Environmentally conscious careers in tech for Gen Z

If there’s one thing you can say about Gen Z, it’s that it’s probably the most environmentally conscious generation that’s ever lived.

It’s also the most tech-savvy generation, embracing the ever-quickening pace of progress more naturally than any before it, as digital natives. With the jobs in tech rising exponentially around the world, impacted by the steep rise in generative AI usage, the number of vacancies has increased through 2024 after a tough 2023 that saw the sector plummet.

Gen Z also finds itself in something of a quandary ethically speaking. A lot of businesses are upping their efforts to decarbonise and hit net zero targets but while simultaneously embracing the power of AI. According to Raconteur, some research by the Harvard Business Review shows that training a single AI model requires thousands of megawatt hours of electricity, in turn emitting hundreds of tons of carbon. This is forcing businesses into essentially chasing their own tails in terms of their environmental targets.  

So, for the eco-conscious Gen Z candidate skilled in tech and digital, what sort of environmentally friendly roles in tech are there?

Renewable Energy Data Scientist

Recent reports state that the world needs to add the equivalent of Japan’s annual electricity consumption to its supply each year to keep up with surging demand worldwide. If you want to exercise your tech skills in a green way, you could do a lot worse than applying to work for a renewable energy producer.

A Renewable Energy Data Scientist applies data science techniques to the renewable energy sector, focusing on analysing and interpreting data from energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, or bioenergy. By leveraging statistical, analytical, and programming skills, they transform this data into actionable insights that drive efficiency, improve performance, and solve operational challenges. Their role typically involves:

Data Collection and Cleaning: Gathering data from renewable energy assets (e.g., wind turbines, solar panels) and cleaning it to ensure accuracy and usability.

Data Analysis: Analysing performance data to understand the efficiency of energy production, predict potential issues, or detect patterns like seasonality in energy output.

Algorithm and Model Development: Building predictive models and optimisation algorithms to enhance energy production, manage grid integration, or predict maintenance needs.

Problem Solving: Identifying challenges related to energy sources, such as fluctuations in solar power due to weather or wind inconsistencies and creating data-driven solutions.

Energy Forecasting: Using machine learning and advanced analytics to predict future energy production, optimize energy storage, and balance supply with demand.

Reporting and Visualisations: Presenting insights in a clear manner through dashboards, visualizations, or reports to help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding energy operations and investments.

Their work plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability by improving the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems, thus contributing to a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy landscape.

Energy Management System Software Developer

An Energy Management System (EMS) Software Developer designs and builds software solutions that help organisations monitor, control, and optimise their energy consumption and production. These developers work at the intersection of technology and energy management, leveraging their expertise in software engineering, data analytics, and energy systems to create tools that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.

EMS software provides real-time insights into energy usage, allowing companies to make data-driven decisions to reduce costs, lower carbon footprints, and improve operational performance. The developer’s role involves building applications that collect and process data from various sources, such as smart meters, renewable energy sources, and energy storage systems. They integrate this data with algorithms for predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and load management.

To become an Energy Management System (EMS) Software Developer, a combination of software engineering, data handling, and energy system-specific skills are crucial. Here are key technical skills needed:

Python, C++, Java: These are essential for building algorithms, automation scripts, and software components.

Full-Stack Development: Knowledge of both front-end (React, Angular) and back-end (Node.js, Django, Flask) frameworks to build and maintain complete EMS platforms.

API Integration: Ability to work with RESTful or GraphQL APIs for communication between EMS components and external systems (e.g., sensors, smart grids).

Energy Protocols: Familiarity with MODBUS, DNP3, or IEC 61850 for communication between energy devices (meters, sensors).

Smart Grid Technologies: Understanding of smart grids, renewable energy systems, and microgrids.

Green Software Engineer

Tech companies the world over are seeing an increase in their emissions over the past few years, caused in no short measure by the increasing reliance on generative AI.

As a Green Software Engineer, you will be responsible for developing energy-efficient software solutions that contribute to sustainable practices. You will work on optimising cloud infrastructures, minimising energy usage in software applications, and integrating renewable energy sources into existing systems. In this role, you will collaborate with data scientists, environmental engineers, and IoT specialists to reduce the carbon footprint of technology systems.

Strong coding skills in languages like Python, Java, or C++ and knowledge of energy-efficient software design and architecture are essentials for this role. Additionally, experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), energy optimisation in cloud systems and understanding of sustainability practices and green software principles would be critical.

We are one of the leading technical recruiters within the renewable energies market, partnering with both established and new entry clients within the wind, solar, hydrogen, battery storage, bio energy & power sectors. Search our latest jobs here