The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has implemented a number of governance changes to help ensure its ongoing strength and influence.

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 leads Australia’s largest privately-owned construction company. He is 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.

Chief Executive of the GBCA, Romilly Madew, says the organisation is delighted that Daniel 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,” Madew says.

“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. The GBCA has now consolidated itself as one of the strongest GBCs in the world. 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,” Grollo says.

Madew also paid tribute to Mr 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 GreenmStar-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 says.

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.

“Michael was one of the founding members of the Council, and was deeply involved with the Audit Committee’s strategic financial advice. Rob has worked on the Technical Steering Committee’s consideration of the rigour and robustness of many Green Star rating tools. We thank both of them for their passion, drive and dedication to sustainable building,” Madew says.

“This October marks the tenth 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 concludes.