Break Boundaries.
Shape What’s Next.

We turn complexity into clarity — delivering human-focused, sustainable, high-performing energy solutions.

About Us

Break boundaries Shape what’s next

Our vision

At SUSTEA, we believe in solutions that put people's needs first. Specific tools, trends, or systems do not bind us, and technology always comes second.

The principles and technology we build on are developed over almost 20 years of research and development at MIT (USA) and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (Croatia). This collaboration extends beyond innovations themselves, encompassing methods, structure, and ways of thinking.

We curate the right mix of technologies to tackle specific challenges. Every project we take on is guided by clear goals, measurable outcomes, and a relentless commitment to redefining what is possible.

What sets us apart

System Thinking. Every challenge is part of a broader context — its interdependencies, long-term ripple effects, and the potential for added value.
Data-driven Expertise. Every decision we make is backed by measurable insights. From energy modeling to real-time insights, every move is grounded in meaningful, actionable data.
No cookie-cutter Solutions. We know that no size fits all. Each challenge demands its own answer — crafted intentionally, never generically.

Founder & CEO

Behind the SUSTEA vision

Dr. Tea Žakula

SUSTEA is powered by the vision and leadership of its founder, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tea Žakula, a recognized expert in smart energy systems, sustainable buildings, and energy policy. Her work bridges academia and industry, with a clear focus on turning research into real-world solutions and driving tangible results that help companies advance.

Dr. Žakula earned her M.Sc.(2010) and Ph.D.(2013) at MIT (USA), with a major in energy and a minor in business — a foundation that shapes her integrated, impact-driven approach to complex sustainability challenges. She is also a member of MIT’s Society of Energy Scholars, an elite community recognized for excellence in energy-related research.

She is an Associate Professor, Founder and Head of the Laboratory for Intelligent Energy Systems at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb. Her international background includes roles as a visiting researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA), a visiting lecturer at Northeastern University (USA), and a student intern at Harvard University (USA).

Serving as an external expert for the European Commission, she is advising on the evaluation of research and innovation projects in the energy and defense sectors. In this capacity, she supports strategic decision-making for high-impact R&D funding — helping align investments with Europe’s energy transition and technological priorities.

Additionally, Dr. Žakula has advised national energy and environmental authorities and currently serves on the Board for Energy Transition at the Office of the President of Croatia.

Ph.D. & M.Sc.

Member of MIT’s prestigious Society of Energy Scholars

Head of the Laboratory

for Intelligent Energy Systems

External Expert

for the European Commission

Former visiting researcher

at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA)

Former Member

of Engineers without borders

HVAC Optimization and Energy Modeling

Whether a building is in early design or already operational, we fine-tune energy-saving performance to enhance comfort and lower emissions.

Our unique modeling approach simulates HVAC behaviour under real-world conditions. This covers seasonal loads, occupancy patterns, and control strategies, thus creating precise, measurable improvements through targeted upgrades and intelligent system integration.

Sustainability Metrics and ESG Performance Strategy

We help clients translate climate goals into clear, actionable plans. Our services include:

GHG Protocol-aligned carbon accounting
CO₂ reduction roadmaps
Ongoing performance tracking

By grounding sustainability in data and delivering credible results, we support organizations in meeting their ESG targets with confidence and integrity.

Pre-Design Studies That Maximize Impact

The most cost-effective and transformative decisions happen before design is finalized.

We guide clients through strategic design scenarios using energy modeling, data analytics, and life-cycle assessment (LCA). This process identifies high-impact options that lead to more efficient, resilient, and future-ready buildings from the very beginning.

Expert Mediation for Sustainable Infrastructure

We serve as a neutral integrator, aligning stakeholders — architects, engineers, developers, and regulators — throughout the development of sustainable infrastructure.

By facilitating clear communication and collaborative problem-solving, we help teams move from complexity to clarity, ensuring coordinated, technically sound outcomes.

Smart, User-Centric Building Control

We design and deliver advanced control systems that balance human experience with energy performance. Leveraging cutting-edge algorithms developed at MIT and the University of Zagreb, we optimize HVAC and building systems in real time.

This helps deliver greater efficiency, comfort, and long-term operational value in both new builds and existing buildings.

Contact us

Solutions

About Us

Our vision

What sets us apart

Behind the SUSTEA vision

Dr. Tea Žakula

HVAC Optimization and Energy Modeling

Sustainability Metrics and ESG Performance Strategy

Pre-Design Studies That Maximize Impact

Expert Mediation for Sustainable Infrastructure

Smart, User-Centric Building Control

Every challenge is unique, and needs an unique solution

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Want to work with us? Let's elevate your project together.

Get in touch

Break Boundaries.
Shape What’s Next.

Want to work with us?
Let's elevate your project together.