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 closed.
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
Congratulations to our 2026 recipient, Manasa Marasani, Sustainability Manager, at GWA Consultants
Manasa is a sustainability manager at GWA Consultants with over nine years’ experience delivering ambitious environmental outcomes across large-scale buildings and precincts in Australia and the world. With a background in mechanical engineering, she combines deep technical expertise with a collaborative, people-focused approach, working closely with diverse stakeholders to embed sustainability into design from concept through delivery.
She has a specialist capability in façade optimisation, efficient HVAC design and operation, building and precinct energy modelling, and resilience planning. As a Green Star Accredited Professional, she has successfully delivered 5-Star ratings across multiple projects and rating tools. She thrives in leadership roles where she can mentor and manage teams, uncover individual ambitions, and align personal growth with the broader vision of the projects we deliver.
Outside of work, Manasa is an avid cyclist — having clocked over 2,700 kilometres last year, with many more to come.
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.