Lisha Yang

I currently work as an independent contractor, providing environmental advisory services on climate initiatives, resource recovery and other broader sustainability projects.

Project Experience:

Feasibility Study Review, Reuse Aotearoa Ltd (Ongoing)

I am providing support for Reuse Aotearoa in finalising a feasibility study for Waikato Regional Council, focusing on reverse logistics for reusable packaging systems. My involvements include reviewing the study and providing feedback on gaps, uncertainties, and cost considerations.

I provided technical inputs across both strategic and practical waste management projects across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. My project involvement spans areas such as governance planning, market research, data collection and management, environmental audits, emissions assessment, and waste management plan development. In addition to project delivery, I was responsible for business development, tendering, and client relationship management as the primary point of contact for New Zealand market between August 2024 and December 2024. Notably, I successfully on boarded a major waste company as a new client which led to multiple successfully completed projects.

Project Experience:

Design of household energy storage system recycling scheme, Association of the Battery Recycling Industry (2024)

I undertook a high-level assessment of conditions and requirements for home battery storage system recycling in Queensland. It involved researching and collecting data related household energy storage system deployment in Queensland, modelling of potential future arising of household battery storage systems and reporting.

National waste data audit, Ministry for the Environment (2024)

I supported the collection of waste composition data to assess the potential for landfill gas emissions across a range of landfill types in New Zealand. The work involved conducting site visit, collecting waste data through site observations.

Feedstock offtake agreement, NZ Industry Client (2024)

I assisted in developing contract specifications for offtake agreements to support the client in negotiations with potential feedstock suppliers. Collaborating with colleagues from New Zealand, UK, and Australia, the team identified key specifications for feedstock security and mixing, waste reception, storage and handling, as well as processing and product requirements.

Waste industry data project, Waste Recycling & Industry Forum (2023 – 2024)

I was leading the collation, aggregation and assessment of recycling and disposal data by engaging with the WRIF members, represented by the major waste organisations in New Zealand. Data was closely managed to protect commercial sensitivity and present information in a consistent manner that supports future reporting of waste performance and diversion rates.

Organisational strategy planning, NZ Industry Client (2024)

I provided input into background information and review to support strategic and governance planning for an industry client. A particular focus was on the review of waste legislation, national strategy, targets and past performance, as the basis for determining areas of potential opportunity and risk.

NZ waste to energy policy review, NZ Industry Client (2024)

In support of a waste to energy commercial modelling project, I undertook market research on proposed waste to energy developments in New Zealand, and a review of relevant government waste polices, including landfill levy expansion program, and government position statement.

MRF Condition and performance review, Auckland Council (2024)

I supported the assessment of processing throughput and output quality. This detailed assessment of council owned assets was completed ahead of contractual handovers between commercial operators.

Waste management plans, AU clients (2024)

I developed several waste management plans for proposed infrastructure developments in Australia to support their planning applications. These plans address the generation, management, and recycling of waste from the construction phase through to the operational phase of the development, in line with local regulations and industry standards.

Home composting emission assessment, Auckland Council (2023)

I supported a cost and greenhouse gas emissions assessment for the expansion of a financial incentive scheme to incentive on-site / at-home composting of food scraps, as a complimentary measure to the new kerbside food scraps collection service. The emission assessment was carried out in compliance with the GHG protocols.

In addition to my project experience, I have led the development of several high-value proposals. This involved designing methodologies, coordinating with various technical disciplines, planning project budgets, drafting proposals, and maintaining client communication post-submission. These tasks required the ability to navigate ambiguity, identify client needs or challenges, and recommend tailored solutions. Below is a list of high-value proposals I have led during my time at SLR:

• Waste Reduction Study, Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities, US (2024)
• Social Procurement Opportunities in Organics Material Management, Waikato Regional Council, NZ (2024)
• Kerbside Organics Collection Decision-making Framework and Guide, WasteMINZ, NZ (2024)
• Waikato and Bay of Plenty Waste Strategy and Infrastructure Plan, Waikato Regional Council, NZ (Ongoing 2024)
• Landfill Gas Modelling, NZ Industry Client (2024)

I have spent two and half years working within the waste investment directorate at the Ministry for the Environment, supporting Waste Minimisation Fund and Plastics Innovation Fund. With the recognition for my performance, I was promoted into the Senior Investment Manager in 2023. The key tasks within the both roles are summarised into two main areas outlined below, which are the assessment of funding applications, and the management and oversight of government funded projects.

