Organizations can meet their sustainability goals by enhancing energy efficiency, improving waste management practices, and integrating renewable energy within their operations !
Shubham Kale, our next pathbreaker, works as Sustainability Consultant at Greentar Renewables, a renewable energy consultation firm that helps organizations with solutions that pave the way for a healthier planet.
Shubham talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about one of his most memorable and impactful projects working on a solar electrification initiative for an off-grid rural community which had limited access to electricity.
For students, always strive to create value— whether in your community, organization, or through your work. Small, meaningful contributions often lead to bigger changes.
Shubham, can you explain your background to our young readers?
I grew up in India, in a family that deeply values education and environmental stewardship. My father, a government employee, often shared stories about rural development projects, while my mother, an educator, instilled in me the importance of lifelong learning. This early exposure to community-oriented work fostered a sense of responsibility toward societal and environmental issues.
Academically, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, driven by my curiosity about nature and sustainability. I later completed a Master’s in Renewable Energy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, which allowed me to delve deeper into the technical aspects of clean energy systems and sustainable solutions.
Beyond academics, I was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including environmental clubs, debate societies, and volunteering with NGOs focused on conservation. I also had an early fascination with technology and data, which later translated into proficiency in tools like Power BI and sustainability reporting.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
For my graduation, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, where I developed a strong foundation in ecological systems, environmental policy, and sustainable resource management. During this time, I participated in fieldwork, research projects, and awareness campaigns that deepened my understanding of environmental challenges and solutions.
For my postgraduate studies, I earned a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from Heriot-Watt University. This program offered me a deep dive into sustainable energy technologies, system design, and their integration into modern infrastructure. I worked on projects involving wind, solar, and energy storage systems, which honed both my technical and analytical skills. One of the highlights was designing energy efficient solutions for real-world scenarios, which bridged academic knowledge with practical applications.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Sustainability?
My career choice in sustainability and renewable energy was driven by a blend of personal influences, mentors, and pivotal moments. Growing up, my father’s involvement in rural development and my mother’s dedication to education instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward societal and environmental issues. During my undergraduate studies, a professor’s passion for conservation and sustainability inspired me to see how academic knowledge could drive real-world impact.
A life-changing experience was working on a solar electrification project during an internship, where I witnessed the transformative power of clean energy in an off-grid community. Later, my postgraduate projects at Heriot-Watt University reinforced my passion, blending technical expertise with sustainable practices. Founding Greentar Renewables further cemented my commitment to driving clean energy adoption. These experiences and mentors collectively shaped my mission to create sustainable solutions for a better future.
Tell us about your career path
I carefully planned my career path by aligning my academic choices, internships, and job roles with my passion for sustainability. I earned a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering.
My first internship involved working on a solar electrification project for off-grid communities, which gave me hands-on experience in renewable energy solutions. I pursued a Master’s in Renewable Energy Engineering at Heriot Watt University to gain technical expertise in clean energy systems.
This was followed by roles focused on sustainability reporting and project management, where I honed my analytical and data management skills. At Highland Hospice, I developed strategies to reduce energy consumption and waste, further solidifying my practical knowledge.
Founding Greentar Renewables allowed me to consult on renewable energy projects, deepening my industry experience. I also built valuable networks through collaborations with NGOs, startups, and mentors, which helped me transition into roles that align with my goal of driving sustainable change.
How did you get your first break?
I got my first break during my undergraduate studies when I secured an internship working on a solar electrification project for an off-grid rural community. This opportunity came through a recommendation from one of my professors, who recognized my passion for sustainability and problem-solving. The project allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world challenge, designing and implementing renewable energy solutions that transformed lives by providing reliable electricity to schools and homes.
This hands-on experience not only strengthened my technical skills but also reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in sustainability. It also expanded my professional network, connecting me with industry experts and mentors who guided me further. This first break set the foundation for my future roles and equipped me with the confidence to take on larger, impactful projects in the field of renewable energy and sustainable development.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Limited Practical Experience – When I began working on my first solar electrification project, I realized that theoretical knowledge wasn’t enough to address on ground challenges, such as community-specific needs and logistical constraints. To overcome this, I proactively sought guidance from senior team members and engaged directly with the community to understand their requirements. This collaborative approach helped me tailor practical solutions that balanced technical feasibility with local expectations.
