Sustainability Champions: Growing a Greener Future with Jerry Lim, Eupe’s Landscaping Manager
Sustainability is more than a vision at Eupe—it’s a core principle embedded in our projects, the communities we build, and the people who work with us. Our new "Sustainability Champions" series highlights our employees who are driving positive change within Eupe, showcasing their passion, expertise, and efforts to build a greener future.
Nurturing Sustainability Through Landscape
Jerry Lim, Eupe’s Landscape Manager - whose expertise features environmental conservation and biodiversity strategies and practices - is driving important sustainability outcomes for Eupe. His work showcases how innovative landscaping in property development can lead the way in building back nature by promoting biodiversity.
A Passion for Green Spaces
Jerry’s love for trees and plants led him to a degree in Landscape Architecture and certifications as an ISA Certified Arborist. He is also corporate member of the Institute of Landscape Architecture Malaysia. He ensures all Eupe’s landscaping decisions align with the company’s sustainability goals – in particular Eupe’s biodiversity objectives - while adding long-term value for customers and the environment.
“I’ve worked as both a consultant and in construction firms before moving into the corporate world by joining Eupe,” Jerry explains. “One thing remains constant; I never stop learning.”
Landscaping as a Pillar of Sustainability
As sustainability gains more, landscaping plays a crucial role in property development Jerry bridges policies with real-world implementation integrating green spaces and conserving biodiversity.
Some of the most impactful initiatives Jerry has spearheaded in Sungai Petani include:
- Sourcing and cultivating rare forest species, especially endangered ones.
- Training staff on tree care and pest management.
- Tree conservation and transplantation before construction.
- Biodiversity studies and management plans at key Eupe project sites like Edgewater, which is being developed as a 120-acre eco-friendly residential and commercial development in Sungai Petani
- Prioritising native plant species over foreign ones.
- Utilising Eupe’s nursery to cultivate trees for future projects.
Choosing the Right Greenery
A well-planned landscape supports ecosystems, conserves resources, and creates a sustainable human as well as natural environment. Jerry carefully selects trees based on their diversity, adaptability, and positive ecological impact.
“Choosing the right trees isn’t just about aesthetics,” he says. “It’s about functionality, environmental impact, and ensuring they can thrive naturally.”
Becoming a Certified Arborist
Understanding trees at a scientific level has been pivotal to Jerry’s work. Arboriculture, he explains, is more than just tree planting—it involves tree biology, soil interactions, pest management, and habitat conservation.
One of the biggest misconceptions he encounters is that trees require little to no maintenance. “Many people think that trees grow on their own and don’t need any care. In reality, trees need proper pruning, soil management, and pest control to remain healthy and safe.”
Turning Waste into a Resource
Among Jerry’s latest initiatives is the Bring Your Waste to Work program, encouraging staff to bring organic waste like fruit peels and coffee grounds for composting. Initially collecting food waste from restaurants, the initiative expanded company wide.
“In landscaping, we compost leaves and branches to improve soil fertility and reduce waste. Extending this to household waste increases the recycling impact,” Jerry explains.
The initiative has raised awareness among Eupe staff of the importance of organic recycling. The compost collected reduces chemical fertiliser use and enriches naturally the soil Eupe uses for landscaping at its project sites.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability Challenges and Goals
Looking forward, Jerry is passionate about biodiversity conservation. He believes human development and wildlife can coexist with careful planning. “Housing projects don’t have to come at the cost of biodiversity,” he asserts. “We can build homes for people while also preserving and improving habitats for wildlife.”
His advice to others? “Keep learning. The more you understand sustainability principles and best practices, the better you can drive change”
Through his leadership and dedication, Jerry is shaping greener landscapes and a more sustainable future for Eupe and the communities it builds.
