Erica Olesson

Erica is an Environmental Engineer with three years of experience in environmental design and construction supervision, primarily in the area of solid waste.  Since joining Net Balance, Erica has been involved in energy efficiency assessments, carbon footprint verifications, sustainability reporting assurance, independent product stewardship auditing, and life cycle assessments.

Before moving to Sydney, Erica worked for Tonkin & Taylor engineering consultants in Auckland in landfill design, and contract and construction supervision. This work comprised geometric and liner design, landfill gas extraction system modelling and design, leachate system design, and closed landfill remediation.  Her construction supervision responsibilities included ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory consents, and daily communication with contractors.   Erica’s work also included full cost accounting modelling, active landfill operational advice, building protection measures, and tender and contract preparation. More broadly in the waste sector, Erica has presented at the 2010 WasteMINZ conference on Waste Minimisation and Management Plans, and been involved in Environmental Management Plans for waste transfer stations. 

Erica holds Bachelor degrees in Civil Engineering (with Honours) and Arts from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Prior to studying in New Zealand, she spent 18 months studying Fine Arts in Italy.  Her interest in Environmental Engineering was sparked during this time in Europe, observing society and wanting to make a difference in managing and reducing our impact on the environment.

Outside of engineering, Erica spends her time in her studio painting or out-and-about sketching.  She enjoys walking, and recently completed Oxfam's 100km Trailwalker event in Taupo, New Zealand.  Her time in Europe, in Italy, and subsquently as an intern for a small firm in Switzerland, sparked an interest in languages, and she aspires to improve her Italian and German for future travels.