Factoring climate change into strategy
Golder Associates
Both the public and private sectors face the prospect of having to address sustainability in the face of a changing climate. Even with attempts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as the reduction of carbon emissions, it is widely accepted that many of the anticipated changes will take place irrespective of these efforts, and there is a need to adapt current and future policies, infrastructure and physical assets and processes.
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Golder climate change service strengths include:
- Integrated vulnerability assessment in terms of
various economic sectors (health, water resources,
biodiversity, agriculture)
- Adaptation planning for government and industry
- Advanced stakeholder consultation skills with the
public and government agencies
- Experienced biologists, archaeologists and
scientists to conduct focused field studies
- Proven regulatory strategies
- Expertise in environmental assessments
- Geotechnical and engineering expertise related
to design
- Determining feasibility of land use and impacts
associated with climate change
- Identification and measurement of short- and
long-term impacts for avoidance and mitigation
- Developing cost-effective environmental
management plans
- Developing and implementing post-construction
monitoring programs
- Interpreting environmental assessment regulations
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Climate risks pose a challenge for strategic decision-making, and influence an organisation’s investment decisions in order to reduce financial, safety, operational, community and environmental impacts. Responding to the threat of climate change is a real and current strategic requirement for our clients in private and governmental sector institutions.
Golder Associates is a well-respected global company specialising in engineering and environmental services. Planning for climate change is an integral part of these services. By meeting client needs and building strong relationships, our people have made Golder one of the most trusted sources of professional services in the world. Operating since 1960, Golder employs more than 7,000 people in more than 150 offices around the world.
Golder is committed to running our business, interacting with our community, and serving our clients in ways that enhance the lives of people affected by our work, whether now or in the future. We strive to proactively balance economic development with environmental stewardship and social development. We are convinced this effort contributes significantly to our competitive advantage and business success.
Golder provides strategic project management and technical resources in support of climate change vulnerability and adaptation projects.
Golder’s Climate Change and Carbon Management Services
| Greenhouse Gas, Carbon and Energy Services |
Risk Management |
- Renewable energy assessment and project development,
in particular related to solar, landfill and biogas and
biomass opportunities
- Voluntary and regulated carbon-offset project delivery
(including the Kyoto Mechanism and trading support)
- Corporate carbon solutions, including emissions
inventory and verification and greenhouse strategy
- Energy management and efficiency services
- Developing and delivering Carbon Capture and Storage
services and opportunities
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- Prepare locally and institutionally relevant scenarios of
climate change to focus adaptation options
- Assess the climate change threats to existing and
future infrastructure, assets, processes
- Evaluate risks in terms of:
◊ Business performance
◊ Access to critical natural resources
◊ Community and worker health and safety
◊ Environmental performance
- Prioritise aspects needing adaptation
- Design adaptation plans which are drawn into
sustainable development plans
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Impact on cities
Golder’s integrated approach to the climate change challenge has resulted in the completion of several innovative projects globally. This is reflected in our leadership of a three-year project in Durban, South Africa. Durban is a coastal city which is highly vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise, temperature increases and increased precipitation. Working closely with local government, Golder is compiling an Integrated Assessment Tool for the analysis of these impacts.
Our climate changes services approach has been applied to various sectors, including agribusiness, financial, manufacturing, mining, and oil & gas. In advising the developer of a mine, Golder was able to assist the developer with ensuring that climate change was incorporated into project design improving resilience and reducing the footprint of the facility. This approach resulted in a project that was both resilient to climate change and significant long-term cost savings to the client.
At Golder, we recognise that the concept of climate change is new to many of our clients. Golder’s experienced consultants advise organisations at the highest level to factor climate change into strategic planning and behavioural change.
Golder Associates strives to be the most respected global company specialising in ground engineering and environmental services. Employee owned since our formation in 1960, we have created a unique culture with pride in ownership, resulting in long-term organisational stability. Golder professionals take the time to build understanding of client needs and the specific environments in which they operate. We have offices in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America.
 Golder Associates
W: www.golder.com
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