About Us
Brundtland's Consultants
Stuart Christie
Senior ConsultantStuart Christie
Senior ConsultantHenk is a co-founder and Partner at Brundtland and possesses a profound knowledge of climate change projects and market dynamics. He has worked for companies, government agencies and international organizations across the globe making him a sought-after advisor on the development and application of energy and climate change mitigation policies and measures.
Prior to co-founding EcoMetrix, Henk setup and managed the Sub-Saharan African operations for EcoSecurities/JP Morgan. During this period, he was responsible for the development of the largest portfolio of climate change mitigation projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) on the African sub-continent. In the early days of his career, he gained valuable experience at PwC as a strategy consultant in the energy sector. Henk holds a MSc degree in Business Economics from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Lodewijk has more than 15 years of experience in the area of climate change and low carbon development. During his tenure at PwC Advisory, TNO and EcoSecurities / JP Morgan he focused on the development, financing and commercialisation of low-carbon energy projects and technologies. When co-founding Brundtland in 2009, he widened his focus to climate change and sustainability consulting.
Lodewijk has assisted various organisations, including business and government, across the spectrum of strategy and policy development, monitoring and performance management as well as developing green economy initiatives. He has an in-depth understanding of the local climate change and energy landscape and the challenges and opportunities in Southern Africa.
Lodewijk holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering and successfully completed MBA courses at the Rotterdam School of Management as part of PwC’s management development programme.
Jan Willem has over ten years of experience consulting on economics, public policy and climate change. He is co-author of the book ‘Taxes and the Economy’, published worldwide by Edward Elgar Publishing, UK. The book examines among other things the use and impact of policy measures in the environmental realm. More recently, he co-authored a book on the Paris climate agreement, evaluating the contents of the treaty, the pros and cons of various mitigation measures as well as their socio-economic impact.
He has advised a variety of public and private sector entities on topics ranging from climate change mitigation, GHG performance benchmarking and carbon tax impact assessments to solar PV, waste-to-energy and green transport technologies. Jan Willem holds a MA equivalent degree in Economics from Maastricht University, an LL.M. degree from Harvard Law School and a M.Sc. degree in Finance from the University of Oxford, where he graduated with distinction.
Joseph has a background in ecology, environmental science and climate change research. He completed his undergraduate degree in Animal, Plant and Environmental science at the University of the Witwatersrand, followed by BSc Hons and MSc by dissertation. Through his education, he developed a wide knowledge base around climate change, environmental conservation, nature based solutions and urban climate change resilience. His MSc research focused on quantifying and mapping the environmental benefits provided by green infrastructure in Johannesburg.
This included measuring the carbon stored by the cities urban forest, as well as the role of green infrastructure in preventing flooding and heat-stress. His research and teaching experience allowed him to develop expertise in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as teamwork, writing, project work and problem-solving skills. Through the completion of his degrees, he gained experience in long-duration, multidisciplinary research projects which required data-analysis and the use of statistical, technological and ecological methodologies to solve problems and create value.
Hendrik is a chemical engineer with a passion for automation of technical and managerial processes. He has a multi-faceted academic and professional background in process engineering, IT service management and SQL/PHP programming.
After completion of his Masters in Chemical Engineering at the Groningen University he worked for a number of years at the Fluor Corporation, an American multinational engineering and construction firm, before shifting his focus to Information Systems. He started as an Oracle database administrator and over time progressed his career to ITIL change manager with Logica CMG. Nowadays, Hendrik works as Lead Engineer Electrical, Instrumentation & Automation for Albemarle, an American catalyst company. In this role, he is focused on efficiency improvements as well as designing and implementing automation processes.
Hendrik has substantial knowledge of various programming languages and launched various websites. Hendrik understands well how to meet client-specific requirements and adapt systems while keeping system complexity in check, applying best-in-class IT solutions.
Hendrik leads our offshore IT Development team developing solutions for sustainability performance management.
