Astrid Edwards

Prior to joining Net Balance, Astrid was a Manager with the Allen Consulting Group, where she specialised in Commonwealth and state mitigation and adaptation policy. In particular, Astrid focused on policy mechanisms to introduce a price on carbon (including an emissions trading scheme and a carbon tax), as well as energy efficiency.

Astrid’s recent project management includes:

• considering the impact of immigration on Australia’s sustainability and infrastructure needs to 2050;
• exploring developments in Commonwealth agricultural and forestry abatement policy;
• identifying high level opportunities for Australian firms stemming from policy developments in the international carbon market;
• identifying regulatory reforms to facilitate private adaptation and evaluating potential frameworks to measure and evaluate adaptation policy over time;
• reviewing the contribution that energy efficiency in the building sector can make to reducing emissions and aiding national abatement and examining national incentives to stimulate abatement in the built environment;
• assessing the potential impacts of a carbon price for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries, including the dairy, packaging and refrigeration industries; and
• conducting a cost benefit analysis for expedited approvals for proposed climate-related projects.

Astrid was also the Manager of the Asia-Pacific Emissions Trading Forum (AETF) – an industry organisation and information service dedicated to developments in emissions trading policy in the Asia Pacific region – from 2008 until 2010. In 2010 Astrid facilitated the transformation of the AETF into the Carbon Market Institute (CMI), which is a new organisation that aims to support Australian business and industry access the opportunities arising from the introduction of a carbon price in Australia and developments in the international carbon markets.

Astrid has published several articles, including ‘Combating Climate Change: Market-based Approaches’ in the Australian Master OHS & Environment Guide with Dr Tony Beck. Astrid was also responsible for the publication of the AETF Review – a bimonthly industry journal that explored mitigation and adaptation policy developments in Australia and abroad.

Astrid completed a Master of International Business in 2010. She has also been awarded both a Bachelor of Commerce (Government and International Relations Honours) degree and a Bachelor of Arts (Latin Honours) degree from the University of Sydney, as well as the Diplôme de langue et civilisation françaises from Sorbonne University in Paris.