Did you know that women are more likely to underestimate their achievements? Well, with International Women’s Day here, we thought we would take the opportunity to celebrate the incredible female talent we have here at Locogen.
Held on the 8th of March, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The event marks a yearly call to action for accelerating gender parity.
The theme of this year’s IWD is #ChooseToChallenge. Highlighting that a challenged world is an alert world and that individually we are responsible for choosing to challenge gender bias and inequality, collectively leading to a more inclusive world.
Our interpretation on the theme is choosing to challenge the idea that the renewables industry is a male industry. Current figures do show that they are the predominant sex as only 32% of renewable energy workers are female. However, to steal a quote from the IWD page, “[We] choose to create history – not to be created by it.”
And we can proudly say this is not just preach but practice at Locogen as 41% of our staff are female, and what fantastic females they are… Cue the questions for our 10 volunteers!
Amy Crum
What do you do?
I work mostly in the early stages of projects, supporting community groups, individuals and industrial consumers in developing renewable heat and power opportunities at (or near to) their sites. This can be finding a suitable site for the technology to be installed, or working through energy models and financial models to see what can be done affordably, and actually provides a benefit! I also work with our developments team, looking for large scale wind and solar sites across the UK.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
My favourite part of my job is definitely feasibility and planning work, checking out new sites and seeing where they have the most positive impacts on both environmentally and socially. It involves lots of maps and exploring the local area (albeit, usually virtually online), and reading about the local communities and drivers – a bit of detective work! I love renewables as much as the next person, but I also love the outdoors and it is important to recognise that some places just aren’t appropriate for big development projects. But, when we do find a really good site, it’s a lot of fun!
I feel like there is a new mini achievement every week with my job. The great thing is we’re always learning, and given how big and varied the renewables industry is we always will be learning! I think my most notable moments are when we have new graduates/interns starting, and I’ll do a bit of training and afterwards I’m like “Wow, I know a lot more stuff than I did last year!”.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
It can be intimidating given there are so few women in engineering, and this is generally consistent from college to university to industry. Generally most people now are very supportive of women in STEM. And if you do come across someone who hasn’t moved on, tell them off, or tell someone else – don’t be intimidated. Stand up for yourself and people will respect you even more for that!
If your employer doesn’t treat you as an equal don’t be afraid to move on. Find the right company where you are valued and invested in, and they’re not afraid to show it.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
Self-doubt. You see a lot of successes on social media and it’s just rubbish when they aren’t yours. Of course, you shouldn’t compare yourself to others (but most of us always will!). Also, starting a new job or learning new skills at any stage in your career can be scary and make you question your abilities. Remember everyone has to start somewhere! If you try hard and apply yourself, you will be absolutely fine. You can only try your best!
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
Professionally, this year I will hopefully complete my Prince 2 Agile PM training, and then finally begin working towards Engineering Chartership. Personally, I hope to reach my target 100 Munros climbed by the new year… and learn to snowboard!!
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
I don’t read a lot of feminist literature (or any literature), but my favourite and most relatable quote (after a quick google): “Behind every successful woman is a substantial amount of coffee”. It might not be that inspirational, but a reminder that we’re all just human!
Carter Scott
What do you do?
Graduate engineer.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
I really enjoy the amazing team and supportive work environment. I hope to keep working to expand my knowledge of renewable energies.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
It’s a great time to get in the industry with a lot of big exciting changes happening!
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
The energy sector as a whole is a traditionally male dominated industry, which can be difficult for some to make the necessary changes.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
Would like to run a half marathon 
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg! “Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”
Charlotte Mitchell
What do you do?
I’m based within the Consultancy team at Locogen and I work on a lot of community energy projects. This often means undertaking feasibility studies or helping them to apply for development funding. From time to time I also conduct research or work for one of Locogen’s other teams. Outside of work, I like to practise yoga, listen to podcasts and count down the days til I can play Catan with my friends again.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
I’ve always wanted a job where I feel like I’m doing something that makes the world a better place, however small my contribution to that may be. I feel like I get to do that at Locogen, whether it’s helping to achieve affordable energy systems in social housing, advising a community group on their renewable energy project, or keeping a wind turbine ticking away. Over 2020, I split my time between Consultancy and Asset Management teams, and I’m proud that I was able to make a valuable contribution to both teams over a turbulent time.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
Go for it! Renewables is a rewarding sector and it needs a huge range of skillsets. Don’t be intimidated by the idea that it’s a male-dominated field, it’s not a myth but really, why should it stop you? Your experience and approach is as valid as anyone else’s.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
I’ve never really felt like a ‘woman in renewables’, as I’ve always been in a fairly balanced team, but I know that’s not everyone’s experience. There’s a lot of discussion about getting more women into engineering and the issue seems to start at school, and goes back to ridiculous stereotypes such as ‘physics is a subject for boys.’ I think the fact that young people are increasingly interested in climate issues will improve things, but in the meantime, I think its important to keep women in the sector by making sure the working environment is flexible to their needs. The more examples there are of women with long, successful careers, the better things will look to those considering working in renewables.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
I’m mainly looking to keep building my technical knowledge and project-management experience, so that I can become more and more independent in my role. I do have a few specific goals in mind, and I’m making sure to speak up for myself because ‘good things come to those who wait’ does not apply in the world of work!