Nasreen Gardee is a skilled chemical engineer with a passion for process design, optimization, and sustainable solutions. Holding a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, Nasreen has a solid foundation in the principles of chemical engineering, with a focus on innovative projects that demonstrate her commitment to excellence. During her undergraduate studies, Nasreen honed her skills in process design and optimization, exemplified by her fourth-year project. Her project involved the task of designing a 5000-ton methanol production plant from methane, showcasing her ability to tackle complex engineering challenges with creativity and precision.
Through her master’s research, Nasreen developed invaluable skills in research methodology, data analysis, and project management. Her research topic, the hydrothermal carbonization of wastepaper sludge to produce hydrochar, enhanced her understanding of sustainable practices, biomass and biorefinery techniques, waste-to-energy technologies, and the broader environmental impact of engineering solutions. She is dedicated to leveraging her skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the field of chemical engineering and addressing future challenges with sustainable and efficient solutions.
Josh
Josh has a background in chemical and process engineering. He is experienced in process monitoring and optimization within the petrochemical, oil and gas sector. He has worked on a large variety of tasks including, amongst others, the development of tools to track greenhouse gas emissions and optimize business value chain performance. This work showcased his ability to combine skillsets in engineering fundamentals and data analysis to deliver value. In working to track and report on greenhouse gas emissions, he developed an understanding of environmental legislature. His experience in ESG was further developed working in multi-disciplinary teams when submitting reports to the Department of Environmental Affairs.
In his time in the petrochemical industry, he has also focused on water usage within factories and used his skillset to identify opportunities to reduce water consumption. Having spent a year working in project execution teams, Josh is also very adept at writing project documents – be it scope definitions, feasibility reports or design packages. He holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town.
Kinesh
Kinesh is a green business visionary and brings unique insight that combines environmentally sound innovation with economically viable business orientated solutions. He advises on climate change, green growth strategies and the protection of natural ecosystems. Kinesh has been intimately involved in renewable energy for the last 8 years and is a recognised industry leader in field of Photovoltaic or Solar Energy. He has been involved in the development of training courses and standard setting for the deployment Solar PV in South Africa.
He served 2 years as board member at SAPVIA – South African Photovoltaic Industry Association. Kinesh has facilitated numerous workshops all over Africa and has been directly involved in the capacity development of 1500 solar installers from the subcontinent. Kinesh holds a B.Sc. (hons) and M.Sc. degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of the Witwatersrand
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is a versatile software developer with a diverse technical background including nuclear science, engineering, finance, and data science. He possesses a strong foundation in both backend and frontend development, with experience in PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Python. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Science and Engineering, demonstrating his analytical and problem-solving skills.
In the capacity of an Analyst at his previous workplace, Lorenzo played a crucial role in financial analysis, focusing on the mining and insurance sectors. With a keen eye for detail, Lorenzo developed intricate forecasting models to provide insightful projections for company forecasts and valuations. Proficient in financial data retrieval, he adeptly gathered, analysed, and interpreted data from reputable sources like Refinitiv and Bloomberg. A significant contribution was made to the creation of comprehensive reports that offered valuable insights into market trends and financial performance. Lorenzo was also instrumental in crafting visually impactful charts and tables, enhancing the accessibility and clarity of information within these reports. This experience not only refined his analytical skills but also deepened his understanding of the dynamic landscapes of the mining and insurance sectors, reinforcing his ability to contribute effectively to strategic decision-making processes.
As a Software Developer at Brundtland Consulting, Lorenzo is actively contributing to the advancement of their cloud-based solution, EPCAM. Leveraging a skill set that encompasses both frontend and backend development, he plays a crucial role in shaping the architecture and functionality of this innovative platform. Specializing in MySQL, HTML, CSS, and PHP, Lorenzo applies his expertise to create seamless and user-friendly experiences for EPCAM users. By working on both the frontend and backend aspects, he ensures a holistic approach to software development, resulting in a robust and efficient cloud-based solution. This role not only showcases Lorenzo’s technical proficiency but also highlights his commitment to contributing to the success of Brundtland Consulting’s software initiatives.
