LSDC begins new study to examine role of women in cleantech sector

London, UK (22 March, 2018) - A NEW study will examine why women are so underrepresented in London’s cleantech sector.

The London Sustainable Development Commission (LSDC) has commissioned the new study as part of encouraging greater gender diversity in the development of a cleantech innovation cluster in London.

The insights that emerge will be used to provide relevant support to encourage greater participation by women in London’s low carbon revolution.



The report authors are interested in hearing from women (and men) working in the cleantech sector to gauge their views on what obstacles currently exist and how they could be overcome.



LSDC Commissioner Karen Lawrence said the study was timely and important.

She said: “In a year that has heralded the 100th anniversary of the first UK women to get the vote, the #metoo campaign and a focus on the gender pay gap, we have been wondering about the role of women in cleantech entrepreneurship.



“There's anecdotal evidence that there are fewer female than male founders in low carbon entrepreneurship but not much insight into the extent of this gap or how to encourage more women into the sector.



“This research will uncover some of the reasons behind any imbalances so that we can propose solutions to political and business leaders. Women have so much to offer the cleantech sector, but it appears that their potential is currently being squandered.”



The research will also help inform the Mayor of London’s Better Futures project, which is supporting the development of a cleantech innovation cluster.



It is giving 100 small businesses the boost they need to be successful in London and create a hub for low-carbon industries in the city. The new study will help identify ways to ramp up women’s involvement and leadership in this hub and the sector more broadly.



If you would like to contribute to the study please start by completing this short online survey, available until April 13.



For more information on the LSDC’s Women in Cleantech work, please visit its Cleantech and Innovation pages. More information on the Mayor of London’s Better Futures project can be found here.