Aurecon appoints new lead for its climate transition advisory unit

Aurecon has appointed Dr Belinda Wade as Principal, Sustainability & Climate Change to lead its climate transition risk consulting across Australia and New Zealand.

With over two decades’ experience in sustainability-related positions and a PhD focused on corporate decarbonisation, Wade will lead Aurecon’s Transition Strategy team to help identify climate transition risks and opportunities and develop climate change response strategies for clients.

Paul Gleeson, Managing Director Energy – Australia & New Zealand and Group Director – Sustainability at Aurecon, said Wade’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, Wade 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,” 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.”

Wade’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.

Her experience spans consulting, electricity utilities, academic research and leadership. Before joining Aurecon, she spent more than a decade working in research, leadership and academic positions at the University of Queensland, focusing on organisational carbon management and sustainability. She also spent several years as part of the steering committee of peak sustainability body Future Earth Australia.