Climate design is a practice in which systems are designed to regulate indoor climates. This practice may also include the design of structures as a whole to accomplish indoor climate control goals.
Heating and cooling professionals are involved in climate design, as are architects, engineers, contractors, and other building professionals. Good climate design can make a crucial difference when it involves keeping indoor spaces healthy and cozy.
The goal of climate design is usually to reach and maintain a stable temperature. Ideally, the systems should support a highly efficient way of doing this, with some buildings being designed so well that heating and cooling systems rarely need to kick on. In addition to keeping temperatures stable and comfortable, climate designers also consider issues like air circulation and incorporate topics such as available natural light into their design.
Climate design includes the installation of heating and cooling systems like fans which are designed to maneuver air through the building. Windows which may be easily opened and shut and other passive systems may be accustomed to help control the temperature without expending energy. For example, an orientational building toward the north ensures that the building gets the maximum amount of warming sunlight possible, reducing the utility's burden.
Find the Right Job in Climate Design
The first thing you need is a PASSION!
Getting into climate design may feel overwhelming because many companies are tackling fascinating problems. If you are feeling bewildered, take a step back and consider where your passion for sustainability stems from. Was there a specific moment when climate action clicked for you? Maybe you are an urbanite who wants to make green cities. Maybe you are an ardent skier who's concerned about warmer winters. Perhaps you recognize someone with a health affliction caused by pollution.
The second thing you need is Design Maturity.
For some people, it's essential to be employed at a design-centric company that has a design team and principles in its position. At these kinds of companies, you may likely work alongside other designers who you will learn with. You will probably have thorough guidelines to keep up and robust leaders who will influence business decisions.
For others, the challenge of being on a team is exciting. Performing at a company that doesn't have a design practice can offer you the prospect of making a system from scratch, working across different departments, and educating teammates.
The third thing is Tech Maturity.
When it involves climate design, some companies are in the early stages of developing breakthrough innovations while others focus on proven solutions. So, does one want to be at the frontier of emerging technology? Or, are you more well-off with something tried and true?
The extent of tech maturity can affect the pace and intensity of your work. It should even affect your job security. Consider your tolerance for risk and ambiguity as you commence your job search.
The fourth thing to consider is Market Maturity.
In addition to tech and style maturity, you will also want to give some thought to market maturity. There are climate tech companies that replace existing systems or products with something more sustainable. There are also companies redefining entirely new categories. Reflect on how whether the user base has crossed the chasm from early adopters to the early majority. Consider which level of market maturity aligns with your passion for risk.
How to Position Yourself for a Role in Climate design
After deciding what varieties of climate design companies and roles you wish to pursue, the next logical step is to strengthen your unique qualifications for those opportunities. If you've worked with a sustainability initiative, it will serve you well in your job search. If not, don't fret! There are many ways to make the relevant experience for the position you wish.
For instance, you can attend events to deepen your knowledge and connect with individuals within the field. You could also consider starting a self-initiated side project centered around an environmental cause that aligns with your passion. Or, you can volunteer your talents with a neighborhood non-profit. Also, consider joining climate tech communities like climate designers and My Climate Journey to immerse yourself within the space. The ability to talk intelligently about sustainability and show relevant design work will always help potential employers gauge the worth of bringing back to their company.
