Meet the 2026 Future Green Leader of the Year finalists
26 Feb 2026
Each year our Future Green Leader of the Year Award shines a light on emerging professionals who are reshaping how we design and build and the 2026 finalists continue this proud legacy. We’re pleased to introduce a group of young leaders who remind us that Australia’s built environment is in good hands.
Manasa Marasani, Sustainability Manager, 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.
Nick Hill, Associate/Sustainability, ADP Consulting
Nick Hill is a sustainability consultant with extensive project management and building physics experience across commercial, residential and retail sectors.
Throughout his career, Nick has helped clients navigate complex planning processes, develop innovative sustainability strategies and achieve a wide range of nationally and internationally recognised sustainability certifications. He provides invaluable advice to help clients define and achieve their sustainability aspirations, and is passionate about exceeding even the most ambitious of targets.
A notable highlight of Nick’s career was the revitalisation of Chadstone Place, Australia’s first project to achieve the prestigious Living Future Zero Carbon certification. The project also achieved a 6 Star Green Design & As Built, 6 Star NABERS Energy and 6 Star NABERS water rating. The building’s sustainability features include full electrification, reuse of over 80% of an existing building, mixed-mode ventilation and installation of a 440kw solar array.
Nick is a qualified Green Star Accredited Professional, NABERS Energy Assessor (Australia and the UK) and CBD-accredited Assessor.
Ryan McShane, ESG Data & Insights Lead, Investa
Ryan McShane is the ESG Data & Insights Lead at Investa, and an ESG professional with experience delivering sustainability outcomes across Australia’s built environment. He has played a central role in portfolio‑wide climate risk assessments, decarbonisation initiatives and industry‑leading ESG performance, including back‑to‑back GRESB Sector Leadership outcomes. Ryan is passionate about translating complex sustainability challenges into practical, data‑driven solutions that support both environmental performance and long‑term investment value.
The GBCA is proud to stand alongside this remarkable cohort as they continue to drive change, design for impact, and champion a future where every building is part of a healthier, more resilient Australia. The 2026 winner will be announced on day one at TRANSFORM.