Smith Mordak (left) will take over from Julie Hirigoyen (proper) this June.

Present chief government Julie Hirigoyen introduced final September that she can be stepping down in summer season 2023 after an eight-year tenure. Hirigoyen was appointed to steer the UKGBC in April 2015 from JLL’s company sustainability workforce and is credited with vastly increasing its work. Presently, the Council convenes greater than 700 members.

The Council has as we speak (21 February) named Hirigoyen’s successor, deciding on Smith Mordak, the present director of sustainability and physics at Buro Happold.

In a press release, the Council mentioned that Mordak “brings a wealth of business data, deep technical experience, first-hand insights as a longstanding member of UKGBC, and loads of recent concepts to the position, at this vital second in time”. It added that they’re enthusiastic about delivering a “regenerative financial system”.

Mordak holds Bachelor’s levels in structure and engineering with maths, plus different {qualifications} in fields together with retrofit. They’ve been working within the UK’s constructed atmosphere sector for greater than a decade, holding roles within the personal sector and within the public sector on the Larger London Authority.

Mordak has been the director of sustainability and physics at Buro Happold since spring 2020 and likewise holds further roles on the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity; as a nationally elected councillor at RIBA, and on the editorial board of the Journal of Metropolis Local weather Coverage and Financial system. They’ve beforehand written columns advocating for constructed atmosphere sustainability in The Guardian, Dezeen, the Architect’s Journal and RIBA Journal.

The chair of the board of trustees at UKGBC, Sunand Prasad, mentioned Mordak “combines a deep, science-based and systemic understanding of the local weather emergency with a clear-sighted, principled and pragmatic method for what must be carried out in response.”

Prasad added: “From founding an progressive, award-winning design observe to serving to a significant worldwide consultancy, [Mordak] has persistently proven creativeness and dedication in reaching change. Alongside the best way, they’ve been energetic in important business initiatives to attain an equitable and lasting transformation of the constructed atmosphere to a sustainable and regenerative mannequin.”

Hirigoyen will step down on 1 June. She has acknowledged that she is handing over the publish “with nice confidence and the utmost respect”.

Additionally on 1 June, the present director of communications, coverage and locations on the UKGBC – Simon McWhirtier – will transfer right into a deputy chief government position.

“I’m thrilled to have this chance to work with the superb workforce, trustees, and membership at UKGBC,” Mordak mentioned.

“I’m trying ahead to constructing on the charity’s extraordinary physique of labor and Julie’s inimitable legacy. We dwell in existentially difficult instances. Our actions over the subsequent few years can have an outsized impression on the Earth’s ecosystems and on many generations to come back. I’m honoured that I’ll be taking part in my half on this essential interval as a part of this highly effective, change-making coalition.”