We’re publishing a series of climate career stories, highlighting the diversity of climate journeys and what makes a climate career.
If you’re interested in contributing, we invite you to share your own story on #climate-careers or reach out to Elisa or Jon on Slack for guidance.
Wilco Burggraaf is the Principal Lead of green software engineering and software engineering at HighTech Innovators. He is passionate about growing a vibrant network of green software practitioners, as well as innovation, performance & a greener tech future.
What is a climate career to you?
To me, a climate career is about giving back to the community that has profoundly shaped me, both socially and intellectually. It’s about leveraging my skills and experiences to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.
How did you get started and what changes did you make in your career to work in this space?
My journey into the climate space wasn’t marked by a dramatic shift or a lengthy decision-making process. It all started when I stumbled upon the Green Software Foundation (GSF) website. I was instantly captivated, and that spark of passion has been burning ever since January of last year. From that moment on, working in this field became more than just a job—it became a calling.
I immersed myself fully, dedicating my days to writing content, building connections, collaborating with experts, and working for my client, Nature Databank Flora & Fauna. I also participated in a hackathon organized by the GSF, which challenged me to innovate and create sustainable solutions.
Whether I’m engaging with sustainability professionals, seeking out eco-conscious customers, learning more about green technology, or contributing to collaborative problem-solving during that hackathon, my commitment to this cause permeates every aspect of my day-to-day life. Eventually, this led me to becoming a Green Software Champion.
What challenges have you faced in making this transition?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the sheer lack of information. I consumed every podcast I could find, like Green IO and Environmental Variables, but none of them provided practical guidance on how to incorporate green coding into my daily work.
Faced with this gap, I took it upon myself to experiment and find solutions. This proactive approach eventually led me to create workshops and consultancy services, where I now train others to integrate green coding practices into their own workflows. It’s been a journey of trial and error, but one that has ultimately empowered me to turn my challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.
Any advice you’d like to share with others on their own climate journeys?
Talk to people—lots of them. In the past year, I’ve had over 100 video calls, and each conversation has been a valuable learning experience. You don’t always need to have something to offer; just engaging in dialogue can open doors and provide fresh perspectives.
The climate community is uniquely approachable, largely because we all share the same urgent goal. By having open conversations, you learn, grow, and eventually find yourself contributing valuable insights. Over time, you naturally develop expertise in your chosen niche, sometimes without even realizing it.
So, my advice is simple: connect, converse, and collaborate. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn—and the more impact you can make, both locally and globally.
You can connect with Wilco on LinkedIn and read more about his work through Medium.
If you’re interested in contributing, we invite you to share your own story on #climate-careers or reach out to Elisa or Jon on Slack for guidance.