Thalia Konaris

Thalia Konaris (MEng, MPhil) has been working as a research assistant at the Centre for Sustainable Development since July 2011.

Email: tk368@cam.ac.uk

Thalia Konaris is a research assistant at the Centre for Sustainable Development, working primarily on the collection and assessment of sustainability assessment systems currently employed in the infrastructure sector globally. The work is being commissioned by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and will lead to the publication of the FIDIC State of the World 2012 report on 'Sustainability Assessment in Infrastructure'. The aim of the report is to bring to light the challenges faced by consultant engineers in incorporating pro-sustainability measures in client projects, but more importantly to offer solutions to these challenges by showcasing the latest methodologies and tools employed in the sector. The assignment and ultimate report will aim to inform on sector-specific sustainability standards and guidelines, sustainability assessment frameworks, emerging terminologies, and pioneering work around the world through case-studies. The assignment is conducted with an underlying philosophy of sustainability as a pursuit for 'resilience','security', 'abundance' and reduction of 'risk'.

In parallel, Thalia is conducting research in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology in Japan on 'Quality Assessment in the International Development Non-Profit sector: Developing a tool for assessment, capacity building and accreditation'. This assignment aims to investigate the potential for the development of quality guidelines for assessment of both the internal sustainability of civil society organisations and also their effectiveness in achieving their vision according to their mission and own model for poverty alleviation. The key drivers for this work include the need for independent/unbiased assessment and showcase of successful southern NGOs, transparency and communication of the diversity of poverty alleviation models within the sector, capacity building of southern NGOs to fulfill their own strategies, and more confidence in international donors of individual, small and medium-sized southern organisations.

Prior to her post as research assistant at the centre, following an MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thalia completed the MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development in 2008 and then carried out an internship with the international charity Practical Action and an internship with the energy consultancy Eco Ltd and the now established charity HEDON Household Energy Network. Her involvement with HEDON has continued as editor for the journal 'Boiling Point' which advises energy practitioners on topics of household energy in developing countries. She has so far overseen the publication of Issue 58 on the theme of 'Marketing household energy', and Issue 59 on 'Energy in Conflict and Emergency Relief'.