CLIMATE CHANGE

Challenges

Climate Change dramatically threatens the world’s ecological and social systems, yet, it also offers a vast potential for innovation. GFA Group involves across the globe to stimulate sustainable development and resource use, and to improve living conditions without compromising the natural system. Our experts support governments and communities in responding to the challenges of climate change through innovative measures that not only help reduce emissions and increase resilience but also harness co-benefits such as increased employment and economic development. With our wide-ranging expertise, which is deeply rooted in the technical business units of GFA Consulting Group, our Climate Competence Center, and our specialised companies HEAT GmbH, GFA Climate & Infrastructure, GFA South East Europe, and GFA ENTEC, the GFA Group strives to make a difference towards achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement – creating resilient, low carbon systems fit for future prosperity and growth. To this end, the GFA Group has specifically devised the Climate & Energy Cluster as a platform for exchange and cooperation between all business units across GFA Group to leverage synergies and shape a unique service portfolio that provides effective solutions towards a sustainable green development.

GFA concept and services 

POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND REGULATIONS Strategies and Regulations -  The GFA Group advises UNFCCC member states on the development and implementation of national and sectoral policies, strategies and regulations. In order to instigate and facilitate transformational changes, GFA provides policy support comprising the design and support for the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDC), nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMA), national adaptation plans (NAP), low emission development strategies (LEDS), greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and the modelling of GHG mitigation scenarios. In providing technical advice, we thrive to harness cost-efficient emission abatement and adaptation potentials.

MRV SYSTEMS & TRANSPARENCY FRAMEWORKS - he GFA Group supports the development of integrated and permanent monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) structures that allow accounting for GHG emissions and tracking mitigation and adaptation efforts at a national, sectoral or project level. GFA facilitates monitoring and evaluation of effects and progress of climate strategies such as NDCs, the progress and effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation action, and the impact of financial support. This approach adds value beyond the quantification of GHG emissions by creating accountability and ownership for a live monitoring system.

INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES AND INSTRMENTS - The GFA Group supports public and private entities in developing viable funding structures, and in identifying funding sources for sustainable development projects. Based on commercial lending rates for mitigation or adaptation related investments, GFA develops innovative, cost-effective climate- and carbon finance instruments that provide incentives for leveraging private sector investments. GFA contributes to creating a demand-driven, self-sustaining market for investments in sustainable technologies and services. This is achieved by establishing credit lines for local banks, microfinance institutions and leasing companies, and by supporting the management of these institutions. Credit users are assisted in technical and financial project assessment by identifying technology and material suppliers, and by preparing bankable project proposals. GFA Climate & Infrastructure supports project developers in the private-sector by facilitating structured blended finance to enhance investments in climate-resilient infrastructure which impact on reduced GHG emissions and a sustainable utilization of energy, water and waste in Southern Africa.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT - GFA enhances capacity development among the private and the public sector as well as civil society to address climate change challenges, e.g. enhancing the clean energy transition. Aiming at the development of the employment and labor market sector and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in key industries, GFA experts establish quality assurance systems and qualification frameworks, e.g. for specializations in renewable energy engineering. This includes modern assessment and certification systems in alliance with national education and training structures. GFA develops and conducts competency-based trainings for the energy sector, stimulating the market and creating more and better jobs.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER - The GFA Group supports developing countries in assessing their technological needs, carrying out feasibility studies, and accompanying them in the implementation of large-scale transfers of climate technology. We are involved in the international collaboration that aim at accelerating the global deployment of climate technologies. The latter is institutionalized through UNFCCC’s Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), and more than 160 Nationally Designated Entities (NDEs).

Thematic areas

GFA aims at supporting and enhancing the development and implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures with respect to the most relevant thematic areas and across a wide range of sectors.

CLIMATE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE - GFA supports the formulation and implementation of policies, strategies and sectoral roadmaps, responding to climate change and environmental challenges. Related advice builds on strong quantitative assessments of cost-effective interventions, and an integrated evaluation of co-benefits, which safeguard broad ownership.

GREEN & CIRCULAR ECONOMY, COOLING & WASTE - GFA teams support the implementation of green economy policies, strategies and concepts. We advise our clients in incorporating integrated life cycle assessments (LCA) and cost assessments in governmental procurement procedures to reduce governmental expenditure and environmental impacts of waste management. In the cooling sector, HEAT offers vast experience in the development of national low-carbon cooling plans. These cover the phase-down of ozone-depleting substances and drafting of related policies and standards such as minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and labelling schemes.

> Download factsheet CIRCULAR ECONOMY (PDF)
 
CLIMATE-RESILIENT WATER MANAGEMENT - GFA offers guidance and technical concepts for water sector institutions and service providers to cope with management and investment challenges in relation with direct and indirect impacts of climate change. Experts work towards making sanitation systems economically viable, socially acceptable and technically and institutionally appropriate. Protecting both human health and the environment includes the development of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks for a sustainable management of water supply systems.
 
RENEWABLE ENERGIES & ENERGY EFFICIENCY - The GFA Group supports the displacement of fossil fuels and the reduction of GHG emissions in the energy sector. Our experts are specialised in rural electrification, grid integration of renewable energies, retrofit of building stocks, and the implementation of energy management systems for industries and the public sector. GFA services cover on- and off-grid renewable energies of all scales, including mini and micro-grid solutions. Moreover, efficiency measures in industry, buildings and households comprise improved heating and cooling systems and insulations.
 
FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION & BIODIVERSITY - GFA combines international best practices with local knowledge and methods to provide cutting-edge advice in combating deforestation, forest degradation and biodiversity loss. The company has gained vast experience in designing and implementing forest management and forest landscape restoration (FLR) programs, and contributing to the management of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) funds in several countries.
 
CLIMATE ADAPTATION IN AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT - GFA promotes a cross-cutting approach for the sustainable use of natural resources, combining pro-poor development and green growth. Our experts conduct participatory vulnerability and risk assessments to identify and implement appropriate adaptation measures, notably in the fields of agriculture and natural resources management. These measures include sustainable water and soil management techniques and the implementation of climate smart agricultural production using new varieties and breeds, sustainable irrigation technology and agroforestry.
 
TRANSPORT & MOBILITY - The GFA Group improves transport infrastructure and reduces GHG emissions in the transport sector by promoting modal shifts to non-motorized, shared and mass transport. Concepts for the replacement of conventional fuel-powered vehicles promote e-vehicles or hydrogen/fuel cell vehicles in the heavy-duty transport or green freight sector, and introduce parking management and congestion pricing. Moreover, GFA experts engage in awareness raising and capacity development for eco-driving and the use of public transport in developing countries, and they promote transit-oriented development in cities.

CLIMATE-RESILIENT CITIES - Consultants at the GFA group develop energy and climate plans for cities, support institutional capacity development at the municipal level, and advise on the creation of resilient urban infrastructures. Related expertise also covers integrated planning and digital solutions for smart cities.  

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