FuturePlace Interview Spotlight, Selva Thiru

As the demand for sustainable office spaces continues to grow, industry leaders are exploring innovative ways to future-proof their buildings and align with evolving regulatory and tenant expectations. In this exclusive interview, Selva Thiru, Senior Engineering and Sustainability Manager at 101 Collins Street, offers an analytical and strategic look into the electrification journey of one of Melbourne’s most iconic office buildings. From the motivation behind decarbonising a fully operational, premium asset to overcoming technical and logistical challenges, Selva shares key insights that Australia’s office sector cannot afford to ignore. Discover how 101 Collins is setting new benchmarks for sustainability and learn what’s next in their forward-thinking roadmap.

FuturePlace: Hi Selva, thank you for your time today. Before we get started, could you tell us a little about yourself, your career so far, and what your day-to-day looks like at 101 Collins Street?

Selva Thiru: Thank you for having me. I’ve been fortunate to build a career at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and asset management. Currently, I serve as the Senior Engineering and Sustainability Manager at 101 Collins Street. My day-to-day involves everything from overseeing building operations to ensuring we remain at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, like our recent electrification project. I also work closely with tenants, contractors, and my team to align our strategies with future-focused goals while maintaining a premium experience for everyone in the building.

FuturePlace: You’ll be talking at the Future of Office Space Summit about the journey of electrifying 101 Collins Street. What drove the decision to undertake this project? Why is it important that Australia’s office sector take note of what you and the team have achieved?

Selva Thiru: The decision was driven by a recognition of the critical need to decarbonise our built environment. As one of Melbourne’s landmark office buildings, we wanted to lead by example, showcasing how sustainability and operational excellence can coexist. It’s essential for Australia’s office sector to take note because transitioning to electric and renewable energy sources is not only environmentally responsible but increasingly necessary to meet regulatory and tenant expectations. The journey of 101 Collins is a proof of concept that this transition is achievable without compromising building operations or tenant satisfaction.

FuturePlace: Your project is rather unique in that the electrification was undertaken while maintaining occupancy in the building. Why was it important to you and the team that 101 Collins remained operational and thriving?

Selva Thiru: Keeping 101 Collins operational during the project was a non-negotiable priority. The building is home to many high-profile tenants, and ensuring their day-to-day operations were uninterrupted was critical. It also demonstrated our commitment to achieving ambitious sustainability goals without causing disruption, showing that major retrofits can be successfully completed in live environments.

FuturePlace: What were the biggest challenges you faced during this project? How did you overcome these challenges?

Selva Thiru: The biggest challenges were:

• Technical Complexity: Upgrading systems while maintaining full functionality required meticulous planning and phased implementation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Aligning diverse tenant needs with our project timeline and goals demanded clear communication and flexibility.
• Supply Chain Issues: Securing specialised equipment during global disruptions was difficult but mitigated through advanced planning and collaboration with suppliers.

We overcame these challenges by prioritising collaboration—whether with tenants, contractors, or consultants—and by maintaining a clear focus on long-term outcomes.

FuturePlace: Having now completed the electrification and turned off the last gas boilers to make 101 Collins Street 100% electric, what have the key takeaways been? Is there anything you’d do differently in retrospect?

Selva Thiru:

Planning is everything- the success of this project hinged on detailed upfront planning and a phased approach.

Stakeholder buy-in is critical: Transparent communication helped secure support from all stakeholders.

Technology Works: The efficiency gains and environmental benefits from electrification exceeded expectations.

If I could do one thing differently, it would be to start engaging suppliers and contractors even earlier to account for unforeseen delays

“Planning is everything: the success of this project hinged on detailed upfront planning and a phased approach..”

FuturePlace: Finally, what topics and speakers are you most looking forward to hearing at the Future of Office Space Summit?

Selva Thiru: I’m particularly looking forward to hearing about advancements in net-zero strategies and innovative office technologies. Speakers who focus on tenant engagement, smart building integration, and the evolving role of sustainability in real estate are of special interest, as they align with the future trajectory of 101 Collins Street.

Future of Office space summit