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
I’m not a big reader and my inspirations are a real mixed bag, from Mary Shelley and Jacinda Ardern to Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. I’m inspired by any woman who’s succeeding whilst being true to herself.
Emma Ballantyne
What do you do?
I am a graduate GIS planner and spend the majority of my time looking for new wind and solar opportunities across the UK using GIS software.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
I love that everyday is different - I will always be learning or doing something new and that I have the opportunity to work with so many people with different skills.
I’m fairly new to the renewables industry so I hope to just continue to learn and develop my knowledge to be able to progress in my career.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
Go for it! When i was approaching the end of my degree I wasn’t entirely sure where I would be, but I am so happy to have chosen a career in renewables. There are so many exciting positions for women, especially now since the industry is continuously growing. Everyday you get to work with people who are as passionate as you are about positively impacting our environment.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
The renewable energy industry has always been regarded as male dominated and although this is beginning to improve, woman are still underrepresented in renewables, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs. I think one of the main barriers are the perceptions of gender roles and cultural-social norms which form a major barrier to gender equality.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
I think it’s been a tough year for everyone with covid and for me, working from home, I’ve found myself becoming unmotivated so this year i’m definitely wanting to improve my health and be a lot more active!
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
Little Black Book by Otegha Uwagba. A colleague gave me this book and I would highly recommend it for any working women!
Kayla Madlener
What do you do?
Senior Asset Manager
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
I love working with our clients and knowing that what we are doing is giving them peace of mind and helping to make their project run as best it can – in short, I love helping people. In asset management, nothing is ever the same one day to the next, so you’re always able to take on new challenges and learn new scopes of work. I enjoy that our work is constantly evolving as the industry grows so there’s always new projects, technologies, and opportunity to explore. I also really enjoy working with like-minded and spirited people – it makes work a joy (most of the time!).
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
Advocate for yourself, for your position and for continued education. This is often difficult but sometimes advocating for yourself means pinpointing your own areas of weakness or gaps in knowledge and asking for mentorship and to learn. That being said – show up for yourself, speak confidently and don’t shrink yourself to fit into other people’s expectations of what or how you should be.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
It can sometimes be a bit of a boy’s club.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
I am working on running a half marathon (either in an event or by myself!) and am trying to read four books a month.
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
“My mom said to me, ‘one day you should settle down and marry a rich man.’ I said, ‘Mom, I am a rich man.’” Cher
A few of my favourites lately:
White Teeth – Zadie Smith
Home Going – Yaa Gyasi
Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg
Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
The Silence of the Girls – Pat Barker
Glass Castle – Jeanette Walls
Kimberley Craw
What do you do?
Marketing.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your role?
I love the variety in my job, and I feel great having a career in an industry that is having a direct impact on improving the sustainability of our planet. I am thrilled to have achieved many things! From creating stand designs for show exhibitions to designing a new website, to planning our office opening event to managing project communications. Did I say my job was varied?
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
I’d say to go for it! Don’t tell yourself no before you’ve tried – believe in yourself. And honestly, from my experience it is a great industry – fast paced, lots to do and hopefully more prominent as time goes on and it grows even more.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
Perhaps there is a feeling of an existing bias towards men given their larger participation in the industry, but it doesn’t mean that can’t change. Even by doing this article we are promoting the female voices of the industry which is a fantastic way to challenge preconceptions.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
I think during this coronacoaster year I’ve learned to appreciate pastimes which aren’t affected by any changes in government restrictions – those being running and reading (not at the same time!). I got my 5K time down to 28 minutes which was a great feat as it was on par with my mum’s time who has always been my running inspiration. I'd like to continue that pace and maybe even push the distance to 10K. In terms of my reading goal, I’ve set myself a goal of 52 books this year – one a week - and I am so far on track.
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
I recently read Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates and it was fantastic. One of my favourite quotes from that was: “This is not a men vs women issue. It’s about people vs prejudice.”.
Leila Tavendale
What do you do?
