Barbara Albert: From Protecting Data to Preserving the Planet

As a cybersecurity specialist, she built digital fortresses, protecting sensitive data from the ever-present threats of the online sphere. It was a lucrative career, a time of technical mastery and constant vigilance. But the arrival of her children brought with it a seismic shift, a re-evaluation of priorities that would ultimately lead her down an entirely new path.
"My previous career before 2009 was all in cybersecurity," Barbara recounts. "It was interesting work, and I made lots of money, but then I had my first child, and I was thinking, this isn't really helping the greater good."

This quiet realisation, coupled with a lifelong love for our environment, became a catalyst for change. In a move that surprised many, Barbara quit her secure job just two weeks before the birth of her second child, choosing to dedicate her future to safeguarding something far more precious than data: the planet itself.

A Leap of Faith and a Newfound Passion‍

Entering the world of sustainability, Barbara initially saw it through a somewhat simplistic lens – resource efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction. But a short course in carbon accounting opened her eyes to a hidden universe of intricate challenges and untapped potential.

Suddenly, carbon emissions weren't just an abstract concept; they were quantifiable, measurable and, most importantly, manageable. This newfound understanding ignited a passion for decarbonisation, setting the stage for the next chapter in her journey.

2015 saw the creation of 100% Renewables, a company born from the merger of Barbara's budding enterprise and that of her business partner, Patrick Denvir. Today, as Co-CEO, she leads a team that's as diverse as the challenges they tackle. 100% Renewables are, in essence, decarbonisation partners for businesses. They guide organisations of all sizes through the complexities of measuring, managing and reducing their environmental footprints.

Decarbonisation in Action

‍This work involves helping companies understand their carbon emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and creating carbon inventories. Engineers, meticulous and data-driven, work hand-in-hand with creative minds who craft compelling narratives and engaging visuals.

Engagement specialists, skilled in the art of human connection, ensure that their technical expertise translates into real-world impact. 100% Renewables helps businesses identify their biggest emissions sources, set realistic reduction targets and develop actionable strategies to achieve them.

They also assist with navigating the increasingly complex landscape of climate risk and mandatory reporting, ensuring their clients are both compliant and prepared for the future.

Community, Collaboration and Growth‍

The true strength of 100% Renewables lies in its collaborative approach. It's a testament to the power of collective intelligence, the ability to achieve far more together than any individual could alone.

This ethos is mirrored in the Greenhouse community, a vibrant hub for climate-focused businesses that has become a part of 100% Renewables' story. "It's so rewarding to be surrounded by so many other climate entrepreneurs," Barbara shares, highlighting the unique sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that permeates the space.

One particularly memorable moment at Greenhouse involved an unexpected opportunity to interview Creel Price, the Co-founder of Greenhouse and Investible. The conversation, later featured on Barbara's podcast, Driving Net Profit with Zero Emissions, not only provided valuable insights but also reinforced the power of connection and serendipity within the Greenhouse ecosystem.

Creel's mantra, "Conceive, Believe, Achieve", resonated deeply with Barbara, becoming a guiding principle in her work and a testament to the importance of vision, self-belief and unwavering dedication.

A Global Vision of System Change‍

While 100% Renewables has firmly established itself in Australia, Barbara's sights are set on a global stage. The company is developing a software platform and online training courses designed to empower businesses worldwide to embrace decarbonisation.

"Australia is a beautiful country, but you run into limitations in terms of market size," she explains. The ambition is to create a global network of changemakers, equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of climate action.

This includes innovative solutions like modelling emissions in landfill sites and modelling the sequestration potential of urban forests.

Barbara's ultimate goal is both simple and profound: to make a tangible difference in the fight against climate change. She recognises the urgency of the situation and the need for systemic change, particularly in terms of influencing political leaders to enact policies that support a sustainable future.

"If you could influence world leaders and political leaders on setting the correct policy framework, and for having the right incentives in place," she says, "then you can enable change at a system level."

A Purpose-Driven Mission‍

The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging. But Barbara remains undeterred, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a belief in the power of collective action. She and her team at 100% Renewables believe they are not just building a company, they are building a movement.

And as the team occasionally hums along to "What a Wonderful World," it serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet, the very thing they are striving to protect.

Barbara's journey is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the profound impact one individual can have when they align their passion with their purpose.

Take the next step in your own sustainability journey. Dive deeper into the world of decarbonisation with 100% Renewables' free resources, including their insightful course on Australia's mandatory climate reporting. Or listen to Barbara's podcast for further expert opinions.