NewsAurecon appoints Dr Belinda Wade to elevate climate transition advisory practice

Paul Gleeson, Managing Director Energy – Australia & New Zealand and Group Director – Sustainability at Aurecon commented that Belinda’s appointment represents a significant step forward in elevating our sustainability and climate change services through a full-service model in climate transition risk.

“Climate transition practice is rapidly evolving and has burgeoning demand for expertise in corporate decarbonisation. As designers, engineers and advisors, we play a vital part in supporting our clients in transitioning to a net-zero carbon future and co-creating a better future for people and the planet.”

Excited about her position at Aurecon, Belinda said that climate transition risk is a major challenge facing organisations in every market today.

“Tackling the challenges associated with climate transitions requires an integrated strategy at a corporate level. My key focus will include understanding the challenges and opportunities for Aurecon’s clients and applying the team’s diverse range of capabilities and depth of expertise in transition risk management to support their journeys,” Dr Wade said.

“Taking the long view, it’s imperative we marry social considerations with technical capabilities to overcome roadblocks as organisations strive for net zero and competitive success in a decarbonised marketplace. Decarbonisation calls for a suite of new investments and changes, which necessitates a shift in both mental and business models.”

Dr Ben McGarry, leading Aurecon’s Decarbonisation team, said that he appreciates the insight and complementary skillset that Belinda brings. “I’ve known Belinda for a couple of decades now, and it’s a thrill to have such eminence bolstering the team. The climate transition is a wicked problem that knits together complex social, technical and market issues, and it takes deep thinkers like Belinda to be able to articulate and address the challenges in a way that recognises that complexity.”

Belinda’s research has examined decarbonisation pathways, climate metrics and wider sustainability topics, including circular economies. Through this work she has developed methods that deepen the knowledge of sustainability challenges and promote acceptance and action.

Belinda’s experience spans consulting, electricity utilities, academic research and leadership. Before joining Aurecon, Belinda has spent more than a decade working in research, leadership and academic positions at the University of Queensland, focusing on organisational carbon management and sustainability. Other roles include Independent Consultant at Alinta Energy, Environmental Portfolio Manager at ENERGEX Retail and Market and Commercial Analyst at Tarong Energy Corporation.

Belinda spent several years as part of the steering committee of peak sustainability body Future Earth Australia. She regularly features at major international conferences, in academic journals, practitioner publications, and the mainstream media in both Australia and overseas.