Green Success Stories sat down with Austin Young, Vice President of Marketing at Ivy Energy, to chat about his experience in the Cleantech and Solar industries.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I am a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in the Cleantech and Solar industries. My background spans various domains such as marketing, lead generation, go-to-market strategies, and team leadership. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Marketing at Ivy Energy, where I focus on aligning our teams to perform at their best as we work to decarbonize the built world. My love for nature and the outdoors has always fueled my passion for environmental conservation. The pressing need to combat climate change propelled me into the Cleantech industry, with a specific focus on solar energy. I see it as an effective way to make a meaningful impact on our planet’s health while also encouraging sustainable business practices. Ivy Energy’s mission revolves around making clean energy accessible and practical for real estate owners and tenants alike. Our Virtual Grid software enables property owners to distribute solar energy between multiple units effectively. This technology not only generates a new Net Operating Income for property owners but also offers clean energy savings to tenants while enabling the mass adoption of solar on shared buildings.
What would you do with $1 billion dollars?
With a billion dollars, I would significantly accelerate the mission of Ivy Energy by investing heavily in research and development. A large portion of the funds would be allocated towards perfecting our Virtual Grid software, expanding its capabilities to include additional renewable energy sources like batteries, wind, and hydroelectric power. But it doesn’t stop there. A considerable investment would be made in educational programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy and sustainable living. I believe that for any significant change to occur, it must start at the grassroots level, so education is key. I would also establish a grant or venture fund specifically focused on nurturing startups and innovations in the Cleantech sector. We need all hands on deck to tackle the immense challenges posed by climate change, and I believe that fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs focused on sustainability can make a big difference.
Why do you think sustainability is such an important topic today?
The urgency surrounding sustainability has reached a tipping point for several reasons: -We’ve seen an escalation in the severity and frequency of natural disasters, many of which can be linked back to climate change caused by human activities. Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events are clear indicators that we can no longer afford to treat sustainability as an afterthought. -Sustainability isn’t just an environmental concern; it’s an economic one as well. Resource depletion, from water scarcity to deforestation, poses significant risks to our global economy. Industries that rely heavily on natural resources are especially vulnerable. A shift toward sustainable practices ensures long-term economic stability, not just ecological balance. -The conversation around sustainability has also expanded to include social justice and equity. Environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and sustainable initiatives must be designed to include solutions that are equitable for all citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic status. -On a positive note, we have reached an age where technological innovations can significantly aid sustainability goals. From renewable energy to waste management, technology can facilitate the rapid scalability of sustainable solutions. This opens a window of opportunity that we have to seize now, because later might be too late. Finally, there’s the ethical consideration of the kind of world we want to leave for future generations. The choices we make today will determine the quality of life for people decades and even centuries from now. There’s a growing awareness that our legacy should not be one of environmental degradation but one of responsible stewardship.
What do you envision your industry looking like in ten years?
In a decade, I envision the renewable energy sector as being much more integrated into our daily lives. The advent of advanced technologies will make clean energy more efficient, accessible, and affordable, breaking down many of the barriers that currently exist. I believe that microgrids and decentralized energy systems will become more prevalent, offering communities greater resilience and autonomy. The traditional model of large, centralized energy plants will give way to a more distributed network, enabled by sophisticated software solutions like our Virtual Grid. I also anticipate a stronger collaboration between governments, corporations, and the general populace in promoting renewable energy initiatives. With the right policy incentives and social awareness, renewable energy can go from being an alternative to a mainstream source of power. The focus will not just be on adoption but also on the responsible management and distribution of energy. Data-driven platforms will play an essential role in optimizing energy usage and reducing waste, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient ecosystem.
