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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.

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?

Solar power is one of the most sustainable and abundant energy sources available today. As the world moves towards sustainability, solar energy is playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs, and ensuring a greener future. According to the United Nations, cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of the world’s total electricity supply by 2030 , highlighting the growing impact of solar power in the global energy transition. Solar Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognise the impact of solar power and the progress being made in renewable energy. At Piper Maddox, we are committed to supporting this transition by connecting the best talent with the companies driving solar innovation. Why Solar Energy Matters The sun provides an unlimited source of clean energy, yet the world has long relied on fossil fuels that pollute and deplete natural resources. According to the United Nations, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are the largest contributors to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. With advancing technology and decreasing costs, solar energy is now a practical and affordable solution for businesses, governments, and homeowners. One of the biggest advantages of solar power is its environmental impact. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power produces no greenhouse gas emissions and significantly reduces air pollution. It also requires very little water to operate, making it essential in the fight against climate change. As the cost of solar panels continues to drop, businesses and governments are cutting energy expenses while creating jobs and driving economic growth. With the industry expanding rapidly, demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. New Developments in Solar Power The solar industry's rapid growth is driven by technological advancements that make solar power more efficient and versatile. One major innovation is floating solar farms, which generate clean energy on reservoirs and lakes while reducing water evaporation: an ideal solution for regions facing land and water shortages. At the same time, solar technology is being seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Photovoltaic windows and solar roofing materials now enable buildings to generate electricity without traditional panels, embedding solar power directly into urban infrastructure. Reliability has long been a challenge for renewable energy, but recent improvements in energy storage technology are solving this issue. New battery systems are making it possible to store excess solar energy during the day and use it at night, ensuring a stable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining. Driving the Future of Clean Energy Solar power is no longer a niche industry, it is now a key driver of the global energy transition. With governments setting ambitious renewable energy targets and businesses turning to solar to reduce costs and emissions, the industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Beyond economics, solar energy is also creating a more resilient power grid. As extreme weather events become more common, decentralised solar installations - such as rooftop solar and microgrids are helping communities maintain access to electricity even during power outages. With demand for solar energy accelerating, the industry is facing a major challenge: finding the right talent to support its rapid expansion. At Piper Maddox, we partner with businesses across the entire solar value chain, ensuring they have the right people to drive innovation and growth. If you’re ready to take the next step in your solar energy career or are looking to build a team that can drive real impact, we can help! Let’s power the future, together.

The battery industry experienced a groundbreaking year in 2024, marked by significant advancements in energy storage technology. Efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs saw investments in gigafactories accelerate production, while breakthroughs in lithium-sulphur and flow batteries pointed to a safer, longer-lasting future for energy storage. As we head into 2025, the industry’s focus will shift toward scaling the battery industry and addressing workforce challenges to meet the growing demand. Alex Cohen, Senior Director at Piper Maddox, and Elliot Knox, VP of Client Development and Commercial Strategy, highlighted these pivotal moments in their recent webinar with the Volta Foundation. They explored the trends that defined 2024, including the rise of domestic battery recycling, the evolution of battery chemistry, and the increasing demand for clean energy recruitment to sustain industry expansion. The discussion highlighted the U.S. battery market's role in clean energy innovation and explored global trends, emphasising the importance of workforce development to meet growing industry needs. As Alex Cohen shared during the webinar, the employment market will continue to evolve. Companies must not only attract but retain talent by creating environments where professionals can thrive. With the growing demand for battery engineers, manufacturers must focus on upskilling talent and developing long-term hiring strategies to support production goals. The talent shortage remains a significant hurdle, particularly in battery R&D and gigafactory manufacturing, with some facilities requiring thousands of skilled professionals to meet production targets. The discussion also highlighted that visa policies could become a challenge for hiring international specialists in the future, though the impact remains uncertain. This uncertainty reinforces the need for companies to prioritise attracting and securing domestic talent, ensuring the energy storage market growth continues without disruptions caused by labour shortages. By connecting exceptional talent with forward-thinking companies, Piper Maddox is driving innovation and sustainability in the battery industry. As we celebrate National Battery Day, let’s acknowledge the critical role batteries play in building a cleaner, greener future and the workforce that powers this transition.

