Knut H. Alfsen

Knut H. Alfsen is Accrona’s go-to expert for climate change, environmental economics, and sustainable finance. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable finance and a decade as a Special Advisor to the China Council on International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), Knut knows how to turn sustainability challenges into business opportunities. He holds a PhD in theoretical physics and has specialised in environmental economics for most of his career.

 

Knut’s career highlights include writing the first-ever Second Party Opinion (SPO) for the World Bank’s groundbreaking green bond in 2008—a pioneering achievement that set the stage for over 50 SPOs on green bonds and loans globally. His work has not only shaped sustainable finance instruments but also driven tangible results for organizations looking to align their financial strategies with sustainability goals.

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Knut is also an accomplished researcher, having published over 150 papers, articles, and books on topics like climate change, environmental economics, and natural resource management. But beyond the data and strategy, he’s driven by a passion for creating a sustainable future.

 

Knut's previous experience includes positions such as:

• Research Director of Statistics Norway

• Research Director, Strategic Director and Managing Director of CICERO International Centre for Climate Research

• Research Director of the Institute for Energy (IFE)

• Special Advisor to CICERO Shades of Green

 

When not working, Knut’s time is well spent with four children and a steadily growing number of grandchildren!