Sustainability advocate Tanya Cox has been appointed as the new president of Australia’s peak body of organisations committed to a sustainable built environment.
Ms Cox’s appointment was made at the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council’s AGM on December 1.
Ms Cox is the former chair of the Green Building Council of Australia and World Green Building Council and was chief operating officer of Dexus Property Group for 11 years.
She said ASBEC played a unique role as the peak collaborative forum for organisations that champion sustainable, productive and resilient buildings, communities and cities, especially as Australia moved to a low-emissions future.
“I am honoured to take on the position of chair as ASBEC pursues an ambitious agenda,” she said in a statement.
“Supporting the transition to an integrated, sustainable and climate resilient built environment, strengthening regulations and ensuring all Australians have healthy and comfortable homes, offices and buildings are big challenges.
“These challenges will only be achieved through collaboration, and ASBEC’s role has never been more central to Australia’s future as a low-emissions nation.”
Ms Cox replaces Professer Ken Maher who is standing down after seven years in the role.
Among ASBEC’s achievements during Professor Maher’s tenure are key research and reports strengthening the case for net zero buildings, including the 2021 State of Play report on how local government and city networks are accelerating climate action in Australia.
Under Professor Maher’s guidance, ASBEC’s advocacy informed the national Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings and helped upgrade energy efficiency standards in the National Construction Code.
He also forged a strong research partnership between ASBEC and the CRC for Low Carbon Living.
ASBEC counts numerous government organisations and agencies as observer members, including the Cities of Melbourne and City, Infrastructure Australia and the CSIRO.
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