The OUR PLANET sustainability forum was a resounding success that attracted 1,100 delegates from Federal, State and Local Governments, private enterprise, infrastructure owners and operators, the professions, financiers, academia and research institutes.
With an outstanding line-up of speakers including The Honourable Al Gore, Professor Tim Flannery and The Honourable Peter Garrett to name a few, the initiative provided a unique opportunity for leaders to collaborate and workshop solutions for a changing world.
This world-class initiative highlights the significance of harnessing innovation and fostering a sustainable economy that serves society as a whole.
Click here to download the OUR PLANET delegate programme and navigate the left handside links to see filmed highlights from the event and/or download the speaker presentations.
For further details please contact Bernard O'Brien at GHD.
T +61 3 8687 8618
M +61 414 850 779
E bernard.obrien@ghd.com.au
Biodiversity – Reducing the pressure on our ecosystems
Across the globe our vast ecosystems are rapidly changing. From rainforests to deserts, to oceans and beyond, the impacts on the environment, growing population and human activity are apparent.
During this session we will explore some of the world’s eroding hotspots. We will identify strategies to reduce the pressure on ecosystems while meeting the demands for their services such as food, water, timber and fuel, to name a few.
We will also aim to better understand how corporate citizens can engage in conservation initiatives and partner with research institutes to implement solutions.
Integration is the Key – Sustainable Transport Solutions
As mobility escalates, transport providers, Governments and communities are faced with the challenge of developing sustainable solutions for a sector that is one of the leading contributors of greenhouse gas emissions.
How can we work together to overcome congestion, inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, increasing noise and pollution, and our reliance on non-renewable fuels? What countries have a robust integrated transport network in place, and what lessons can we learn from their experience? What role will clean fuels play in a sustainable transport future?
Low Emission Energy Sources – What does the future hold?
Demand is outstripping supply and our worldwide energy needs are expected to rise considerably over the coming years. Many nations recognise that a range of low emission energy sources are critical
In this session we will profile three low emission energy sources: solar; nuclear; and geothermal. We will also assess the benefits, risks and feasibility of other low emission energy sources (e.g.: clean coal, natural gas, wind, hydro, biomass and waste) and investigate what impact they are having on the multi-billion dollar resources sector.
Preserving our most precious resource – Water
Future prosperity depends on the wise management of water, our most important natural resource. Optimal water management includes improving the quality of water, equitable allocation of limited water resources, improved efficiency and smarter delivery.
During this session we will forecast the availability of water to 2020, taking into account the impacts of global warming and the increasing population. We will learn what countries are moving forward with policy reform, and improved infrastructure and planning.
Sustainable Built Environments
Developing and delivering sustainable built environments is essential.
From civic spaces to personal surroundings, the built environment is being transformed by the collaboration of creativity, imagination, emerging technologies and crossdisciplinary knowledge and skill.
Today’s urban landscapes encompass good proximity to services and transport, architecture that embodies leading ESD principles, and innovative water use and energy efficiency.
Sustainability – from global trend to strategy and beyond to implementation
As the global landscape transforms, new businesses emerge and existing businesses revisit the way they operate.
Today, Governments and private enterprise must balance socio-economic prosperity and sound ecological outcomes.
In the final session we will investigate how businesses can reduce emissions, operationalise sustainability, enhance corporate reporting and engage stakeholders.
OUR PLANET included a stellar line-up of speakers from Australia, China, Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Please help to make OUR PLANET a carbon neutral event by completing the survey with information regarding your attendance.
GHD is an international professional services company. Our people deliver innovative solutions by combining technical skill and experience with an understanding of our clients’ objectives and aspirations.
GHD employs over 5,000 people in a network of offices throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, the United Kingdom and Europe.
We serve the global market sectors of Infrastructure, Mining & Industry, Defence, Property & Buildings and the Environment.
Central to our clients' prosperity and GHD's success are forward-thinking architects, drafters, engineers, planners, scientists, surveyors, economists, management consultants and support staff.
GHD embraces the values that have sustained the company since inception – Teamwork, Respect and Integrity.
GHD was established in 1928 and today, is ranked in the world’s top 30 engineering and architecture companies. We are committed to our clients and their stakeholders, being a responsible corporate citizen and improving the quality of life around the globe.
