Carol enjoyed a 15-year career in the aerospace industry working on civil aerospace projects. But, during the pandemic, she decided that it was time for a change. Last year, Carol left aerospace and relocated to a small town on the West Coast of Scotland, Lochgilphead, to play a pivotal role in the renewables industry.

“When I had my son a few years ago, I really started thinking about what climate change would mean for his future and what I could do about it. When the pandemic hit, we decided as a family to move back to Scotland. Now, I’m part of a team refurbishing wind turbine components, reducing waste and boosting the green economy. I feel like I'm contributing to something really, really worthwhile.”

Renewable Parts Ltd was established in 2011 to help the wind industry become more sustainable. Engineers, like Carol, return used wind turbine components back into service.

“The wind industry, like many industries, follows what we call a ‘linear resource usage model’ – effectively using parts that you’ll throw away… what we're trying to do here is implement a circular model. Recycling is, I think, the second worst thing you can do before throwing something away.

“I don’t really feel like a climate hero, I feel like I’m just doing my job. But I feel privileged to be part of something that’s making such a direct positive contribution to society.”