Each year on June 15th, Global Wind Day is celebrated across the world. It is a day for recognising wind energy, its power, and the possibilities it holds to reshape our energy systems, decarbonise our economies, and boost jobs and growth. This year, as we mark Global Wind Day 2024, we reflect on the advancements in wind technology, the growing importance of renewable energy, and the exciting opportunities in the clean energy sector. The Power of Wind: Driving a Sustainable Future Wind energy has emerged as one of the most efficient and sustainable sources of renewable energy. According to windenergy.org, wind power is the largest source of renewable electricity generation in the United States, providing 9.8% of the country’s electricity and growing. (1) Harnessing the natural power of wind through turbines, this clean energy source generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants. As we face the urgent challenges of climate change, wind energy emerges as a promising solution, providing a practical way to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to a low-carbon economy. In fact, wind power helps avoid 346 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to the emissions of 76 million cars in the US. (2) In 2024, the global wind energy capacity continues to soar, with significant investments in wind farms, offshore wind projects, and innovative technologies. These advancements are not only helping to meet the growing energy demands but are also creating a multitude of job opportunities in the clean energy sector, with the role of wind turbine technician being the fastest-growing job in the US, increasing by 44% over the next decade. (3) Opportunities in the Wind Energy Sector As a clean energy recruitment brand, we are excited about the diverse career opportunities available in the wind energy sector. Spanning engineering and project management to research and development, the wind industry is brimming with possibilities for professionals eager to make an impact. Here are some key areas where the demand for talent is increasing: Engineering and Technical Roles: With the continuous innovation in turbine technology, there is a growing need for skilled engineers and technicians to design, install, and maintain wind turbines. Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers are particularly in demand to ensure the efficiency and reliability of wind energy systems. Project Management: Developing and managing wind farms requires adept project managers who can oversee the entire lifecycle of wind projects, from planning and permitting to construction and operation. These roles are crucial for ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high safety standards. Research and Development: As the wind energy sector evolves, there is a constant need for research and development to improve turbine efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance grid integration. Scientists and researchers play a pivotal role in driving innovations that make wind energy more competitive and sustainable. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that wind projects comply with environmental regulations and standards is essential. Environmental scientists and compliance officers work to assess and mitigate the impacts of wind farms on local ecosystems and communities. Sales and Marketing: As the wind energy market expands, professionals in sales and marketing are needed to promote wind projects, secure investments, and educate the public and stakeholders about the benefits of wind energy. Looking Ahead As we look to the future, the importance of wind energy will only continue to grow. The transition to a sustainable energy system is essential, and wind power will be at the forefront of this transformation. By embracing the opportunities in the wind energy sector, we can drive innovation, create jobs, and build a cleaner, greener world for future generations. At Piper Maddox, we are committed to connecting passionate individuals with leading companies in the clean energy sector. Our mission is to support the growth of renewable energy by ensuring that the industry has access to the best talent. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, there is a place for you in the wind energy sector.

The battery storage industry has gained significant momentum in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy and the transition towards a more sustainable future. As this sector expands, it is natural to wonder about the salary prospects within the battery storage industry. While salaries can vary depending on several factors, including job role, experience, and geographical location, this article will delve into the trends and factors behind these variations to provide a better understanding of salary and compensation expectations in this dynamic field. We will also offer exclusive insight into up-to-date data from our extensive 2023 Battery Storage Salary Survey. Experience and Expertise Experience plays a crucial role in determining salary levels. Professionals with several years of relevant experience in the battery storage industry are likely to earn higher salaries compared to entry-level candidates, which is a noteworthy trend that we observed in our 2023 Battery Storage Salary Survey. In our analysis, we broadened our examination to include not only base salary, but also bonuses, which are a crucial component of overall compensation, and found that in particular, C-Suite bonuses were nearly double those of VP-level candidates, whilst salaries exhibited a steady upward trajectory as titles grew more senior. Furthermore, individuals with expertise in emerging technologies, such as advanced battery chemistries or grid-scale energy storage, may enjoy greater demand and better compensation. When analyzing compensation data based on years of experience in the US battery industry, it comes as no surprise that there is a steady upward trend. However, what is interesting to note is the widening delta between low and high cash compensation as experience increases. Our data indicates that after the 11-15-year mark, there is a significant increase in average annual bonuses, doubling for those in the 16+ years category. Geographical Location Salaries in the battery storage industry can vary significantly based on the location of the job. Factors such as cost of living, local market conditions, and government incentives can influence salary ranges significantly. For example, regions with a strong focus on renewable energy, such as California in the United States, may offer higher average salaries compared to other areas. We have analyzed the compensation data across the United States, focusing on the three major states with a significant concentration of battery talent, including California, Michigan, and Massachusetts, and compared them to the average compensation rates across the rest of the country. Our findings reveal that California’s cost of living is 42.2% above the national average, Massachusetts is 35% above the average, and Michigan is approximately 9% below the average. To gain more insight into these figures, click here to download our 2023 Battery Storage Salary Survey. Future Outlook As the battery storage industry gains increasing momentum, our observations from battery storage leaders shed light on the challenges they face, particularly in recruiting within this sector. However, it is important to note that these challenges are expected to gradually resolve over time. Currently, managers face a formidable challenge when it comes to team growth: sourcing suitable candidates is the foremost obstacle, primarily due to a scarcity of qualified individuals especially, compared to sectors that have had the advantage of extensive development over the years. Nevertheless, the battery storage industry is expected to continue its rapid growth as renewable energy integration and grid reliability becomes increasingly important. As technology matures and economies of scale are realized, it is likely that salaries in the industry will continue to rise. Moreover, advancements in energy storage technologies and the potential for widespread adoption will create new job opportunities and potentially drive higher salaries. Gain more insight. To gain a further understanding of the compensation trends and career growth opportunities within this dynamic industry, download here the 2023 Battery Storage Salary Survey report today and unlock the valuable insights that will shape the future of your career or organization in battery storage. The battery storage industry offers a promising career path for individuals interested in renewable energy and sustainable solutions. To find out more contact Matt at M.Anders@pipermaddox.com