For the most part, my work focuses on larger low-carbon heat installations and overseeing the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) projects. For my heat work, this means designing low-carbon heat systems, inspecting systems already installed and looking at how to improve their efficiency, and covers heat pumps, biomass and district heating networks. For RCEF projects, this means working closely with community groups who want to decarbonise their village/community assets and looking at the low carbon electricity and heat generation options available to them, providing them with indicative capital cost expenditure required, and forecast cost savings and carbon saving figures to take forward for detailed design.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
I love the people I work with – both within Locogen and across our client base. I like that we challenge each other to do better, in terms of how we deliver projects, how we give more to our Clients and how we find ways through project constraints. Honestly though, the best part is working for people who want to look at renewable energy but don’t know where to start. I love answering their questions – when you work within the industry, it’s easy to develop a ‘this will work/this won’t work’ mindset and our Clients really challenge me to think about things from another perspective.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
Go and do it! There are so many different aspects to working in renewables and it requires a whole variety of people with different thoughts, opinions, strengths and abilities. There’s space for everyone.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
MY biggest barrier is myself, and I doubt I’m alone in feeling that way. Throughout my career, I’ve been reminded that there’s a fine line between being assertive and being bossy (I’ve even been on training courses about it while working in other companies), and I have been guilty of keeping my mouth closed through fear of not wanting to seem like I think I know better. Regarding general barriers, I think the perception about ‘women in engineering’ and the lack of is a big one – yes, it is a male dominated arena and women can get overlooked (I can’t count the number of times I’ve been on site and there’s no toilets for me to use), but it is changing – Locogen is approaching a 50/50 male/female split and I’ve been on a surprising amount of Teams calls this year where the number of women massively outweigh the men. It’s not the ‘old boys’ playground that it used to be.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
Professionally, I’d like to submit my application to become a Chartered Environmentalist. I’d also love to start seeing some of the RCEF projects come to fruition – I’m excited for some of these community groups to start achieving their aims in decarbonising their small parts of the country.
Personally, I would love to go scuba diving again. I’ve been on dry land for almost 16 months now (thanks Covid!) and I miss the ocean!
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
Katherine Johnson, NASA research mathematician – Hidden Figures is a must watch/read. Also, Sylvia Earle - the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Both of them are the definition of inspirational.
Lynsey Clark
What do you do?
I have recently joined Locogen as an Asset Manager, responsible for a number of Wind & Hydro sites.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
Interacting with our clients, learning about the operations of the different sites we manage. Working within our Asset Management team to ensure the sites are running at their potential.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
Go for it, connect with people who are in the Industry and find out where your skills and strengths can be utilized.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
I don’t think there are any specific barriers in renewables that aren’t present in other sectors, as women & a sector as a whole, we have to keep trying to smash those barriers down.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
I am really looking forward to contributing to the success of achieving our Operations strategy and goals for 2021. I also run a beer shop with my partner & growing our business whilst coming out of the lockdown is one of our key aims for this year.
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
I really find listening to podcasts with business owners sharing their experience of building a successful business very motivating.
Philippa Hardy
What do you do?
I work in our consultancy team as Head of Emerging Technologies. So day-to-day I support our consultancy projects and work on how we can expand into new technologies.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
I enjoy learning new things and the challenge of creating something new. I am aiming to boost our consultancy work in hydrogen, energy storage, local energy systems and anything else that’s innovative.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
Go for it – we could do with more women in energy!
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
The ones that we have control over are having the confidence to stand up for yourself and proactively sharing your opinion.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
Professionally, I’m in a brand-new role and striving to have a positive and measurable impact.
Personally, I have just decided that it would be awesome to run the Glencoe marathon this year (if restrictions lift in time).
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
I have a very varied reading list and don’t really follow specific people. I’m more inspired by the everyday and people in my life or in passing, e.g. friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues, professional network, and people that I read about, that overcome adversity and carry on, share their passion and positive outlook, achieve their own goals (whatever they may be) and are content.
Ryan Johnson
What do you do?
I support the Locogen team with reception, admin, HR, payroll, office facilities, travel logistics, social events, H&S and a bit of finance stuff too.
What do you enjoy about your job and what have you achieved/hope to achieve within your job?
My role is super varied, so no day is ever the same; this can be interesting, challenging and fun all at the same time. It is cliché for someone in a support role to say but I really want to see the Locogen team achieve their best and succeed in their goals; I hope I help do this by encouraging a friendly, open and honest environment for everyone.
What would you say to other women considering a career in renewables?
Go for it! I have had a plethora of jobs across many industries in my working life but working in renewables has to be one of my favourites; everyone is nice and knowing you’re working in an actively positive and ethical industry is pretty cool.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier for women in renewables? If you feel there are any.
Job competition! Renewables is a popular industry right now and everyone wants a piece of the action. If you’re applying for a role in renewables make sure your CV stands out, always include bespoke cover letters and don’t be afraid to pester companies and individuals on LinkedIn to help get your name there! Do not just send generic applications out because they’ll get lost amongst the others.
What is something you are striving to achieve this year? Either professionally or personally.
At Locogen I am surrounded by brilliant and intelligent individuals who continuously inspire me. Locogen have encouraged me and are supporting me through HR training so my main goal this year is to absolutely slay that so I can better myself from professional standpoint and work to support the team even more. Through a more involved HR position I want to see the Locogen team and the company thrive.
Favourite quote/person/recommended reading for IWD?
Where do I start? Everyone should read We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (if you’re not a reader don’t worry it’s really short) and Lonely Courage: The True Story of the SOE Heroines who Fought to Free Nazi-occupied France by Richard Stroud is a book I cannot recommend enough. The 2016 film Hidden Figures is a must watch! Also Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story.
And go listen to Ego Ella May’s Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys and then everything by Bones UK, Leikeli47, Little Simz, Sampa the Great, Skinny Girl Diet…I could go on and on and on and on...
From challenge comes change, so let’s all #ChooseToChallenge.
For more information and resources, check out the International Women’s Day website.