What we do the same: each of us learns a lot in our area of expertise as well as in the fields of interest; we search for data and information thoroughly; we document processes; each of us is ready to use arguments and debate until we reach consensus; we work hard and laugh harder.
What keeps us together: we share the same values; we believe in norms, including the moral ones; we worked for United Nations and have together over 50 years of working experience; we walk or use public transportation; spicy chocolate, coffee, ice-cream, readings and flavours.
What we do differently: we excel in different, yet complementary fields; we cover one of the three pillars of sustainable development (environment, social, and economic).
Lead consultant
Cristina Bălan, Partner Sustainability: vision, strategy & reporting
Cristina holds an engineering degree from the Faculty of Land Reclamation and Environmental Engineering (Bucharest University of Agronomic Sciences), and a MA degree in Marketing (Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies) as well as a post-graduate diploma in Journalism (London School of Journalism). Prior to becoming a CSR and sustainability consultant (2013), Cristina has worked for the UN Department of Information (1998 – 2012).
She is a licensed trainer (Romanian National Authority of Qualifications), a GRI Nominated Trainer and was the first Romanian specialist (and the sixth in the world) to have passed the G4 Exam. In 2021 she has successfully passed the GRI Certified Sustainability Professional Exam.
In 2015 she became a Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner, and as of 2018 she is a PECB-certified ISO 20400 Lead Sustainable Procurement Manager, ISO 20121 Lead Implementer, ISO 20121 Provisional Auditor.
Her areas of expertise include: ISO 20400 (sustainable procurement), ISO 20121 (sustainable events), stakeholder engagement (AA1000 SES), non-financial/ sustainability reporting (Global Reporting Initiative, SDGs, UN Global Compact), and sustainability assurance (Accountability Standards series: AA1000 AS, AA1000 APS).
From January 1st, 2019 until end of December 2024, Cristina served for two consecutive 3-year mandates as a member and ViceChair of one of the GRI’s governance bodies, the Due Process Oversight Committee (DPOC).