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Green buildings no longer lead by Romilly Madew

Romilly Madew

The Green Building Council of Australia’s long-serving leader, Romilly Madew, has been appointed chief executive officer of Infrastructure Australia. Ms Madew’s appointment was announced by the Infrastructure Australia Board and welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack. Source: Timberbiz

An independent statutory body, Infrastructure Australia prioritises and progresses nationally significant infrastructure through research and advice to all levels of government, investors and owners.

“During her 13 years at the helm of the GBCA, Romilly has driven a sustainable building movement that has changed the shape of our communities and cities,” chair of the GBCA’s board of directors, Rod Fehring said.

“Romilly has built the GBCA’s global reputation as an influential advocate and change agent. Under Romilly’s stewardship, the GBCA has become a trusted advisor to government, and a global leader among the 70-strong green building council network.

“When Romilly joined the GBCA in 2006, just a handful of projects had achieved Green Star ratings. Today, we boast in excess of 2,250 certified projects.”

More than 37% of Australia’s office space is Green Star certified and 6% of Australia’s workforce head to a sustainable office each day. Upwards of 1.3 million people visit a Green Star-rated shopping centre each day and 48,000 live in Green Star-rated apartments.

In 2017, Ms Madew was awarded the 2017 World Green Building Council Chairman’s Award for her contribution to a sustainable built environment. This follows several other high-profile awards, including the 2015 International Leadership Award from the US Green Building Council.

“Behind these statistics and recognition lie Romilly’s incredible level of dedication, passion and enthusiasm for the built environment, and for a better Australia. On behalf of the board of directors and the hundreds of companies she has worked with, I thank Romilly for her service,” Mr Fehring said. “She leaves the GBCA in a very strong position, and we look forward to working with Romilly as she makes a lasting impression on infrastructure and development in this country.”

Ms Madew said that she was “proud of the GBCA’s leadership in supporting collaboration across the property industry to deliver more productive, sustainable cities and communities“ pointing to the established influence of the GBCA beyond the commercial office sector to leadership in the delivery of sustainable infrastructure through Green Star rated airports, hospitals, train stations, and major urban renewal projects.

Ms Madew is a longstanding advocate for national leadership supporting integrated strategic planning for cities and infrastructure as past-deputy president of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, and member of numerous federal and state government ministerial panels.

“It has been a privilege to work with a visionary board, outstanding organisations, inspiring individuals and talented colleagues over the last 13 years, and I am confident the GBCA will continue to play a central role as a sustainability champion and change agent,” she said.

The GBCA board of directors has appointed People for Purpose (www.peopleforpurpose.com.au) to assist in the executive search process.