Varsha Balapa

Background

About Varsha Balapa

I graduated from TU Delft and Leiden University’s MSc in Industrial Ecology, where I learned to apply interdisciplinary and systemic approaches to analyze and optimize the environmental performance of products, processes, and systems. My skill set encompasses a wide range of sustainability practices, including Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and GHG Accounting. At Gilde Healthcare, I serve as a Climate Specialist within the firm’s ESG & Impact team. In this role, I contribute to driving our climate-related initiatives by defining and implementing robust, credible climate strategies across the investment portfolio. My work involves delivering climate impact analyses—covering carbon footprinting (Scope 1, 2, 3) and LCAs—supporting portfolio companies with science-based target setting (SBTi-aligned) and net zero roadmap development, and integrating climate risks and opportunities in line with TCFD. I also monitor evolving sustainability regulations such as CSRD, SFDR, and the EU Taxonomy, ensuring alignment with Article 9 requirements and broader regulatory expectations. Collaborating closely with the investment teams, portfolio companies, the Climate Advisory Board, and external partners, I help ensure climate considerations are embedded throughout the investment process. Previously, I co-founded RevClime, a carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)-based startup that aimed to make CO₂ utilization profitable. RevClime won the Shell Energy Transition Award and was a finalist in the Cleantech Challenge Netherlands in 2022. Across my academic and professional journey, I have developed a deep interest in decarbonization and climate finance. I am passionate about transforming carbon-intensive industries into sustainable sectors and meeting new people who share this vision. Let’s connect!