Davina Rooney
Sustainability industry leader Davina Rooney will join the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) as the new chief executive officer. The former general manager of sustainability and corporate procurement at one of Australia’s largest diversified property groups, Stockland, Ms Rooney brings her experience as an engineer and change agent to Australia’s authority on sustainable buildings and communities. Source: Timberbiz
GBCA Chair Rod Fehring said Ms Rooney’s inspirational leadership capacity together with her deep technical knowledge would enhance the organisation’s industry perspective as it furthered its goals to make communities more productive, liveable and healthy.
“Davina has led Stockland to be a global leader on sustainability in property, achieving a raft of international accolades from leading organisations DJSI, GRESB and CDP,” Mr Fehring said.
“Davina has also steered industry-leading initiatives at Stockland, including the largest rollout of solar panels in the property industry and the most Green Star Design & As Built rated shopping centres in the country.
“She worked over 10 years across Stockland’s diverse business to develop and implement strategies for sustainable and efficient buildings and communities.
“Her responsibilities took her from the construction site to the policy table, giving Davina an outstanding insight across the lifecycle of major development projects.
“Davina is a well-known and highly respected leader in our sector and we are delighted to be appointing her as the GBCA’s next Chief Executive Officer.
“She is the perfect candidate to take forward the GBCA’s impressive legacy in a collaborative way at what is in an exceptionally exciting time as we move towards the implementation of key projects including the next generation of Green Star and our Carbon Positive Roadmap.”
Ms Rooney said she was excited by the opportunity to work across industry at this pivotal time and would focus on achieving real outcomes for low-energy buildings and communities.
“Property provides an unparalleled opportunity to build ongoing sustainable communities that positively impact people, communities and the world environment,” she said.
“I am passionate about developing happier, healthier and more sustainable outcomes, while working collaboratively across the industry.
“I believe in the power a strategy of shared value can deliver. How we partner with industry, with policymakers and community shapes our success.
“The GBCA, and outgoing CEO Romilly Madew AO, have had a transformational impact on the Australian market and this is something I look forward to building on in the years ahead.
“In Australia, we have much to be proud of as a global leader but we can and will improve to help meet our international obligations.”
Ms Rooney is a civil engineer and supports the Women in STEM initiative. She has a variety of sustainability experience, from environmental projects, not-for profit boards and overseas community development work, spending eight months working in the Indian Himalayas on the construction of a school which won multiple international awards.
Ms Rooney has been recognised in her field with awards including the NAWIC NSW 2016 Sustainability Award, PCA 2014 Future Leaders Award and Sydney University Engineering Young Alumni Award.
She has contributed to the GBCA as a member of the Green Star Steering Committee for the last three years, and the Green Star Advisory Committee over the last 12 months and has recently completed her two-year term as the chair of the Property Council’s National Sustainability Roundtable.
Mr Fehring took the opportunity to once again thank outgoing chief executive officer Romilly Madew AO for her more than thirteen years leading the GBCA. She is departing to take on the role of Infrastructure Australia chief executive officer.
“Romilly has been a force for change in Australia’s built environment, where the number of Green Star-rated projects has risen to more than 2250,” he said.
“We thank her for her incredible efforts and look forward to her continued success in her new role.”
Ms Rooney’s appointment commences on 11 June 2019.
