Radhia Mchirgui, Managing Director, 3E- Energy & Environment Engineering

For decades, industries have prioritized growth, efficiency, and profitability, often placing sustainability on the sidelines. Environmental responsibility was seen as a costly obligation rather than a strategic advantage. But as climate concerns intensify and resource scarcity becomes a pressing challenge, the global outlook is shifting. Governments are tightening regulations, consumers are demanding greener alternatives, and businesses are realizing that sustainability is not just about compliance—it’s about resilience, innovation, and long-term success. However, translating sustainability goals into measurable results requires more than just intentions; it demands expertise, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of energy systems, environmental impact, and regulatory landscapes. Few embody these qualities as profoundly as Radhia Mchirgui, a sustainability expert with over 26 years of experience in sustainability and environmental consultancy across the MENA region and Africa. Through her extensive work in environmental consultancy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy engineering, she has been instrumental in helping industries redefine their approach to sustainability—making it not just a responsibility, but a competitive advantage.

Growing up in a well-educated Muslim family that valued knowledge and entrepreneurship, Radhia was always encouraged to explore, question, and innovate. From an early age, science and engineering fascinated her—not merely as academic disciplines but as powerful tools to reshape the world. But what truly captured her attention was the pressing issue of sustainability. While many viewed environmental concerns as abstract or secondary to industrial progress, Radhia saw them as the foundation of a better future. She understood that sustainability was not just about preserving resources but about designing systems that balance growth with responsibility. This belief led her to dedicate her life’s work to energy efficiency, environmental management, and the development of solutions that empower industries and communities alike.

Building 3E Group: A Bold Step Towards a Sustainable Future

Radhia’s fascination with sustainability wasn’t just an academic pursuit—it was a calling. As she gained experience in energy efficiency and renewable resources, she observed a glaring gap in the market: companies and industries lacked the strategic consulting necessary to implement sustainable solutions effectively. Sustainability was often treated as an afterthought rather than a fundamental pillar of development. Determined to change this narrative, she established 3E Group, an international engineering firm dedicated to tackling pressing sustainability issues across multiple sectors. “I focused my training and experience on energy and sustainability, and I realized that consulting plays a crucial role in creating a suitable and sustainable environment for all. That’s why I founded 3E Group—to develop these essential capabilities and use them to build a better world,” shares Radhia.

With its headquarters in Tunisia and branches in North Africa and the Middle East, 3E quickly became a name synonymous with expertise in energy efficiency, renewable energy, water management, and environmental sustainability. For over 16 years, 3E has been at the forefront of designing and implementing sustainability strategies for industries, buildings, and various sectors. The company’s strength lies in its multidisciplinary team—a diverse group of senior experts and international consultants who bring a wealth of experience to the table. Their collective knowledge allows 3E to approach sustainability holistically, addressing everything from industrial energy consumption to sustainable building designs. Under Radhia’s leadership, the firm not only provides consulting services but also pioneers innovative frameworks that help organizations transition from traditional, resource-intensive models to more sustainable and forward-thinking operations.

Breaking Barriers in a Competitive Industry

Leadership is never without its hurdles, but stepping into the sustainability sector as a young entrepreneur meant Radhia had to push twice as hard to make her mark. One of the biggest challenges she faced was the perception of youth in the industry. Passionate and highly engaged, she often found that her drive was met with skepticism. “When you are young and deeply engaged, people sometimes see you as a competitor rather than as knowledgeable,” she reflects. The assumption that expertise comes solely with age, rather than experience and skill, was a bias she had to overcome time and again. But instead of letting these biases slow her down, she used them as fuel to drive forward and prove her capabilities. 

Beyond personal biases, Radhia also had to break through industry resistance. Many businesses saw sustainability as an expensive add-on rather than a strategic necessity. Convincing them otherwise required more than just passion—it demanded clear, data-backed insights and a forward-thinking approach. Instead of simply advocating for sustainability, she demonstrated how it could drive efficiency, cut costs, and ensure long-term success. With each successful project and tangible results, Radhia and her team successfully shifted mindsets, proving that environmental responsibility can align with economic growth.

Embracing a Dynamic and Progressive Leadership Approach

Radhia’s leadership style is best described as active and progressive—an approach that keeps her deeply involved in both strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations. Unlike traditional top-down leadership models, she believes in fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation, and maintaining an adaptive mindset. Sustainability is a constantly evolving field, influenced by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting global priorities. To stay ahead, she continuously refines her approach, ensuring that her strategies remain relevant, forward-thinking, and impactful. She doesn’t just set the vision but works alongside her team to bring it to life. Instead of sticking to rigid hierarchies, she fosters a culture of collaboration where young professionals and experts alike are encouraged to contribute ideas, take initiative, and develop innovative solutions. This emphasis on collective growth has been instrumental in 3E’s success, as it enables the company to remain agile and responsive to emerging challenges.

Balancing Work and Well-Being

Entrepreneurship, especially in a field as demanding as sustainability, often comes at the expense of personal time and well-being. Radhia acknowledges that balancing the demands of running an international firm with personal interests is an ongoing challenge. “When it’s your own business, it feels almost impossible at first,” she admits. The responsibility of leading a company, managing teams, securing projects, and driving innovation leave little room for anything else. However, she emphasizes that over time, she has learned to create space for what truly matters—her health, family, and personal growth. The key, she says, is intentional time management. Through careful prioritization, delegation, and setting boundaries, she has found a way to integrate both professional responsibilities and personal well-being. She acknowledges that the demands of entrepreneurship are ever-present, but carving out time for well-being and personal interests has made her a stronger leader. 

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future with Technology

Looking to the future, Radhia envisions 3E Group expanding its capabilities through technological advancements and innovative tools. In a world increasingly driven by data and automation, she sees immense potential in leveraging technology to make sustainable practices more accessible and efficient. “We would like to develop interactive tools for our clients to guarantee the best management for energy, environment, and sustainability concerns,” she affirms. These technological innovations aim to provide businesses with real-time insights, data-driven decision-making capabilities, and actionable strategies for long-term impact.

Beyond business expansion, Radhia’s vision is deeply rooted in impact. She aspires to see a world where sustainability is not an afterthought but a standard practice across industries. By continuing to collaborate with like-minded experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, she aims to simplify sustainability, making it accessible and actionable for companies of all sizes.

Insights to Inspire the Future Leaders

For aspiring leaders looking to make their mark in the sustainability and environmental sectors, Radhia offers a piece of advice that reflects her own journey: “Focus on people’s needs and use all the given capabilities to provide high-quality, meaningful solutions.” She firmly believes that sustainability is not just about protecting the planet—it’s about improving lives, fostering efficiency, and creating long-term value for communities and businesses alike. True impact, she asserts, comes from understanding the challenges people face and developing solutions that are not only environmentally responsible but also practical and accessible. She encourages young leaders to remain steadfast in their goals, resilient in the face of challenges, and, above all, committed to making a difference.

In an era where sustainability is no longer optional but essential, leaders like Radhia Mchirgui are paving the way for a future that balances innovation with responsibility. Through her work, she is not only redefining what it means to be a leader in the sustainability space but also inspiring the next generation to think bigger, act smarter, and lead with purpose.