#032: Cleantech + #ClimateAction motivations, frustrations, challenges and opportunities – Hugh Parnell of Cambridge Cleantech

The passionate brainchild behind Cambridge Cleantech, Hugh Parnell gives a broad and deep insight into this critical industry as it is today including; the market failings it faces and how to overcome them, the relevance of his own acronym, EECO, the three S’s for start-up success, why we need inspiration from successful cleantech heroes and the collective approach needed to resolve global environmental issues. 

Recorded at the start of COP24, the global climate talks, in Adam Woodhall’s #GameChanger interview we learn how after a working for two decades in the oil industry, Hugh changed course in the year 2000 and has been involved in many environmental ventures in the two decades since and has helped grow a vibrant angel network.  

In addition to his stimulating insights, we go on fascinating journey through his cleantech career, including being the founder and Chairman of Cambridge Cleantech and also non-exec director of five companies, including Enval a ground-breaking circular economy solution.

With the aim of supporting and promoting commercial activities to encourage environmental sustainability initiatives, Cambridge Cleantech are a proactive connector in the green and eco technology solutions space. Hugh first met Adam at the recent Cleantech Venture Day in London, run by Cambridge Cleantech in partnership with the Nordic Innovation Accelerator, where he Chaired this prestigious networking event to bring together start-up companies, larger established organisations and investors.

Useful Links:

Hugh Parnell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughparnellincambridge

Cambridge Cleantech - www.cambridgecleantech.org.uk

Enval - www.enval.com

Nordic Innovation Accelerator - https://www.nordicinnovationaccelerator.com

Cleantech Venture Day - http://www.cleantechday.com/london/

Meet The Buyer Events - https://www.cambridgecleantech.org.uk/events/greater-london-authority-meet-the-buyer-event

Podcast host, Adam Woodhall, is an advisor to cleantech, circular economy and sustainable startups on their growth stories. Connect with him here:

https://twitter.com/adamwoodhall

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwoodhall/

http://www.inspiring-sustainability.com

Chapters:

[02:55] Hugh Parnell - background and career

[04:15] Hugh’s version of eco – an explanation of the EECO framework

[11:23] Governmental obligations and expectations

[13:08] The motivation behind Hugh’s two decades years in the cleantech industry

[15:47] The three S’s – scale, speed and strength: Reality in transforming ideas into business

[17:42] Market failings in the cleantech space and how to overcome these

[19:22] Challenges in the progression of cleantech and sustainable enterprises

[21:56] Evolution of Cambridge Cleantech, their purpose and mission

[24:40] How Cambridge Cleantech is supporting companies to achieve scale

[28:00] Enval circular economy technology

[31:40] Why we need a language that better describes the current situation

[33:30] Importance of designing products with reusable and recyclable options in mind

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