Clean Tech- often used interchangeably with Green Tech- is any area of technology that seeks to reduce the ecological impact of production whether in energy, water, agriculture, transportation or manufacturing. These jobs span energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as waste reduction, natural resources, conservation, and environmental education. Green technology creates less toxicity or waste, and in many cases reduces energy costs for businesses. What motivates a company to reduce their ecological impact varies across sectors? Even companies that may use more “traditional” practices like Chevron, Siemens, GE, or PG&E see Clean Tech as an opportunity for growth in today’s changing market. Other companies such as Tesla Motors or Solar City may focus more exclusively on Green Tech and may have “ecological impact” higher on their list of potential motivators. Regardless of the specific business and its relationship with clean technology, the sector as a whole is expanding with millions of Americans currently working within the field. As the field grows and evolves, the need for individuals with an advanced degree in business with a focus on green technology has increased. Along with an ever-evolving sector comes with it the need fro an ever-evolving individual. This means that individuals who are comfortable with change, adapt to it, and are life-long learners tend to be the best fit for a job managing the business of clean technology. Business leaders require up-to-date information to help understand the implications of current ecological practices and to guide future decisions paving the way for continual transition into more sustainable practices for businesses and and consumers. An MBA in Clean Technology therefore, is designed for the individual who is looking to work in the business of clean technology. Though other degrees offer programs in the field of sustainability, and may have elements of overlap, the MBA in Green Technology merges both practices.
What is the Difference between a MBA in Clean Technology and a M.S. in Sustainability?
Both of these programs have a number of areas of overlap and we recommend investigating both types of offerings before making a decision. However, there may be some focal points to consider when making your decision. Master of Business Administration degrees cover the typical core MBA programming and include information on clean technology and is best suited for the individual who is aware of either solar, wind, or water technologies and how they are put to use in business across the globe. Those who are looking to implement innovative methodologies to create better and more widely accessible sustainable resources may find that information in an MBA, but may want to consider the M.S. which may be more research-focused than applied and may not include any of the core areas of study that an MBA provides. Though both degrees may include course material on analysis, management, and finance the MBA has more immediate applications while an M.S may be more research-centric.
Think an online sustainability MBA might be the right choice for you? Check out our ranking of the 10 best online sustainability MBAs today!
Green Technology Management Job description
Sustainability jobs represent a large and growing portion of the U.S. workforce across multiple sectors and green technology is a major part of this. Technology is half of clean tech position that requires a multidisciplinary approach to success. While the field needs business leaders, funders, and policy workers, Green Technology jobs require at least a semi-technical understanding of how energy is generated and transmitted, how new technologies work, and the technical barriers and opportunities that exist. The focus of each type of Green Technology will change the job requirements. If for example, an individual is working on solar energy their skill-set and knowledge-set will be different from an individual who is working in a business that sells electric cars.
The median income of an Energy Manager in the United State is $97,577 due to the versatility and dependability required of the individuals. Though there is some difference depending on experience, state, and company the energy manager will develop practical solutions that reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency. This individuals may engage in continual research and will analyze the appropriate use for new renewable resources and technologies. This individual will have years of experience making judgments and think creatively when planning and achieving goals.
Other options within the field include the following:
- Renewable and alternative energy which focuses on renewable – sources of energy, including solar, wind, biofuels, and geothermal.
- Government initiatives like the Smart Grid
- The incorporation of renewable energy into utilities.
Building design and equipping buildings with LED lighting, heating, AC and other energy efficients equipment.
- Transportation Development including electric vehicles for private and public use.
- Waste and wastewater including recycling business, improving the usability of recycled materials and reducing wastewater treatment in industrial processes.
Think an online sustainability MBA might be the right choice for you? Check out our ranking of the 10 best online sustainability MBAs today!
MBA in Clean Technology
A Master’s in Business Administration in Green Technology focuses on business and public policies with regards to energy and green technology and in addition to business will include fundamental technology, engineering, and environmental perspectives. An individual with a background in engineering, technology, or business may wish to pursue a MBA in Clean Technology to round out their knowledge for the workplace. Many programs team up business schools with engineering departments, law schools, and in some schools energy departments to engage with policy and design as well as issues with intellectual property. The best programs are collaborative an provide comprehensive programming to maximize versatility when applying for clean technology jobs while remaining anchored inthe fundamentals of general management. Expect the core curriculum to include data, leadership, communication, microeconomics, accounting, finance, marketing, macroeconomics, ethics and other.
Your specialization in Clean Energy may include programming that examines the Clean Technology industry and effectives ways to enter the market while analyzing the effects of public policy within energy markets. Student engage with financial and legal regulations and will also explore the entrepreneurial side to clean energy. Expect to learn about topics like biofuels, solar energy, wind energy, batteries, energy efficiency, and sustainable building materials. Research aims to build a bridge between scientific energy research and how it fits into the marketplace.
Clean Technology Manager Must-Have Skills:
Communication
Flexibility/ Open to learning
Financial Analysis
Global Awareness
Leadership
Accounting
Management Strategies
Knowledge of Smart Grid
Engineering
Collaborative capabilities
Sales & Operations Planning
Demand Analysis
Business-to-Business Marketing strategies
Customer Service
Visionary
Up-to-Date Knowledge on Climate Change, Renewable Resources, Sustainable Living etc…