Voices in construction: Suriya Edwards on diversity, mentorship, and climate contracts

An interview with Suriya Edwards, Construction and Engineering Partner at Freeths.

Suriya Edwards is a seasoned expert in construction and engineering law.  Meena Kamath, our Head of Built Environment, recently sat down with her for a fascinating chat, where she shared her insights on climate contracting, the importance of diversity in the renewable energy sector, and her journey through an industry that has transformed over the past 14 years.

Meena Kamath: How did you enter the construction industry, and how has the industry changed over the years?

Suriya Edwards: I’ve been in the industry for 14 years now. I did a two-week training stint in construction law, and that sparked my interest. What attracted me was the systematic nature of contract law—it felt a bit like coding, where everything connects and needs precision, which I really enjoy. Additionally, construction has a tangible impact on people’s lives; the things we build shape how we live and work.

As for the industry, when I first started, it severely lacked diversity, and women weren’t taken seriously. That has changed dramatically, especially in the renewable energy sector where diversity is celebrated. The shift towards sustainability and decarbonisation has opened up more opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups, and I think the industry has changed for the better.

Can you tell us more about your current role?

I’m a Construction and Engineering Partner at Freeths, but my focus is very much on clean energy and sustainability. I work with a large team of lawyers specialising in areas like energy, commercial law and environmental planning. The common theme that unites us is our commitment to clean energy and sustainability, which makes the work incredibly rewarding.

A large part of my day-to-day work revolves around battery projects—building utility-scale batteries that support renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Batteries act as shock absorbers for the grid, storing and releasing energy efficiently. This is a really exciting area for me. I also enjoy mentoring and helping my colleagues develop their careers, which allows me to grow alongside them.

Did you have any mentors during your career, especially in this space?

Yes, I’ve had fantastic mentors throughout my career, particularly strong female leaders when I first started. It was tough being a woman in a male-dominated industry, so having role models was crucial for me.

Nowadays, I find that mentorship is more decentralised. I try to learn from different colleagues, each of whom brings unique strengths. For example, I admire the collaborative approach of our Head of Clean Energy, and I try to incorporate similar practices into my own work.

What are some of the main challenges the industry faces in going green, and how does climate contracting fit into the solution?

I’m very optimistic about the future. The industry is moving in the right direction, with more focus on wind, solar, hydrogen, and battery projects. We’ve deconstructed the old ways and are rebuilding the industry on a more sustainable foundation, driven by a new generation of professionals passionate about climate action.

When it comes to climate contracting, it’s increasingly driven by external forces like boards, shareholders, and stakeholders who demand climate accountability. Companies are being pushed to take sustainability more seriously, and that’s reflected in the contracts we draft.

Another important aspect is resilience. For example, if you’re building a battery project, you need to consider whether the location is flood-prone or vulnerable to other climate risks. This future-proofing approach is crucial in both the design and contractual phases of these projects.

Do you think this shift toward climate-focused contracts is here to stay?

Absolutely. It’s not just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift. We’ve moved from complete indifference to climate contracting to it becoming a serious topic of discussion. We’re already seeing this change, and it’s only going to become more significant as climate risks and green policies continue to rise.

When climate clauses were adopted in your projects, what was the main motivation behind their inclusion?

There were several drivers. For example, we introduced Madhavi’s clause (related to modern methods of construction) in a project dealing with off-site materials. The client was keen to adopt it because it aligned with their goals, so it was an easy addition. A fun fact is that the clause was named after my daughter.

In another case, we used Ayshe’s clause, adapted for a client who is passionate about sustainability. They had subscribed to the GRESB platform, which motivated them to collect data on contractors to meet their internal sustainability goals.

There was also a project where we used the LETI (London Energy Transformation Initiative) framework, which focuses on whole-life carbon. The client wanted to construct student accommodation with high green credentials. We embedded carbon budgets and termination provisions based on whether the contractor met those targets. A common theme across these projects is the business motivation—clients often realise that having a sustainability angle can help their projects stand out and be more profitable.

What are the common roadblocks when it comes to clients adopting climate clauses, and how do you overcome them?

The biggest roadblock is time. When clients are negotiating contracts, the focus is on getting the project up and running quickly so they can start generating revenue. This sense of urgency often pushes climate clauses lower on the priority list because they don’t see an immediate link between these clauses and revenue generation.

To overcome this, I try not to present climate clauses as a separate or optional addition. Instead, I subtly integrate them into the overall contract discussion. For example, when discussing standard provisions like liquidated damages, I’ll also introduce the idea of climate clauses as something the client needs—without making it seem like an extra burden. The goal is to normalise these provisions so they become a standard part of contract negotiations rather than a special, time-consuming category.

What are the major barriers to entry for people wanting to work in green law or the renewable space? Any advice for aspiring professionals?

My advice is: don’t try to be someone else, be yourself, but learn from those around you. In this space, especially within construction and renewable energy law, you have to be open-minded and willing to learn constantly because things change rapidly.