Connect. Learn. Grow.
Future Green Leaders is Australia’s leading network for emerging sustainability professionals, helping you build the skills, connections and confidence to shape the future of the built environment.
The program is designed for professionals and students under 32 who want to accelerate their impact, expand their network and build a career in sustainability.
As a Future Green Leader, you’ll access discounted GBCA learning and events, exclusive networking opportunities, direct connections with industry leaders, and the chance to be recognised through the Future Green Leader of the Year award.
Whether you’re just starting out or already making your mark, Future Green Leaders helps you take the next step.
Proudly supported by our Future Green Leader Principal Partner, Investa
Their investment helps keep Future Green Leaders free and accessible, supporting the development of emerging sustainability professionals across Australia and helping grow the next generation of industry leaders.
Who can join?
Future Green Leaders is open to anyone under 32 who is studying or working in the built environment.
From property, planning and engineering to architecture, construction, manufacturing and government, the program brings together passionate professionals committed to creating a more sustainable future.
Your FGL benefits
Tailored FGL events
Free face-to-face events across Australia to connect, learn and be inspired – designed for the next generation.
FGL webinars
Online sessions focused on the topics and skills that matter most to emerging leaders.
Discounted learning
A 30% discount on GBCA courses and events, making it easier to build your Green Star and sustainability knowledge.
Access to industry leaders
Unique opportunities to learn directly from the people shaping our industry.
A national peer network
Join 1,600+ like-minded professionals across property, design, construction, engineering, manufacturing and government.
Recognition and industry visibility
Nominate yourself for Future Green Leader of the Year and gain industry-wide recognition for your contribution to sustainable development.
Recognising outstanding future leaders
Every year, we celebrate one exceptional Future Green Leader who is already making a meaningful contribution to the sustainable transformation of the built environment.
The Future Green Leader of the Year award recognises achievement, leadership and impact, while helping recipients expand their profile across the industry.
The winner receives
- A one-year unlimited pass to all GBCA events and courses, including our flagship conference TRANSFORM
- A speaking spot at Green Building Forum
- A one-year free enrolment in the Green Star CPD program
- Three one-hour mentoring sessions with an industry leader
- Recognition as Future Green Leader of the Year across the GBCA website, email and social channels
The top three finalists receive
A complimentary ticket to TRANSFORM, where the winner is announced
Recognition as a Future Green Leader of the Year finalist across GBCA’s website, email and social channels
Self-nominations will open in November 2026.
Events coming up:
Future Green Leaders Breakfast Catch-up
Join us for a casual breakfast catch-up and connect with other emerging sustainability professionals in your city. Enjoy coffee and breakfast on us from 7:15am to 8:15am, make new connections, and grow your local sustainability network.
With thanks to our Future Green Leaders Program Partner, Investa, for supporting this initiative.
Places are strictly limited and please note due to capacity in Sydney the session is only open for attendees joining us for Green Building Forum – in other states we welcome all Future Green Leaders.
For more information in your state:
Helping shape the future of FGL
New in FY27, the Future Green Leaders Working Group gives emerging professionals a seat at the table.
Members will work with GBCA to help shape events, content and initiatives for the program, ensuring Future Green Leaders remains relevant, valuable and driven by the people it serves.
The Working Group
Sophia Skarparis
Sustainability Coordinator
Investa
Manasa Marasani
Sustainability Manager
GWA Consultants Australia
Julian Loh
Sustainability Manager
QIC
Elisa Salvador Figueroa
ESD Manager
Texco Construction
Lucy Marsland
Senior Environmental Designer
Atelier Ten
Jaida Ho
Senior Technical Coordinator
Green Building Council of Australia
David Madew
Technical Advisor
Green Building Council of Australia
2026 Future Green Leader of the Year: Manasa Marasani
Sustainability Manager, GWA Consultants
With more than nine years’ experience delivering sustainability outcomes across major buildings and precincts, Manasa combines technical expertise with collaborative leadership to create meaningful impact.
A Green Star Accredited Professional and champion for mentoring emerging talent, Manasa exemplifies the leadership and innovation celebrated by the Future Green Leader program.
Previous Future Green Leaders
• 2025: Ruchita Panchal
• 2024: Julian Loh
• 2023: Lucy Marsland
• 2022: Dev Chandraratne
• 2021: Kate Rowan
• 2020: Stella Matulessya
• 2019: Adam Jones
How to join in 3 steps
1
Log in or create your free GBCA account
Head to gbca.au and log in, or create a free account if you’re new.
2
Go to Profile > Future Green Leader program
Enter your date of birth in the format YYYY-MM-28 (using the 28th means we don’t store your full date of birth) and save.
3
Start enjoying your benefits
Your FGL discount and access apply straight away — book into your next course or event and watch for FGL-only invitations.
Frequently asked questions
Anyone under 32 who works or studies in the built environment, across any part of the sector.
Your account updates automatically in the month you turn 32, after which you’ll graduate from the program. You keep everything you’ve learned and the network you’ve built.
Once you’ve registered as an FGL, your discount applies to eligible GBCA courses and events. Check the booking page for details.
No. Any eligible individual can join the FGL program with a free GBCA account.