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Brandon is a dynamic and dedicated software developer with two years of hands-on experience in the field. He began his professional journey as an intern at Quantanite, where he quickly proved his abilities and passion for software development. During this time, he gained valuable exposure to the intricacies of the industry, laying the foundation for his subsequent roles.
In his subsequent role as a Junior Developer at Altron, he continued to refine his skills and expand his knowledge across various domains of software development. He actively participated in the development of cutting-edge solutions, contributing to the team’s success. His exposure to projects at Altron enhanced his proficiency in SQL, C#, HTML, CSS, and PHP, establishing a solid skill set that sets him apart in the competitive field of software development. Brandon’s commitment to personal growth and project diversity is evident in his ventures into Python for personal projects, where he successfully developed applications that showcased his versatility and adaptability. These personal projects not only reinforced his technical capabilities but also demonstrated his ability to think creatively and solve problems efficiently.
Currently, he holds the position of Software Developer at Brundtland, where he plays a pivotal role in crafting innovative web solutions on the EPCAM Cloud solution. Leveraging his expertise in HTML, PHP, and SQL, he actively contributes to the development and enhancement of web-based solutions, further solidifying his reputation as a proficient and results-driven professional.
In summary, Brandon’s two years of experience in software development, coupled with his diverse skill set encompassing SQL, C#, HTML, CSS, PHP, and Python, reflect his commitment to excellence. His journey from an intern at Quantanite to a Junior Developer at Altron and now a Developer at Brundtland showcases his continuous growth and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.
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Kayla Buchanan is a recent graduate of a BSc in Earth Science from Stellenbosch University, specializing in the geo-environmental stream of her Honors degree. Her academic journey continues as she pursues her MSc, focusing on a climate change research project.
Throughout her studies, Kayla has developed a strong passion for understanding environmental systems and the profound impacts of climate change. Her focus has been on identifying the key drivers behind contemporary global warming challenges. Kayla’s academic pursuits have equipped her with a robust foundation in environmental systems. She has actively engaged in fieldwork and data analysis, gaining practical insights into effective environmental management practices.
Currently working as a sustainability intern, Kayla is eager to apply her knowledge and skills to contribute to creating sustainable solutions and advocating for environmental stewardship.
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Nimesha is a recent Civil and Environmental Engineering graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand.
During her academic years, Nimesha found herself drawn to subjects such as Integrated Resource Management and Environmental Management, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering sustainable practices. These subjects covered interesting aspects of sustainability and climate change which moved her to pursue a career sustainability.
In her final year, Nimesha delved deeper into her interests through a research project focusing on the socio-economic impacts of development and national load shedding in Johannesburg, utilizing resource and time efficient Nighttime Light data as a method of tracking development. Additionally, her experience in environmental management extended to part-time work involving laboratory analysis of a new method of wastewater treatment.
Now, as a sustainability intern, Nimesha is thrilled to merge her engineering experience with her passion for environmental stewardship. She is dedicated to contributing her skills towards projects that prioritize efficiency while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
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Dumo holds over a year’s experience at an MBB Consulting Firm where she spent most of her time within the Climate and Sustainability Practice Area. During her time there, she worked in various, multidisciplinary teams developing and supporting client Just Energy Transition strategies. Her most notable contribution was driving a socio-economic model to forecast the net jobs impact for a power utility’s decarbonization strategy using economic principles and rigorous analyses to arrive at her recommendation.
It was through that experience that she developed her analytical and problem-solving skills and, acquired further knowledge into renewable energy. Other topics that she covered included conducting a Development Financial Institution benchmark and creating a portfolio funding tracker. Dumo holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree majoring in Finance and Accounting and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town.
Dumo currently works as a Sustainability Consulting Intern where she looks to continue to build her knowledge base within sustainability and be a part of the solution for a more sustainable South Africa.
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Wendy Rasikhanya has a background in climate change mitigation projects, focusing on nature-based solutions. She has experience in analyzing and developing strategies for carbon reduction projects across Southern Africa and North America.
Her contributions span various carbon market standards, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity (CCB) standard. Wendy has been involved in the generation of feasibility studies to identify carbon sequestration potential in agroforestry and project design documents focusing on ecosystem restoration and sustainable agricultural practices.