A microgrid is a group of distributed energy resources and interconnected loads that act as a self-sufficient energy system. Microgrids operate autonomously and can connect and disconnect from the main grid; they provide resilience to grid disturbances and promote energy efficiency. Microgrids have been proven to promote infrastructure reliably in real-world situations. What is a microgrid? A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and DERs (distributed energy resources) that behaves as an autonomous system. Individually, microgrids can power houses, hospitals, facilities, universities, etc. However, individual microgrids can be linked together to power larger regions. (1) The U.S. Office of Electricity defines a microgrid as “… localized grids that can disconnect from the traditional grid to operate autonomously. Because they are able to operate while the main grid is down, microgrids can strengthen grid resilience and help mitigate grid disturbances as well as function as a grid resource for faster system response and recovery. Microgrids support a flexible and efficient electric grid by enabling the integration of growing deployments of distributed energy resources such as renewables like solar. In addition, the use of local sources of energy to serve local loads helps reduce energy losses in transmission and distribution, further increasing the efficiency of the electric delivery system.”(2) Some examples of DERs that comprise these grids are generators, wind, storage, and solar. Since microgrids are not a new concept, they have historically been run using 'dirty energy'. However, in the movement towards a clean future, microgrids that run primarily on renewable energy can provide a beneficial alternative. Currently, microgrids are important to critical services such as hospitals, wastewater treatment plants, and communication towers. However, climate change will pose a major threat to the main grid. Extreme temperature anomalies (cold or heat) and natural disasters can cause the grid to malfunction – both predicted facets of a warmer world. In the present time, blackouts are growing more and more frequent.(3) Microgrids will play a big role in allowing the world to stay on during major extreme weather events. How do they promote energy efficiency and clean energy? In order to understand how microgrids promote energy efficiency, we need to understand the qualms of the main power grid. Currently, electricity production in the main power system is responsible for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions.(4) Along with fossil fuel production, there are some other major environmental risks that the traditional grid produces: Vegetation and natural habitat loss from power lines Downstream water and land pollution by-products Over-consumption of water from cooling/steam methods Solid waste production Microgrids could be the clean answer to distributing energy more efficiently. For starters, it is important to note that 5-6% of energy is lost through transmission lines in the U.S. Since microgrids produce energy near where it is consumed, there would be little to no energy lost in the system and there would be less energy produced for the same energy needed. The use of transmission lines also can destroy vegetation and natural habitats. Thus, the use of fewer transmission lines in this system could encourage the regeneration of biodiversity. Furthermore, when electricity is generated, it produces heat. In a microgrid scenario, this heat would be unused. However, microgrids can utilize this heat energy in a variety of ways. For example, the heat can be used to power homes or warm up water. (5) When microgrids disconnect from the main grid (islanding), they can provide resilience to end users during natural disasters or extreme weather events. Microgrids can also help “reboot” the main grid in the event of outages or malfunctions. (6) One of the main ways a microgrid can promote clean energy to users is by utilizing methods of renewable energy production. A microgrid can deploy a large range of clean energy production technologies such as wind, solar, and hydrogen fuel. Coupled with traditional energy production, a microgrid can switch between various energy production methods to be the most efficient. Smart microgrids can be programmed to hit different carbon emission and energy efficiency goals. When have the capabilities of microgrids been tested in real-world scenarios? There have been numerous examples of microgrids saving communities from blackouts to natural disasters. The most recent example was during the Rio Dell, California earthquake that occurred on December 24th, 2022. This 6.4 magnitude earthquake created massive havoc with 72,000 businesses and homes estimated to have lost power. During the incident, the Blue Lake Rancheria – a Native American reservation – remained an emergency resource service due to its microgrid. During the outage, the microgrid served 8% of the region’s population and provided aid to 10,000 people. (7) The microgrid was powered by solar panels and batteries. This is not the first time that the Blue Lake Rancheria has been credited with aiding the community during a grid outage. In 2019, California was taken over by wildfires and many residents were faced with extended outages and a lack of medical equipment. The microgrid at the rancheria remained fully functioning and around 10,000 people were served with medical and electrical needs. It is estimated that four lives were saved by the microgrid and the assistance from the native people.(8) The Blue Lake Rancheria is not the only microgrid that has withstood natural disasters. Some other notable examples include the numerous microgrids in Puerto Rico that helped the community stay on the grid during Hurricane Fiona, a solar microgrid in Malawi that helps children receive life-changing education, and the solar and natural gas microgrid at Pittsburgh International Airport that saved $1 million dollars in energy costs.