Press Release: Former Greenpeace director inspires next generation of entrepreneurs

A veteran climate campaigner has shared his extensive experience in the clean energy field with aspiring entrepreneurs in Aberdeen.

Dr Jeremy Leggett, Founder and Chief Executive of Highland Rewilding Ltd, is a world-renowned solar energy entrepreneur and the first Entrepreneur in Residence at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

In a lecture to students at SRUC’s Craibstone Campus in Aberdeen, Dr Leggett shared the story of his journey from solar entrepreneur to the field of natural recovery and his rewilding developments in the Highlands.

Students also listened to his long history of support for action on climate change and the importance of looking for innovative green solutions.

After serving as Director of Science, Climate Campaign at Greenpeace from 1989-1997, Dr Leggett founded international solar energy company Solarcentury and in 2006 set up SolarAid to facilitate the provision of solar energy in Africa. SolarAid received a Google Global Impact Award, a Guardian Sustainable Business Award and an Ashden Gold Award.

Dr Leggett, who was also winner of the Gothenburg Prize for Sustainable Development in 2015, said: “I have spent the last 30 years building international businesses which directly combat climate change using innovative technology through the creation of sustainable community networks.

“It’s great to be able to share the lessons I have learned, and am continuing to learn every day, with so many interested students who could be the next leaders of organisations building a thriving natural economy.

“I am sure they will build on their high-quality experiences at SRUC and graduate into fulfilling roles and for some, create new jobs, which deliver social and environmental value as part of Scotland’s green economic recovery.”

Dr Carol Langston, Director of SRUC’s Enterprise Academy for the Rural & Natural Economy, said: “We are thrilled that Jeremy was able to meet with so many of our students today. It was clear the students were inspired and challenged to think about how they can develop their capacities while at SRUC and how they can each contribute to solving some of our biggest challenges facing the world.”

For further information on SRUC’s Enterprise Academy for the Rural & Natural Economy, visit www.sruc.co.uk/enterprise

You can view the full presentation to SRUC in the blog section.