Milica Tumbas is a finalist in the Women in Sustainability category of the Sustainability Awards. Siniat is once again sponsoring this category. The winner will be announced during a digital event on 11 November 2021.
Milica Tumbas is a Lovell Chen Principal, leading a team of architects and conservation specialists. Read her bio here.
We asked her 5 Questions in 5 Minutes.
1. Where and how did your sustainability journey start?
My sustainability journey started during my studies in early 1980’s. Lovell Chen’s dedication to sustainability has reignited my desire to deeply engage with sustainability and to focus on the building construction, building fabric and on creating a healthy environment by reducing energy consumption, consumption cost and carbon emissions.
The Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute (Photo: Trevor Mein)
The Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute (Photo: Trevor Mein)
2. Can you tell us about a sustainability project that you worked on that is very close to your heart?
It is always hard to select one project. Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute has integrated sustainability principles while fully achieving the architectural intent. It is the first Passive-House certified commercial gallery in Australia AA-standard exhibition and storage space and at the same time minimise the energy costs of running environmental controls and security systems enabling a small regional museum and its community to operate the facility at minimum cost.
3. What is the biggest challenge facing architects and other professions working in the sustainability space today?
Sustainability is often viewed as an additional cost to the projects and first to be value managed. In my mind it is one of the key components securing a sustainable future and longevity to a building.
4. What will winning this award mean for your career?
I hope that winning this award will be an inspiration to my younger colleagues to continue to contribute to the sustainable architecture and environment in general. Mentoring of the new generations is my passion and a highlight of my career.
5. What is needed to move the mainstream toward sustainable buildings?
Working collaboratively to promote the design, construction, and operations of energy efficient and comfortable buildings in Australia is the key. It is great to see that our universities are leading the way in sustainability setting new benchmarks which is influencing the whole industry. Also, continuous improvement of the legislation and the National Construction Code is very important.