Alice Charles

Alice Charles stands out as a leading expert in sustainability, urban planning, urban development, and climate-focused infrastructure with over two decades of impactful experience. Currently, she is a Director at Arup, a globally recognised consultancy dedicated to sustainable development, where she provides strategic insights that shape cities to be resilient, efficient, and prepared for future challenges. Her career has spanned diverse roles across both the public and private sectors, giving her a unique understanding of the complexities involved in urban development and the needs of growing cities worldwide.

Alice’s expertise in urban and infrastructure planning gained momentum when she started her career as a Planner with GVA UK in 2001, where she laid the foundation for her in-depth understanding of urban growth and sustainability challenges. She advanced rapidly, taking on increasingly senior roles, such as Dublin Office and Planning Manager for Jacobs in 2005. In this role, she focused on strategic development projects, where her knowledge of urban regeneration and transport infrastructure flourished.

In 2010, she served as an external board member on the Planning Advisory Committee of Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency, where she influenced decisions on major projects impacting Ireland’s economic and environmental landscape. The following year, Alice expanded her influence further by founding Alice Charles Planning, a consultancy dedicated to shaping sustainable and strategic urban spaces.

Her commitment to environmental policy and planning was further emphasized in 2012 when she took on the role of EU Presidency Environmental Officer for Ireland’s Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government. Here, she was pivotal in advancing the country’s agenda on urban sustainability and climate resilience. This experience set the stage for her high-impact work as Lead of Cities, Infrastructure & Urban Services for the World Economic Forum in 2014. At the Forum, Alice led initiatives that fostered global partnerships to develop sustainable cities, particularly focusing on infrastructure and energy solutions that mitigate climate impacts.

In 2017, Alice’s achievements were recognised as she was named one of the Irish 40 Under 40 by the Irish Echo, underscoring her influence as an emerging leader in urban development and sustainability. Alice’s diverse experience has made her a sought-after keynote speaker on topics like sustainable construction, climate-conscious infrastructure, and urban regeneration. Her presentations offer actionable insights for policymakers, city planners, and developers eager to create cities that are not only vibrant and efficient but also sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change. Her excellence as a sustainability keynote speaker is reflected in her official client rating of 9/10. Alice Charles exemplifies leadership in shaping cities that can thrive in harmony with their environment.

In May 2024, Alice Charles spoke to The Sustainability Speakers Agency about what steps can be taken to cities to achieve net zero emissions. Watch our exclusive interview with Alice Charles here.