This International Women’s Day, meet the women sparking growth at Green Building Renewables 

Shockingly, women make up only 32% of employees in the renewable energy workforce. This International Women’s Day, we feel it’s important to recognise the incredible women across our business who we couldn’t operate without.  

Many women are driving success in our business with roles across finance, sales, projects, marketing and many more departments. We feel it’s vital to give insight into why our women are the best of the best and we hope their stories can inspire other females to look at a career in the renewables sector.  

We talked with four fantastic females from across our business to ask them what they love about their work at Green Building Renewables and what inspires them.  

We spoke to Victoria who is Assistant Operations Manager in our Peterlee office, Harriet who is a Renewable Technology Surveyor in our York office, Leona who is an Office Administrator in our Oxford office, and Natalie our Office Co-ordinator in Doncaster. 

Here’s what they said. 

Meet some of the women in our business 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I most enjoy dealing with customers always trying to help them the best I can. I also enjoy been able to challenge myself in my day-to-day activities and working towards targets.

Victoria

Yeah, every day is different, there are different challenges but it is very rewarding when you help customers find a solution.

Harriet

I enjoy working with such an incredible team of solar panel installers and heat pump engineers. I agree day-to-day life can be challenging in a busy office, but the team I work with make things a little bit easier for me and we all help each other as much as we can. I enjoy taking on a challenge too, and my role allows me to tackle challenges on a regular basis.

Leona

Getting to know our customers and helping them learn more about the range of renewable energy products we offer is great. I’ve been fortunate enough to go along with our team and join surveys or aftersales visits. This has helped give me a better understanding of how our systems perform. It’s great to see how much people are benefitting from our installations and I love the fact that our customers know they can contact us at any time if they have a query, or just want a chat!

Natalie

What achievement are you most proud of in your role? 

I love when I get to survey a full house – a nice array of PV, a heat pump, car charger, Powerwall – the full GBR package! A big part of it though is about knowing you’re making a difference to people, helping them to move away expensive bills

Harriet

I made the move from Primary School Teacher to join GBR. I’ve worked hard to understand the role and adapt to a completely different way of working. I’d like to think that I play an important role as part of the team at our Doncaster branch and I’m proud to be part of a company whose employees pride themselves on going the extra mile.

Natalie

Similarly, I am proud of what I have achieved since I started at the company three years ago. I started as an administrator working my way up to office manager and then one year later I was promoted to Assistant Operations Manager

Victoria

Yeah, its great to have the opportunity to prove what you can do. When you’re 20 years old, it can be challenging to show that you can be mature and take on things that exceed what is expected of you. But I have proved that I can achieve anything when I put my mind to it and would encourage anyone looking to work in the Renewable Energy sector to go for it!

Leona

What do you enjoy about working in renewables?  

Fulfilling a role in the renewable sector means playing your part in building a more sustainable future for our planet and the generations to come.

Victoria

I agree, I really see our company as the future for a more sustainable Britain. We are trying to achieve more grid independency, I think it’s the right place to be right now.

Harriet

The world is forever changing, and working in renewables gives you a new insight into what we are doing to it, and how we can make a difference. When I started, I hadn’t even heard of heat pumps, and did not know how solar panels generated and stored energy. I now have this knowledge and when buying a house in the future, I know this is something that I can investigate for more sustainable living. I also educate my family and friends.

Leona

This is so true. My previous career in schools highlighted the importance of wanting to make a difference to the lives of the next generation. I see working in renewables as giving me the chance to be part of an industry dedicated to making a difference to the lives of many generations to come. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is true. 

Natalie

Why should a female graduate or school leaver join the sector?  

I would say don’t be put off thinking it is a male dominated industry – I’ve been in this industry since I was 26 and although it looks like it is male dominated, it is very open to taking anyone on board. I feel at GBR especially you can progress, you don’t need to fear that you won’t be considered. If you are passionate about something, you shouldn’t be deterred from doing it. Women should be able to grab the bull by the horns, I’d love for more women to do what I do.  As I’ve said, the role is very changeable, there is variety every single day.

Harriet

It’s so true. When working in a traditionally male dominated industry, it is amazing to see women working together to help with the efficiency and general running of daily activities. Working in renewables has given me so much knowledge and understanding of what the renewable energy entails and has benefitted me when making life choices. I would recommend it to anyone if you are looking to work in renewables, to take the opportunity.

Leona

I think, as in many sectors, the energy sector has always been male dominated but with more jobs arising in renewables, this is a great opportunity for women to train and upskill in this area to close that gender gap – Diversity is strength!

Natalie

This company is great to work for if you want to work your way up the ladder, if you want to do any training GBR are there to always support you. 

Victoria

What females have inspired you in life and work? 

My mum has been a massive inspiration to me in life. I have four younger sisters, and my Mum has always shown us, you can do anything you put your mind to, and to never let anyone stop you. My sisters and I lead a happy life all thanks to the support and guidance my Mum has offered us throughout our lifetimes.

Leona

Same for me. My Mam has always been a great role model – always worked hard – having two or three jobs to provide for our family. Seeing my mam work so hard always inspired me and made me want to work just as hard. My Mam was really proud of my recent promotion to Assistant Operations Manager.

Victoria

And for me My Mum too – She always taught me to believe in myself, to fight for what’s right, to take chances and work hard. She’s the strongest woman I know.

Natalie

There’s so many – but I really do feel it is important to just get out there and do it. I’ve never thought “I’m a woman, I can’t do that.” Just get out there and do what you want. You could come in as an admin and end up being a surveyor, you make your own future. 

Harriet

Thank you to Victoria, Natalie, Harriet and Leona for their time for this blog and a big Thank You to all the brilliant women working in Green Building Renewables and all the women who inspire us all every day.  

What is the Origin and Evolution of International Women’s Day? 

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, traces back to the early 20th-century women’s movements. Proposed by Clara Zetkin during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910, this day has since evolved into a significant occasion marked by rallies, conferences, and initiatives worldwide. 

How is International Women’s Day observed around the world? 

Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated in various forms across the globe, with organisations, governments, and individuals uniting to honour women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It serves as a platform to recognise the contributions of women throughout history and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable world. 

Why we should commemorate International Women’s Day. 

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing efforts towards gender equality. By championing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a world where every woman and girl can thrive.  

At Green Building Renewables, we want to inspire more females to join the renewables industry and for more women to be able to play their role in helping to transition the UK to cleaner and greener energy for all. If you are interested in a career in renewables, get in touch today.