Honouring Jeff Robinson’s Legacy: Investing in the Next Generation of Passivhaus Leaders

At the Australian Passivhaus Association (APA), our work has always been driven by people - individuals who challenge the status quo, bring clarity to complex problems, and push the industry forward. Jeff Robinson was one of those people. 

Jeff played a meaningful role in shaping the growth and impact of the Association. More importantly, he brought a clear and consistent focus to what matters most, building industry capability. I still recall our conversations, where his attention was always on one question: how do we upskill more architects, engineers, and practitioners to deliver better buildings at scale? 

His belief was simple but powerful. If we invest in people, we accelerate change. 

“Jeff believed that real change in our industry starts with people. By investing in the next generation of architects and engineers, we are not only honouring his legacy, but continuing the work he cared deeply about, building the capability needed to deliver better buildings at scale.” 

— Stalin Chakrabarty, CEO, Australian Passivhaus Association 

Carrying forward a clear vision: Emerging Leader Program 

In collaboration with First Question Society, we are taking a small but meaningful step to carry that vision forward. 

As part of THRIVE 2026, APA will offer two emerging leader spots, providing access for the next generation of professionals to engage with industry leaders, participate in critical conversations, and build the networks needed to influence the future of the built environment for the benefit people and the planet. Apply here.

This is not just about attendance. It is about creating pathways for emerging professionals to step into leadership roles earlier, with the right knowledge, exposure, and confidence. 

Establishing the Jeff Robinson Passivhaus Scholarship 

We are honoured to establish the Jeff Robinson Passivhaus Scholarship.

This initiative is designed to directly support the upskilling of architects and engineers through our Certified Passivhaus Designer course. Each year, APA will offer 50 percent support for four selected participants, enabling access to one of the most rigorous and practical building performance training programmes available. 

The intent is clear: 
> Build capability across the industry 
> Support emerging leaders with real technical skills 
> Accelerate the delivery of high performance, healthy, and energy efficient buildings 

Jeff understood that high performance outcomes do not happen by accident. They are the result of informed design, strong collaboration, and a commitment to doing things better. 

Apply for the Jeff Robinson Passivhaus Scholarship 

We invite emerging professionals who are passionate about high performance buildings and committed to advancing their skills to apply. Apply here. Alternatively, nominations can be submitted through the First Question Society. 

For any questions, please contact us at education@passivhausassociation.com.au. 

Continuing the journey 

Across Australia, the building industry is undergoing rapid change. Increasing regulatory requirements, climate pressures, and rising expectations from clients are reshaping how we design and deliver buildings. 

At the same time, there remains a clear skills gap. 

Bridging that gap requires more than policy. It requires practical education, real world knowledge, and accessible pathways for professionals to build capability. 

This is where initiatives like the emerging leader programme and the Jeff Robinson Passivhaus Scholarship. They are small steps, but they are targeted, practical, and focused on long term impact. 

Jeff’s legacy is not defined by a single role or moment. It lives on in the people he influenced and the direction he helped shape. 

At APA, we see this as an opportunity to continue that journey, to invest in people, strengthen capability, and support a new generation of leaders who will take the industry forward. 

We look forward to working with First Question Society and the broader community to make this initiative meaningful and impactful.