Joerg Hartmann

Sustainable Water & Energy LLC
Principal Consultant


Joerg Hartmann is a consultant and owner of Sustainable Water & Energy LLC, based in Estes Park, Colorado, USA. His main interest is to contribute to a rapid energy transition, by identifying low-cost, low-carbon and low-conflict projects that enjoy broad public acceptance.

Over the last 10 years, Joerg has provided independent advice for power and water companies, banks, government agencies and NGOs in over 45 countries. He works on policy frameworks and technical guidance, has led many project appraisals and assessments, and served on expert panels. He co-developed and has applied the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol to over 30 projects worldwide, as an accredited lead assessor. From 2011 to 2013, he chaired the Governance Committee of the Protocol. He also works with sustainability issues in the geothermal sector, and with the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard. 

From 2007 to 2011 he led WWF’s global water infrastructure work, at the policy level and through WWF’s river basin programs. From 1996 to 2007, he worked for Germany’s development bank KfW, in Eastern Europe, Latin America and as country director and chair of the water donors group in Tanzania. He holds a PhD in environmental and development economics.