Empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders
We’re all about bringing a fresh perspective to the sustainable future of the built environment and it’s the next generations who’ll be implementing and living the changes these new perspectives bring.
Our Future Green Leader (FGL) program makes our learning opportunities more accessible to professionals under 32, best of all it’s free to join. To help kickstart their sustainability career, we give our FGLs unique access to industry leaders and experts, arming them with the skills and networks to drive meaningful change in their own organisations.
Nominations for the Future Green Leader of the year award are now open
This award is designed to recognise young individuals who demonstrate a significant contribution to furthering the sustainable transformation of the built environment.
The winner will receive:
– A one year unlimited pass to all GBCA events and courses including our flagship conference TRANSFORM
– A speaking spot at Green Building Forum 2026
– A one year free enrolment to the Green Star CPD program
– 3 x 1hr sessions of mentoring with an industry leader
– Recognition as Future Green Leader of the Year 2026 on the GBCA website and through GBCA email and social channels.
The top three finalists receive:
– a complimentary ticket to our flagship conference TRANSFORM 2026 on 18-19 March where the winner will be announced
– recognition as a Future Green Leader of the year 2026 finalist on the GBCA website and through GBCA email and social channels
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria
– submit your application by 5pm AEDT Friday, 6 February 2026.
– be between the ages of 18 and 32 and registered as a Future Green Leader on your GBCA account to qualify.
– Your job title, organisation and contact details are up to date on your GBCA account
Good luck!
TRANSFORM 2026
Attend In-person or Virtually | Discounts for Future Green Leaders
Receive 30% off when you book with your Future Green Leader discount code* at checkout – TRANSFORMFGL
See further conference details on our TRANSFORM website.
* Register as a Future Green Leader on your GBCA account to qualify. Note the discount code cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.
Congratulations to our 2025 recipient, Ruchita Panchal, Senior Sustainability Consultant at AECOM
Specialising in the Commercial, Health, Education, and Transport sectors, with a background in Architecture & Design from India, Ruchita’s passion for sustainability is driven by firsthand experiences of wasteful design and resource inequity.
She is passionate about addressing environmental and climate change impacts by minimising material use, promoting circular economy principles, and integrating health and wellness into architectural design to enhance occupant satisfaction.
Experienced in ESD consulting, Ruchita collaborates with stakeholders to drive sustainable outcomes through evidence-based design. She applies advanced energy modelling to optimise thermal comfort, daylight access, and passive design strategies.
Committed to knowledge sharing and industry impact, Ruchita simplifies sustainability concepts for diverse stakeholders.
She is also a strong advocate for female representation in STEM, having piloted a workshop for high school girls to explore careers in sustainability.
Through collaboration and innovation, Ruchita is shaping a more sustainable and equitable built environment.
Meet our previous Future Green Leader finalists awardees
Presented with invaluable professional development opportunities, previous winners have used the Future Green Leader of the year award to springboard their career in sustainability.
Why become a Future Green Leader?
For you
- Fast track your leadership journey
- Gain skills to lead change
- Develop lasting networks of supportive peers
- Benefit from access to industry leaders
- Upskill with discounts on our courses and events
- Access to exclusive events and networking opportunities, specifically designed for FGLs
- Apply to become the Future Green Leader of the Year
For your employer
- Develop driven, skilled leaders
- Equip leaders to drive innovation and change
- Foster a culture of growth and fresh perspective
Join the FGL program
You can opt into the FGL program from the Profile area of your GBCA account.