Better gender diversity across the clean energy industry is the aim of a new initiative from the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
The CEC launched its Women in Renewables Leaders’ Pledge this week. The launch was part of the Australian Clean Energy Summit in Sydney.
Natalie Collard, who heads the Women in Renewables initiative, said many renewable energy industry’s leading figures are signing up for gender equity.
Positive change in renewable energy management
“The Leaders’ Pledge is about walking the talk,” Ms Collard said. In addition, she said individuals have the responsibility to champion positive change.
“We encourage anyone who self-identifies as a leader to join executives across the renewable energy industry and beyond by signing the pledge.”
“We need genuine champions of inclusivity at all levels of industry to empower and promote the achievements of women. One powerful way we’re asking leaders to do this is the Panel Pledge. [This] effectively means saying no to appearing at events or on panels which do not include gender diversity.”
Better diversity leads to improved decision-making
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said studies show better diversity leads to improved decision-making and profitability.
“More than 750 women are now in the Women in Renewables network after two years and 12 events, and this is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
“Tonight’s launch of the Leaders’ Pledge is an important step towards achieving greater gender diversity in the renewable energy industry.”
C-suite comes out in support of gender diversity
Senior members of the energy industry have signed the Leaders’ Pledge and made supportive statements.
Geoff Culbert CEO of GE Australia said it’s imperative Australia takes action to balance gender diversity across the industry.
Hydro Tasmania CEO Steve Davy said there is no place in the modern energy sector for “boys’ clubs”.
In addition, Energy Australia Managing Director Catherine Tanna said there is a strong link between diversity and performance.
“But the benefits go far beyond such a simple measure. It’s about well-being and providing opportunities, including the chance for people to do the best work of their careers.”