Project Management of Waste Infrastructure Projects, Waste Minimisation Fund

I led a diverse portfolio of large-scale government-funded waste infrastructure projects totaling $8.7 million. These initiatives encompassed the establishment of construction and demolition processing facilities, organic waste composting facilities, resource recovery park development projects and so on. My key responsibilities in this role included:

• Engaged with funding recipients to define favourable terms and conditions for the deed of funding.
• Oversaw the entire lifecycle of the deed of funding, from execution to project completion.
• Collaborated with local businesses, industry experts, and the broader community, ensuring the delivery of high-quality project milestones.
• Contributed to internal process improvements by creating guidelines, templates, and supporting documentation to assist funding recipients.

Funding Application Assessments, Plastic Innovation Fund

The main focus of my role was to assess funding applications and advise the senior leadership team on funding decisions. This involved evaluating the environmental, economic, and social impacts of proposed projects, such as estimating waste diversion from landfills and emissions reductions. I worked closely with a range of businesses, social enterprises, and research institutes across sectors like reusable packaging, 3D printing, tyre recycling, sustainable building product supplier, and government R&D agencies. Below are the key responsibilities of the role

• Independently evaluated the environmental, social and economic impact of proposals, and generated social return on investment analysis
• Evaluated the economic viability of submissions by carrying out due diligence and market research, considering similar initiatives implemented overseas
• Identified any existing risks and issues with the proposal, proposing mitigation strategies to safeguard the Ministry’s investment via special terms and conditions in funding agreements
• Proactively engaged with internal and external subject matter experts, such as commercial advisor, plastic specialist, incorporating their feedback into funding decisions

Project Experience:

Innovation challenge design, Plastic Innovation Fund (2023)

I designed an innovation challenge with the aim to address the technological and infrastructure gap of New Zealand's recycling ecosystem. I presented the concept of the innovation challenge, demonstrating its objectives, key messaging, and a purposefully designed process and timeline, to the senior leaders of the team.

Plastic innovation fund assessment tool review (2023)

I led the redesign of funding assessment framework to improve its efficiency and usability for the Ministry investment teams. This involved updating scoring criteria, funding application templates and guidelines. The updated guidelines for applicants were published on the Ministry's website in November 2022.

In this role, I had the opportunity to rotate across various teams within the waste department, including contracts and compliance, waste planning, and project delivery. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the core functions of local government operations and laid a strong foundation for my subsequent roles.

Project Experience:

Procurement for the supply of food scraps bins and kitchen caddies (2020)

I oversaw the management of a $14 million project focused on procuring kerbside food scraps bins for deployment in Auckland. My responsibilities included preparing RFP documents and facilitating the procurement evaluation process. Additionally, as part of the broader procurement program, I managed two pilot projects in collaboration with Colmar Brunton and the AUT research group.

Community Recycling Center (CRC) services review (2020)

I was involved in the review of Auckland Council’s CRC operation model. It has led to the introduction of a funding agreement in replacement of standard services contract.

Procurement for waste haulage and processing services contract (2020)

I successfully procured wood waste haulage and processing services, leading to a signed contract valued at $1 million in September 2020. This procurement process incorporated sustainability considerations, with greenhouse gas emissions being a key factor alongside delivery capability, pricing, and participant background and experience.

Waste data baseline for council organisations (2019)

To support the implementation of Auckland Council Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018, I led this data project to set waste diversion baseline and targets for Council Controlled Organisations, such as Watercare and Auckland Transport.

Household hazardous waste service review (2019)

I helped identify the services gap in the provision of public household hazardous waste services across Auckland. The work streams involved reviewing hazardous waste operational manual and conducting options analysis.