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Climate change and circular economy specialist Devni Acharya brings expertise to Asia Pacific

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Trish Sunga Trish Sunga Australasia Press Office,Sydney
17 May 2021

Internationally experienced consultant Devni Acharya has been appointed to drive Arup’s work across climate change, the circular economy and resource and waste management in Asia Pacific.

Based in Singapore, she will work with clients to navigate the climate crisis using circular economy approaches and to developing strategic net zero programmes.  

Devni has consulted on projects across the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, advising cities, investors and developers on circular economy projects as they work towards their net zero carbon targets and total value ambitions.

“

Many organisations are declaring the climate emergency and have set targets for a net zero carbon future but they may not know how to get there. I believe the circular economy is the answer. ”

Devni Acharya Devni Acharya Senior Consultant, Advisory, Planning and Design, Singapore

“Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy, the circular economy is about developing new business models and designing the right policies to maximise the circulation of the available resources. This will help us meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement,” Devni said. 

Before moving to Asia, Devni was working with the British Film Institute to develop a vision and opportunities for low carbon and sustainable film production. Other notable projects include developing circular business requirements for The Crown Estate, introducing circular economy principles to the sustainable infrastructure strategy for the Western Sydney Airport, identifying circular economy opportunities that meet the resilience objectives of Uruguay's capital Montevideo and undertaking a waste technology review for the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. 

“

With Arup’s own ambition of being a net zero organisation by 2030, Devni is joining us at an exciting time. Her strategic skills, technical expertise and passion for progress will provide sound counsel and practical advice for those who are equally committed to safeguarding our planet. ”

Andy Hodgson Andy Hodgson Global Advisory Services Leader
Devni Acharya smiling in Arup's Singapore office Devni Acharya smiling in Arup's Singapore office
Devni Acharya will work with clients to navigate the climate crisis using circular economy approaches

Devni has worked with leading institutions such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) and Climate-KIC on circular economy knowledge products focusing on cities and real estate. 

Alongside experts in these organisations and within Arup, Devni has brought her insights to research publications such as Realising the Value of Circular Economy in Real Estate, Circular Economy in Cities requires a Systems Approach, and on projects such as the EMF’s circular economy online resource for city planners and urban policymakers.   

Devni has just completed a secondment with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group as the technical adviser for the Climate Action Planning Programme in Southeast Asia. In this role, she provided strategic and technical support to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Quezon City as part of their commitment to develop Paris Agreement-compliant climate action plans. 

She holds a MEng (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London and is also a Chartered Waste Manager. 

“

The Asia Pacific region is facing severe impacts brought on by climate change. With a systems-based approach and experience in developing strategies across building, infrastructure and cities, I am looking forward to working with clients, whether on circular business transformation projects or developing net zero policy recommendations. ” Devni Acharya Devni Acharya Senior Consultant, Advisory, Planning and Design, Singapore

Publications

The Arup Profile: Issue 3

Read about our new narratives in Southeast Asia as we work with clients to explore emerging low-carbon opportunities, while galvanising against climate-related risks.

Read now
Cover of The Arup Profile: Issue 3

Discover more on circular economy principles