A recent graduate of EnergyLab’s Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship (WICEF), Susie Page is turning her policy insight into bold, systems-based climate innovation. In this Q&A, Susie Page shares her journey—from studying in Glasgow and the London School of Economics to leading transport sustainability in Western Australia. Read on for her reflections on climate leadership, her ideas to decarbonise heavy vehicle transport, and advice for other women ready to lead change.
Tell us a bit about you. Who is Susie Page? And, how did you come to work in climate?
I always enjoyed science and arts at school so when it came to university, I took the middle path and studied social sciences. My undergrad was at University of Glasgow in Literature and Politics where I have some Scottish heritage through my dad, and my Masters at London School of Economics in Environment and Development as a stepping stone to working on climate action, my main passion after learning about it at school.
I graduated during the global financial crisis and economic crash in 2009 which was challenging and I wasn't sure what path to take initially so I tried different environmental and sustainability roles in my early career. Then for the last 12 years I have primarily been working in transport and infrastructure. I worked on the planning, design and construction of large-scale infrastructure projects in the UK, mitigating environmental impacts on the project and working across multidisciplinary teams. Since moving to Perth, I have been working with the Department of Transport as Sustainability lead on the METRONET program and more recently on strategic climate policy and circular economy at state and national level to decarbonise the transport sector.
Why did you decide to apply for the EnergyLab Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship?
While I do enjoy my role working across different levels of government, the outcomes are not as tangible in policy and occur over long periods, so I wanted to get involved in the WICEF program with EnergyLab to explore some key problems which cannot be resolved by government alone.
When I was in the UK, I started a business after my twins were born making toys with 3D printing using recycled PET and bioplastic. The technology wasn’t quite ready for my idea, and we had the chance to move to Australia with my partners job, so I decided to park it and even though it didn’t work, it was a good learning experience. I’ve always enjoyed exploring new ideas and when I saw the callout on Linkedin for the program I decided to test out an idea I had identified some time ago at work. Having a female focus made it seem less daunting. I thought it would provide me with the know how I didn’t have when trying out my first business idea.
'Over 90% of truck owners are small to medium enterprises owning 5 or less trucks and 70% own only one truck. So, the transition will be incredibly slow over several decades without supporting SMEs to access finance, grants and knowledge to take up clean energy technology.'
Tell us about your startup idea. What problem are you solving? What is your vision/mission?
The idea I brought to the program was focussed on the issue of heavy vehicle transition to electric trucks. Through research we have done internally [at the Department of Transport], we know over 90% of truck owners are small to medium enterprises owning 5 or less trucks and 70% own only one truck. So, the transition will be incredibly slow over several decades without supporting SMEs to access finance, grants and knowledge to take up clean energy technology.
There is currently an implementation gap between what support the government can provide and the reality of running a small business with many barriers to overcome in adopting clean tech. My business idea Electric Switch is focussed on providing free support to small businesses, helping them to save money by accessing finance to adopt clean energy tech – solar, battery storage, electric trucks and chargers. I’m still researching business models and understanding whether there is appetite from small business to transition or if it's still too early.
'My main objective in joining the program was to gain some confidence and knowledge in starting my own venture in a structured way and building my network. It has more than achieved this for me.'
What has been your biggest learning during the Women and Climate and Energy Fellowship?
The WICEF program has been the highlight of my week for the last few months mainly as it nurtures my creative, curious mind, but also because of the incredible people and women I’ve connected with in the climate and energy space in Australia. My main objective in joining the program was to gain some confidence and knowledge in starting my own venture in a structured way and building my network. It has more than achieved this for me so my only barrier to getting out there now is time and money. I have 9-year-old twins and a mortgage to pay so I can’t just drop everything and start tomorrow, I have to plan more carefully and build a cushion.
Any advice for women considering applying for the fellowship?
If you are curious, not sure where to start, want to meet some interesting and inspiring women, and gain some confidence in starting your own venture to solve climate and energy issues, then the Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship is the program for you. It's your journey and you can choose your own adventure including when and how you start.
Interested in joining EnergyLab’s Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship? Head over to our website to fill out an EOI form. If you have any questions, email Milly at [email protected].
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