erbas™ SUSTAIN: Urban Developer Awards 2025 Finalist – Full Q&A

Our erbas™ SUSTAIN team has been named a finalist in the Urban Developer Awards 2025. We asked Tony Lam, Jane Lai, and Supritha Mariappan to share their thoughts on sustainability, innovation, and teamwork - here’s what they had to say.

Awards + Impact

What impact do you hope our work has on communities and future generations?

We’ve witnessed the growing impacts of climate change. Through our services, we aim to positively influence the built environment and ESG, while promoting sustainability awareness and knowledge, helping create a pleasant and safe environment for future generations.

What does being a finalist in the Urban Developer Awards mean to you personally?

Upholding our core values of service excellence, innovation, and positive impact. We strive to enhance our capabilities, for example developing digital workflows to improve efficiency. We are glad to make a positive influence on the industry. It’s a great recognition for our team.

What makes erbas™ SUSTAIN’s approach stand out in the industry?

We go beyond minimum compliance to provide a solid foundation for quality design. Our integrated approach embeds early-stage discovery, parametric analysis, architectural integration, project life-cycle benefits, innovation, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding global sustainability trends and mastering advanced technical techniques are the keys to our continued success.

Project & Innovation

What’s one project challenge that pushed you to think differently?

Caulfield Grammar’s Senior School building is on track to become Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star and WELL Gold school. With such high aspirations, we collaborated across all disciplines to push ‘business as usual’ design practices. Multiple design iterations optimised passive design principles while initiatives contributed to student’s learning and sustainability awareness.

Which project best reflects our sustainability values?

Our Environmental Social Governance (ESG) work with private schools is a standout. We assess their ESG performance and develop bespoke frameworks to quantify, measure, and set targets. Sustainability is a holistic view that incorporates factors that are sometimes challenging to measure, but equally as important.

What’s the most exciting innovation you’ve seen in sustainable design lately?

Achieving on-site net-zero building operation is increasingly practical. Besides passive design strategies, high-quality Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products now allow PV technology to be integrated into facades, curtain walls, spandrels, carpark covers and roofs, replacing traditional materials while generating clean energy, without compromising the architectural design.

How are tools like building physics modelling or Zero Carbon Discovery Studies changing outcomes for clients?

Parametric building physics modelling provides design insights that help clients optimise outcomes beyond compliance. Zero Carbon Discovery Studies deliver early-stage feasibility analyses, helping clients define sustainability goals, evaluate applicable strategies, and plan for cost-effective implementation.

People & Culture

What advice would you give the next generation of sustainability professionals?

Focus on building a solid technical foundation in areas such as building design, energy systems, decarbonisation, and climate science. Stay curious, ask questions and learn from experienced colleagues. Get involved beyond your core responsibilities by improving internal processes, delivering presentations, or participating in industry events. These experiences will broaden your perspective and accelerate your growth in the field.

What’s been the most rewarding part of working with this team?

The team’s supportive nature is invaluable. We can ask questions openly while having fun in the process.

How does teamwork at erbas™ SUSTAIN drive impact?

Each team member brings unique skills, interests, and experience. By sharing knowledge and collaborating, we provide informed solutions especially on projects with challenging design conditions.