Inspiring the Future of Sustainable Infrastructure: Highlights from the ESIP Panel Event

At the heart of every thriving industry is a strong, connected community, and that’s precisely what Emerging Sustainable Infrastructure Professionals (ESIP) is all about. Created by young professionals for young professionals, ESIP is a networking group designed to support and empower the next generation of sustainability leaders in the infrastructure sector. ESIP fosters a safe and welcoming space for early-career professionals to connect, learn, and grow, whether through networking drinks, trivia nights, knowledge-sharing panels, or technical events. 

The NSW ESIP chapter is led by four volunteer coordinators, including me, Gargi Mukkamala, a sustainability consultant here at Perspektiv. My involvement in curating events like this is an extension of my passion for mentoring and building community within the sector.

As part of that mission, ESIP NSW hosted an in-person panel discussion on “Careers in Sustainable Infrastructure” at the John Holland Head Office in Sydney on Thursday, 26th June, bringing together industry voices to share honest insights into the diverse career paths available across the infrastructure lifecycle. The evening provided invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of infrastructure sustainability, from early design to long-term operations, and showcased the real-world impact of diverse career paths within the sector. ESIP was also pleased to have a representative from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) in attendance, further reinforcing the importance of these events and collaboration across the sector.

Thank you to the community for showing up with curiosity and passion!

Doors opened at 5:00pm, with attendees greeted by welcome drinks and an opportunity to mingle with peers across the industry. Perspektiv proudly provided catering for the evening, adding a delicious touch to the networking experience.

Perspektiv proudly provided catering for the evening

Four Perspectives, One Shared Purpose

The heart of the event was a powerhouse panel representing the full lifecycle of infrastructure delivery. The panel itself explored what sustainability looks like from four key perspectives: client, consultant, contractor, and operator.

• Lawrie Jeavons from Sydney Water kicked things off with a deep dive into sustainability from a client’s perspective, highlighting how sustainability decisions and input are implemented into project procurement and planning at large organisations.

• Cindy Liles of WolfPeak followed, offering reflections on the consulting space and how agile advisory teams can help navigate complex environmental and social challenges during design and approvals.

• Clinton Craggs from WeBuild shared the contractor’s point of view, unpacking how sustainability on construction sites is both a challenge and a rich opportunity for individuals to get exposure to all aspects of a project from start to finish. 

• Ajenta Conrad from John Holland shared her experience in asset operations, showcasing how sustainability doesn’t stop at handover but continues through efficient operation, maintenance, and community outcomes.

  
  

  

  The powerhouse of a panel representing the full lifecycle of infrastructure delivery

Each speaker brought unique insights to the table, providing attendees with a holistic view of how their careers might intersect with or evolve across these fields. The panel concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which the audience explored themes such as career transitions, the future of sustainable infrastructure, and the role of innovation and knowledge sharing in advancing sustainability. Panellists generously shared career advice, lessons learned, and tips for staying motivated in a field that often requires striking a balance between ambition and pragmatism.

Events like this underscore the power of cross-sector collaboration and the importance of creating space for honest, inspiring conversations about sustainability in infrastructure. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, the ESIP panel was a timely reminder that impactful careers are built not just through technical expertise but also through purpose, connection, and a shared vision.

At Perspektiv, we believe a sustainable industry is one where knowledge is shared, voices are amplified, and young professionals are empowered to lead. Events like the ESIP panel are a vital part of building that future, and we’re proud to be part of it. Thank you to ESIP, the speakers, John Holland for hosting, and the broader community who showed up with curiosity and passion. We look forward to continuing to support and engage with initiatives that promote the future of sustainable infrastructure.