Officeworks, Smart Commercial Solar & AWISE team up for solar project
March 5, 2025
As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, Officeworks, Smart Commercial Solar, and Australian Women in Solar Energy (AWISE) are breaking new ground with the launch of the world’s first all-women-led commercial solar project, setting a powerful precedent for gender diversity in the energy industry.
The entire process of this initiative, from analysis and project management to engineering and performance monitoring, will be led exclusively by female professionals.
Women have long played key roles in renewable energy, yet this project stands out for its complete female leadership at every phase. Strong female representation at both Officeworks and Smart Commercial Solar paved the way for this initiative to emerge organically. At Officeworks, the project team is made up entirely of women, while Smart Commercial Solar actively champions women in leadership roles. Driving further impact, AWISE, a national organisation dedicated to increasing the visibility and participation of women in the solar industry, proudly supports the initiative.
The project will take place at Officeworks Bundoora in Victoria, featuring a 96kW rooftop solar system, 16 times the size of an average home system.
The renewable energy sector faces ongoing challenges, including a major skills shortage and a significant gender imbalance, women currently make up only 25% of the energy workforce. With Australia targeting 82% renewable energy by 2030, this project aims to highlight the breadth of career opportunities available, inspire more young women to enter the industry, and contribute to its rapid expansion.
Officeworks Head of Property Kylie Brockett said: “Officeworks is incredibly proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to ensuring our team represents the communities in which we live and work. There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish and I am so proud to be part of the world’s first ever all-women commercial solar install at Bundoora Officeworks. This project is a true celebration of women in action—designed, managed, and executed entirely by female professionals across property, engineering, project management, analysis, marketing, and installation.”
Smart Commercial Solar Chief of Staff Kathryn Hoogesteger said: “This project is about showcasing the incredible work of the women on our team, but also about inspiring the next generation. The renewable energy sector is growing fast, and if we want it see it evolve and succeed, we need more women to see themselves in these careers.”
AWISE Founding Director Sophie Wright said: “Women have been making significant contributions to the solar industry for years, but this project provides an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their expertise across every stage of a commercial-scale project. By increasing visibility and breaking down barriers, we can attract more women into the industry and help build a more diverse, skilled workforce.”
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : Business Officeworks Skills Solar Project
