The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) this week welcomed the appointment of two new Directors to its Board, Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia, and Rob Clarke, Managing Director of  Property and Buildings, WSP. Mike and Rob replace outgoing Board members Brett Mason and Guy Templeton. 

GBCA CEO, Davina Rooney, congratulated the new Directors and emphasised their extensive experience within the built environment, commitment to advocacy and expertise in executive leadership across the industry. 

“It's a unique time in the built environment and I am thrilled with the skills that our new directors bring. 

“Mike Zorbas has led the property industry's calls for supporting a strong national construction code, which aligns  with industry’s shared sustainability commitments while Rob Clarke has been an advocate for better buildings  since the beginning and plays an important leadership role in the consultancy industry. 

“I look forward to working closely with our new Board Directors as we sharpen our focus on the transition to fully electric buildings, address the issues of upfront carbon and construction waste, ensure healthier homes become  the standard, and continue our evolution of Green Star,” said Ms Rooney. 

Speaking of his appointment to the GBCA Board, Mike Zorbas said it is an honour to contribute to the significant work of GBCA as a Board Director. 

“The Australian property industry is at the forefront of global sustainability. We have topped the international rankings for the last few decades because property leaders are committed to creating world-beating sustainable buildings.  

“GBCA has been the driving force behind the historic improvement of the quality and performance of the most  important buildings in our cities. I look forward to contributing to GBCA’s leadership of our sector as we do the  necessary work of decarbonising our cities,” Mr Zorbas said. 

Rob Clarke said that having been involved with GBCA since its inception, he looks forward to now supporting its future vision. 

“I am thrilled to be appointed to the GBCA board. As designers and advisors in the built environment, we have a wonderful opportunity and an obligation to lead a sustainable transformation to a lower carbon world.  

“I am passionate about implementing sustainability leadership within projects, including championing WSP’s commitment to ambitious science-based carbon reduction targets with our designs and advice by 2030,” Mr Clarke said. 

Ms Rooney praised the exceptional contributions of the outgoing Directors who helped guide GBCA through a period of growth and progress including the release of Green Star Buildings, the development of Green Star  Communities and important advocacy work that has seen the standard of sustainable building lifted around  Australia.

“From the boardroom to the construction site Brett Mason is an outstanding sustainability leader and his infectious passion for the sector is second to none. Guy Templeton’s enormous strategic insight has helped  sharpen GBCA’s focus, particularly in social infrastructure. 

“GBCA is grateful for the energy and commitment Brett and Guy have shown during their terms. They have left the Board and GBCA in a better position and we are a stronger, more sustainable industry for their efforts, and  we thank them for their service,” Ms Rooney said.

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