Navigating Cross-Disciplinary Roles – Transitioning from technical roles to broader sustainability initiatives required managing diverse tasks, from reporting to stakeholder engagement. To address this, I enhanced my skills in data management tools like Power BI and improved my communication abilities through constant practice and feedback. This made me adaptable across roles and effective in presenting technical data to varied audiences.
Scaling Impact Through Entrepreneurship – Starting Greentar Renewables posed challenges in gaining client trust and competing with established firms. I tackled this by emphasizing my niche expertise in renewable energy and sustainability, leveraging past projects to build credibility, and creating personalized, impactful solutions for clients. Networking and consistent delivery helped me gain momentum over time.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I currently work as a Sustainability Consultant at Greentar Renewables, a renewable energy consultation firm I founded
I tackle issues like energy inefficiency, waste management, and renewable energy integration while helping organizations meet sustainability goals.
Skills Needed:
The role requires expertise in renewable energy systems, project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. I acquired these skills through my Master’s in Renewable Energy Engineering, internships, and tools like Power BI for sustainability reporting.
What’s a typical Day like?
A typical day involves energy audits, analyzing data, consulting with clients, and managing renewable energy projects.
What do you love about this job?
I love creating tangible, positive impact, such as helping businesses lower emissions and empowering communities with clean energy. It’s fulfilling to turn technical knowledge into meaningful change.
How does your work benefit society?
My work directly benefits society by promoting sustainable development and addressing critical environmental challenges. Through Greentar Renewables, I help organizations adopt renewable energy solutions, reducing their carbon footprint and dependence on non-renewable resources. Projects like solar electrification for rural areas bring reliable, clean energy to underserved communities, improving their quality of life by powering schools, clinics, and businesses.
Additionally, by designing sustainability strategies, I enable businesses to operate more efficiently, minimizing waste and conserving resources. This not only benefits the environment but also encourages responsible corporate practices that positively impact local economies and communities.
My work also contributes to raising awareness about climate change and empowering individuals and organizations to take action. By creating practical, scalable solutions, I aim to make sustainability accessible to all, paving the way for a healthier planet and more equitable society.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
One of the most memorable and impactful projects I worked on was a solar electrification initiative for an off-grid rural community during an internship. The community had limited access to electricity, and many of its members relied on kerosene lamps, which were not only inefficient but also hazardous.
I worked closely with local leaders to design and implement a solar powered microgrid that would provide reliable, clean energy to homes, schools, and clinics. I oversaw the installation of solar panels and batteries, and conducted training sessions for community members on how to maintain the system.
Seeing the immediate positive impact—children studying after dark, businesses thriving with access to electricity, and healthcare facilities improving their services—was incredibly fulfilling. This experience reinforced my commitment to using renewable energy as a tool for social change, and it remains one of the most rewarding projects of my career.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Based on my experience, my advice to students would be:
1. Follow Your Passion But Be Practical: It’s important to pursue what excites you, but also ensure it aligns with practical skills that can make a real-world impact. For instance, while my passion for sustainability and renewable energy guided me, I made sure to develop technical and analytical skills that are essential in the field.
2. Seek Hands-On Experience Early: Internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects are invaluable. They provide insights into the field and help you build a network of mentors and peers. Real-world experience often teaches you things that textbooks cannot.
3. Never Stop Learning: The sustainability field is dynamic. Stay curious and keep learning—whether through courses, industry news, or collaboration with experts. This will help you stay ahead and adapt to new challenges and technologies.
4. Build Relationships: Networking and connecting with people in your field can open doors. Mentors, peers, and professionals can provide guidance, opportunities, and support as you navigate your career.
5. Make a Tangible Impact: Always strive to create value— whether in your community, organization, or through your work. Small, meaningful contributions often lead to bigger changes.
Future Plans?
My future plans are focused on furthering my impact on the sustainability and renewable energy sectors. I plan to implement innovative sustainability strategies, focusing on renewable energy solutions and community-driven projects. I aim to create measurable environmental and social outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.
Long-term, I want to grow Greentar Renewables into a leading consulting firm in the renewable energy space, helping more businesses and communities transition to sustainable energy solutions. I also hope to expand my influence through collaborations with global organizations, particularly in developing nations, to create scalable sustainability models that can be replicated across regions.
Additionally, I aim to continue my learning and stay updated with emerging technologies and sustainability practices. Ultimately, I want to contribute to the global effort in combating climate change and creating a more sustainable, equitable future.