gas industry, academic institutions, investors, and governments. Therefore, many people working in this sector at a higher level, such as subject matter experts, will have completed or are completing research at a PhD level or above.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As with any industry, operational roles such as marketing, sales, HR, and operations all emerge from companies that are growing out of this trend. Most likely you\u2019ll have relevant qualifications and experience within your area of expertise, rather than the technology itself, although a scientific background could be an advantage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What types of jobs are available in Cleantech?<\/h3>\n

Research analyst<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Average salary: <\/b>\u00a351,022<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleantech is an emerging field, so research is incredibly important. A research analyst is a professional who prepares and collects data and creates both quantitative and qualitative analyses and reports in order to inform how products and services progress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most analysts have a mathematical or statistical degree or a background in science or engineering.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Project engineer\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Average salary: <\/b>\u00a352,072<\/span><\/p>\n

A project engineer is a professional who is responsible for all technical and engineering elements of a specific project or projects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They plan, schedule, manage tasks and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Effectively, they\u2019re engineers who are acting rather like a project manager.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With many Cleantech companies creating new technologies, this is a job much in demand!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Java developer\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Average salary: <\/b>\u00a375,118<\/span><\/p>\n

A Java developer is a specialised type of programmer who works with web developers and software engineers to integrate Java into business applications, software, and websites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Java is used widely, including in Cleantech, there tend to be thousands of roles available for programmers who are confident in Java.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bioengineer<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Average salary: <\/b>\u00a347,282<\/span><\/p>\n

Bioengineering, or biological engineering, is a science-based discipline founded upon the biological sciences. In general, bioengineers attempt to either mimic biological systems or modify and control biological systems to create products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Cleantech this might look like leveraging microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, to create new ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, limiting waste, and lessening the strain we put on our planet.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a super interesting role that requires a degree in bioengineering or a related discipline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sales director<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Average salary:<\/b> \u00a348,010 plus commission\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With any emerging technology, the proof is in the sales figures. Companies need to seek further investment in order to grow, and they need someone spearheading sales to prove that their product or technology is worth investing in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need to be a people person, who can build strong relationships with clients. Most probably you\u2019d be working really closely with the company\u2019s c-suite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sales professionals in Cleantech don\u2019t necessarily need to have experience in the industry, but they\u2019ll need to be great at sales. A scientific background at a degree level would certainly be a benefit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Operations manager\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Average salary: <\/b>\u00a342,396<\/span><\/p>\n

Operations managers oversee all operational activities at all levels of the business. For companies that are building something like electric vehicles, the operations manager would oversee everything from factory management, parts and fulfilment, and things like storage and warehousing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need to be organised and strategic, and be able to find new ways of creating streamlined processes. In this industry, you\u2019ll probably also need a strong understanding of how to improve processes to make them greener.\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s a job that\u2019s in demand in an industry that is heavily product based.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cleantech companies to watch<\/h3>\n

Conigital\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Conigital is utilising AI and machine learning techniques to make autonomous electric vehicle technology that works alongside ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft and fleet management systems to reduce the congestion on our roads. All while using electrically powered vehicles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They recently won two contracts, totalling \u00a332.6 million. One to establish a remote driving control hub, to oversee self-driving vehicles operating in Solihull and Coventry and another to trial on-demand, self-driving taxis, to complement existing transport services in parts of Cambridge.<\/span><\/p>\n

It sounds like we\u2019ll be experiencing driverless cars sooner than we might have thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is clear that this Midlands-based business is going to be growing substantially over the next twelve months and beyond!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Find out how Solihull is set to benefit from joint government and industry funding to make automated shuttle routes a reality in the West Midlands https:\/\/t.co\/LLHLwxpnGN<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/nO7DdHSGTq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Solihull Council (@SolihullCouncil) February 1, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n