Streamlined board to lead GBCA into the next decade

Having a smaller board that meets more frequently is just one of a number of governance changes made to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to ensure its ongoing strength and influence.

At an extraordinary general meeting held on 23 July in Sydney, the members of the GBCA unanimously approved nine governance changes which are consistent with best practice for boards in Australia. These include changes to length of board tenure and the election and rotation of directors.

The GBCA’s Chair, Tony Arnel, also announced that Deputy Chair, Daniel Grollo, has agreed to take on the role of Chair subject to election at the board meeting after the November AGM. Grollo is Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of  construction company Grocon, the former National President of the Property Council of Australia, a non-executive director on the BlueScope Steel board and has been a board director of the GBCA since its inception.

The Chief Executive of the GBCA, Romilly Madew, says the organisation is delighted that Grollo has agreed to step into the role of Chair.

“Daniel has been a vocal and influential supporter of Green Star and Grocon has been at the forefront of green building practices since the council was established in 2002,” she said.

“It is a great honour to take on the role of Chairman from Tony Arnel, and I’d like to acknowledge Tony’s steady leadership over the last five years,” Grollo said.

“I look forward to working with the GBCA’s experienced and inspiring team and my board colleagues to strengthen Australia’s world-leading green building industry.”

Madew also paid tribute to Arnel’s contribution to Australia’s green building industry.

“During Tony’s five years as Chair, the GBCA’s membership has expanded and the number of Green Star-rated buildings has grown exponentially. Tony’s leadership of the World Green Building Council has cemented Australia’s reputation as an international green building leader,” Madew said.

Two GBCA board directors have also announced their retirement. Michael Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of ISIS Group Australia, and Robert Coombs, President and Chief Executive Officer of InterfaceFLOR Asia Pacific, have both stepped down after many years of service.

“We thank both of them for their passion, drive and dedication to sustainable building,” Madew said.

“This October marks the 10th anniversary of the GBCA. Our many achievements would not have been possible without the leadership of our outgoing directors. We thank them for helping the GBCA evolve into a mature and influential organisation, and look forward to the next decade of sustainable building in Australia,” Madew concluded.

Further detail relating to the outcomes from the GBCA’s extraordinary general meeting can be found here.