A star-studded panel of leading Australian figures in sustainable architecture and building innovation has been named to judge this year’s Sustainability Awards, now celebrating 20 years since their inception in 2006.

*Sandra Furtado - Director, Furtado Sullivan*

The annual awards recognise projects, products, and practitioners at the forefront of sustainable building design across Australia, spotlighting work that advances environmental performance and the public good in the built environment.

*Jeremy Spencer - Director, Positive Footprints*

This year’s all-time high 12-member jury brings together architects, designers, academics, builders, and sustainability specialists from across the country.

*Dominika Richards - Sustainability Lead, Deicke Richards*

In many ways, the 2026 jury is the perfect balance of old and news faces combined with a diverse industry-wide skillset.

*Ben Peake - Principal, Carter Williams Architects*

Led by head judge Dick Clarke (Envirotecture), the 2026 panel includes Heather McCabe (DJRD Architects), Shae Parker McCashen (Green Sheep Collective) and Sandra Furtado (Furtado Sullivan).

*Gagandeep Jadhav - Sustainability Consultant, Steensen Varming*

*Mick Paterson - General Manager, Blaise Buildings Services*

Joining them will be Mick Paterson (Blaise Building Services), Dominika Richards (Deicke Richards), Gagandeep Jadhav (Steensen Varming), Gabrielle Pavicic (GBCA), and Dr Clyde Anderson (Australian Institute of Energy).

*Mahalath Halperin - Architect & Director, Mahalath Halperin Architects*

They will be joined by Mahalath Halperin (Mahalath Halperin Architects), Jeremy Spencer (Positive Footprints Sustainable Design & Construction) and Ben Peake (Carter Williamson Architects).

*Heather McCabe - Architect & Certified Passivhaus Designer, DJRD Architects*

Sustainability Awards organisers say the breadth of expertise across the jury would ensure a rigorous and wide-ranging assessment of entries, with judges collectively evaluating which submissions demonstrate the highest standards of sustainability and innovation.

*Dr Clyde Anderson - Director, ABSA (Australian Building Sustainability Association)*

The shortlisted entries will be announced later this year, while the winners will be revealed at the Sustainability Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).

SUS Jury_gabrielle_pavicic.jpg — *Gabrielle Pavicic - Green Star Program Lead, Green Building Council of Australia*

Above: Shae Parker McCashen

Main image: Dick Clarke

About the Sustainability Awards

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious program recognising excellence in sustainable design and architecture. Entries are evaluated by an expert judging panel, with winners across multiple categories announced at the annual Sustainability Awards Gala on 12 November 2026 in Sydney. For updates on entry openings or to enquire about remaining sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

Branko Miletic

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