GBCA names its 2016 Future Green Leader

Olivia Leal-Walker, sustainability coordinator with Frasers Property Australia, has been named 2016 Future Green Leader by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

The award was announced as part of World Green Building Week (26 September–2 October) in Sydney and recognises up-and-coming sustainability specialists in the property and construction sector. Leal-Walker was chosen from a field of 14 finalists and was selected by a judging panel after a rigorous judging process.

“Olivia impressed us with her hard work, passion and ability to bring people together on a sustainability journey,” said the GBCA’s chief executive officer, Romilly Madew.

“She worked on Frasers Property’s Fairwater, the first 6 Star Green Star – Communities development in New South Wales and also played a significant role in Frasers Property being awarded the global GRESB leader for Diversified Office/Industrial/Non-listed fund.

“In her role with Frasers Property, she also engages staff through organising the company-wide EnviroWeek talks, World Green Building Week events and various activities as part of the company’s new sustainability strategy.

“Olivia’s passionate commitment to sustainability will inspire others to embrace sustainable thinking.”

Leal-Walker was appointed at Frasers Property following an internship and is a big advocate of mentoring as a vehicle for young people to kickstart their careers. A volunteer for a number of environmental organisations, she recently coordinated Frasers Property’s involvement in Schools Tree Day, which engaged 75 staff volunteers, the media and donations from 14 companies. She is also developing a social enterprise to tackle the issue of food waste on farms.

Paolo Bevilacqua, Frasers Property general manager of sustainability, said Leal-Walker is a huge asset to his organisation’s sustainability agenda.

“Olivia is very passionate about sustainability and has a rare gift for inspiring people to get on board of a concept — whether that’s mobilising our staff for volunteering events or bringing together a project team around a common purpose to enhance the value of sustainability to our customers. She’s worked on industry-leading Green Star projects and has a very bright future ahead of her.”

The annual Future Green Leader receives a one-year VIP pass to unlimited GBCA events, courses, site tours and online learning, a coveted speaking spot at Green Building Day, three mentoring sessions with an industry leader and recognition as the Future Green Leader.