Currently pursuing an MSc in Environmental Health at the University of the Witwatersrand, Wendy has a solid academic background in environmental science, including a BSc Honors in Animal, Plant, and Environmental Science from the same institution.
As a Sustainability Consulting Intern, Wendy is enthusiastic about expanding her knowledge in sustainability and climate mitigation while contributing to the firm’s efforts in developing renewable energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
Joris has over 15 years of experience in investment management, M&A advisory and project finance for large scale (renewable) energy projects across the globe. After 10 years of international experience with the energy team of NIBC corporate finance, he switched to Triodos Bank, a Dutch pioneer in sustainable banking. At Triodos Investment Management, he was as head of the investment team responsible for the Ampere Equity Fund, a specialized fund acquiring large scale renewable energy projects. After successfully investing the Funds’ capital in solar and wind projects, he started as independent investment advisor. As such, he is Fund Manager for Energiefonds Brabant, a government owned renewable energy fund, and member of the Investment Committee for Susi Partners’ Renewable Energy Funds.
Tshediso gained several years of experience in assessing and developing renewable energy projects in Southern Africa. Projects concern biowaste to energy including biogas production at a basic sow piggery in Limpopo and solar photo voltaic electricity. He has been seconded to several projects as project development manager and has been active as project developer at his own firm New Black Investments as well. Having acquired a keen interest in biowaste to energy projects, he followed advanced professional training in ‘waste water and ‘waste management’ as well as ‘renewable energies’ in Bayern, Germany. Tshediso holds a BCom in Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand and in addition is trained in project financial modelling and financial business administration.
Our history
The Brundtland Consultancy team originally started out at EcoSecurities, a world leading company in originating, implementing and commercialising carbon credits. EcoSecurities was acquired by JP Morgan in 2009, and in 2010 the South African operations spun-off as EcoMetrix Africa, maintaining its leading position in carbon project development and finance management. In 2022, EcoMetrix Africa was rebranded as Brundtland, a sustainability consultancy company, to reflect the company’s growth over the last two decades and to reaffirm our continued commitment and dedication to providing clients with the broader, holistic sustainability services we now offer.
Ecosecurities
The world’s leading company in originating, implementing and commercialising carbon creditsEcoMetrix Africa
In 2010 spinoff from JP Morgan – EcoSecuritiesCarbon Financing
Initial focus was on carbon financingExpanding focus
The range of services widened to strategy, financing and policyBrundtland
EcoMetrix rebranded to Brundtland1997
EcoSecurities Founded
2005
Listed at London Stock Exchange
2006
EcoSecurities South Africa established
2009
Acquisition by JP Morgan
2010
Spin-off EcoMetrix Africa
2012
Expansion of services
2022
Rebranding to Brundtland
The Brundtland Story
The modern concept of sustainable development – and how it could be achieved – was first introduced in the 1987 Brundtland Report, also called Our Common Future. The report was published by the Brundtland Commission, a sub organisation of the United Nations, which was established to help direct the nations of the world towards the goal of sustainable development. The commission was chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, who served as the 29th prime minister of Norway.
Brundtland reminds us not only of our mission and vision as aligned to that in the Brundtland Report, but also to Gro Harlem Brundtland, as one of The Elders. This group of independent global leaders was founded by former president Nelson Mandela in 2007 and includes Gro Harlem Brundtland, South Africa’s Graca Machel and the late Desmond Tutu, as well as other key global thought leaders including Ban Ki-moon, Mary Robinson and the late Kofi Annan.
At Brundtland Consultancy we embrace the collective wisdom of The Elders, who all worked together for peace, justice and human rights, with a focus on a sustainable development pathway for South Africa, climate justice and urgent action on the climate crisis to ensure a just transition to a low carbon economy.
To assist business, cities and government in making a just transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy and society by striking a balance between the needs of the present and ability of the future generations to meet their own needs in a responsible and equitable manner.
Empower people to create a sustainable planet for future generations.