Tony Arnel, former Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia has
been presented with a World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) Chairman’s Award
for 2014.
Arnel chaired the WorldGBC between 2008 and 2011, during which
time the Council experienced extraordinary growth in member countries now
exceeding 100 in number. His stint also saw the establishment of regional Green
Building Council networks, with GBCA supporting the development of the Asia
Pacific GBC Network, and the establishment of an international policy task
group.
Announcing the award at the WorldGBC Congress in São Paulo, Brazil,
WorldGBC Chairman Bruce Kerswill said the honour recognised Tony’s outstanding contribution
to the growth of the WorldGBC.
According to Mr Kerswill, Tony’s guidance as a director and chairman
laid the foundation for the WorldGBC’s success, winning wide support for his
global work, particularly from developing countries, and helping establish the
Asia Pacific Network. Thanks to his efforts, the WorldGBC has emerged as a
globally influential champion of sustainable building.
Arnel said he was humbled with the global recognition and attributed the
successes to the great team effort and a lot of hard work in transforming the
WorldGBC into a global movement.
Daniel Grollo, Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia commented
that Arnel’s award was a reflection on Australia’s internationally recognised
green leadership. Tony not only headed the Green Building Council of Australia
for five years, but also simultaneously chaired the WorldGBC, contributing
immensely to the growth of both organisations.
The São Paulo event also recognised the contributions of former
Executive Vice Minister with the Chinese Government’s Ministry of Housing and
Urban Development, Qiu Bao Xing, who made energy-efficient building a focus of
his government’s strategy to mitigate greenhouse emissions, and Alejandro
Aravena, a Chilean architect and leader in sustainable social housing.
