Moumita Das Roy is the Commercial Communications Manager at Dulux and sits at the intersection of business-to-business communications, sustainability and the go-to-market strategy for the specifier community and construction businesses at large. She has been with Dulux for nearly five years.
Was there a particular experience that shaped the way you think about sustainability today?
My sustainability lens was shaped long before I worked in the built environment. Growing up in India, resourcefulness wasn’t a trend, it was survival, culture, and care. We repaired, reused, shared, and stretched every resource. When I moved to Aotearoa and entered the world of paint, I realised how powerful communication could be in reconnecting people with that mindset. Sustainability isn’t only technical; it’s deeply human. Today, whether I'm communicating Dulux's sustainability initiatives or our product stewardship efforts, I’m guided by that early lesson. Do the small things well, and they quietly become big shifts.
You often say people don’t need a sustainability title to make a difference. What inspired that philosophy?
I’ve seen some of the most meaningful sustainability actions come from people who never had “sustainability” in their job title. At Dulux, it’s the operations team trialling renewable energy, the logistics crew optimising routes, or the retail staff championing waste management. These aren’t formal programmes; they’re acts of care. Titles don’t travel well across cultures or organisations, but purpose does. My philosophy comes from watching everyday people choose better paths simply because they believe in leaving things better than they found them. Sustainability grows strongest when it belongs to everyone.
How has the conversation around sustainable products changed?
When I entered the sector, sustainability conversations were dominated by compliance, certifications, and technical language. Important, but inaccessible. Today, people want to understand how products support cleaner air, healthier homes, lighter footprints. Low‑VOC innovations like Dulux® envirO2™ resonate because they connect sustainability to everyday life. There’s also greater demand for transparency: clear LCAs, verified eco-labels, and honest claims. The shift from jargon to making sustainability understandable has made it feel less like a specification and more like a shared responsibility.
Biggest opportunity for property & construction in the next decade?
The biggest opportunity lies in embracing circularity and low‑carbon solutions across the entire building lifecycle. Design, materials, operations, and end‑of‑life. But equally, it’s about making sustainability understandable to every stakeholder. When builders, architects, retailers, and homeowners can easily access credible information, whether it’s eco-labels, or take-back schemes, change accelerates. It will be about pairing innovation with inclusion: designing better systems while ensuring sustainable choices become easier to understand and adopt. If sustainability becomes the default rather than the exception, our sector can help shape a future that genuinely honours kaitiakitanga, collective guardianship of our planet.
A project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?
Dulux’s sustainability initiative, named Project Kākāriki, stands out because it revealed the sustainability work already happening across Dulux. Instead of creating new initiatives, we uncovered stories of teams improving product stewardship or strengthening ethical sourcing. Bringing these threads together showed that sustainability wasn’t a separate programme, it was woven into our culture. I’m proud of how the project has built connection, confidence, and momentum. It reminded me that stories don't create change on their own, but they help people see that they can.
Who has influenced your career the most?
My greatest influences have been from mentors who encouraged me to bring my whole self. My culture, curiosity, empathy, and lived experience into my work. They taught me that leadership is less about having answers and more about listening deeply, asking better questions, and creating space for others to shine. From them, I learned that clarity is kindness, and that purpose and commercial outcomes can coexist. Their guidance shaped my belief that sustainability is not a department but a mindset, and that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for change.
What motivates you when progress feels slow?
Sustainability often moves at the pace of systems, not individuals, and that can feel slow. What keeps me motivated is remembering that every small improvement contributes to a larger collective shift. I’m inspired by the culture of caring deeply, even when the work is hard. Sustainability attracts those who believe in leaving things better than they found them. When progress feels slow, I focus on the people, not the pace. Even the small bellbird can reach the top of the tallest tree.
Any surprising or inspiring discoveries from Project Kākāriki?
What surprised me most was the breadth of sustainability initiatives across Dulux, from our shift to 100% renewable electricity, to ethical sourcing audits, to expanding Paint Take‑Back, to strengthening LCAs for new products. These weren’t headline projects; they were everyday actions driven by those who simply wanted to do better. It reminded me that sustainability often grows from the ground up. When you shine a light on these stories, you build pride, connection, and momentum. Project Kākāriki showed me that sometimes the most inspiring change is already happening. It just needs to be seen and shared.
What have you learned about creating change inside a large organisation?
Change happens when people feel included, not instructed. You need clear communication, connecting to the why, and champions across every level, not just leadership. I’ve learned that progress accelerates when sustainability is framed as an enabler, not a constraint. Celebrate small wins, make information accessible, and show how each team’s work contributes to the bigger picture. Most importantly, listen. Those closest to the work often have the best ideas. When you build trust, remove complexity, and honour lived experience, change becomes a shared journey rather than a top‑down initiative.
Favourite green building or project?
I’m drawn to projects that balance innovation with humanity. Buildings that feel good to be in, not just good on paper. I admire spaces that honour natural materials, passive design, and cultural storytelling. Department of Conservation huts painted with Dulux Weathershield® hold a special place in my heart. They’re humble, resilient, and deeply connected to Aotearoa’s landscapes. Protecting them is a reminder that sustainability isn’t only about new builds; it’s also about caring for what already exists. Any project that makes people say “I feel better here” embodies the true spirit of a green building.
Bonus: What do you value most about being an NZGBC member?
I value the sense of collective purpose. NZGBC brings together people who genuinely care about creating healthier, low‑carbon, future‑ready buildings for Aotearoa. The community is collaborative, generous, and committed to progress. Being part of NZGBC means access to credible guidance, shared learning, and a network that challenges and inspires. It’s a space where technical expertise meets human impact, and where every member contributes to something bigger than their own organisation. That collective momentum, that shared guardianship is incredibly energising.