13 memories for 13 years
Romilly Madew, CEO, Green Building Council of Australia
28 Feb 2019
As someone who loves capturing the moment, I have photographed so many wonderful memories of the Green Building Council of Australia’s journey over the last 13 years. Here are 13 memories that stand out from the crowd.
1. My first certification… and counting
Presenting the Green Star certificate to then defence minister Brendan Nelson for RAAF Richmond for its trifecta of ratings in 2006.
2. A talented team
I’ve worked with so many passionate, professional and focused people. Here are just a few of them.
3. From Australia to the world
The collegiate relationship between GBCs has been a career highlight, particularly in the early days of the World Green Building Council. Here is some of us scaling summits in the Grand Canyon and an inspiring bunch at Congress.
4. Good vibrations at Green Cities
In 2007, the first Green Cities at the old Convention Centre in Sydney was a buzz, and the strength of our industry and the relationship between the GBCA and the Property Council was very much on show. This continued for many years under the leadership of Peter Verwer AO and Ken Morrison.
5. The GreenHouse opens its doors
When rock star, activist and then federal environment minister Peter Garrett agreed to officially open The GreenHouse, our office in Sydney’s Elizabeth Street, we were thrilled.
6. Built Environment Meets Parliament
I always say the secret to Australia’s success on the global sustainability stage is collaboration. Here is collaboration in action at the Built Environment Meets Parliament.
7. The roar of the crowd
Stepping onto the stage to speak to a stadium filled with 25,000 Greenbuild delegates in November 2009.
8. World leadership at work
We were honoured to move into Barangaroo South’s International Towers in 2018 and into a world-leading sustainable workplace.
9. From buildings to the big picture
Green Star – Communities garnered many supporters, including then NSW minister for the environment Rob Stokes, who launched the new rating tool in 2012. Also in the picture is Westpac’s Siobhan Toohill and Smart Cities Council’s Adam Beck.
10. A green gem sparkles
The Sydney Opera House deserved a standing ovation for its 4 Star Green Star – Performance rating in 2015.
11.The Ponds packs a punch
Opening every Green Star project is an honour, but some are extra special. Here I am flanked by Bob Johnston, then CEO of Australand and now leading The GPT Group, Peri McDonald from Frasers Property Australia and Matthew Beggs from UrbanGrowth NSW opening the project in 2015.
12. A brilliant board
Over the years, the GBCA board of directors has boasted of the property industry’s most influential leaders. Here I am with three of my five chairs: Daniel Grollo, Craig Heaton and Tony Arnel. While the board’s members change each year, their passion and commitment for sustainability is unwavering.
13. Respect and reconciliation
The GBCA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, launched in 2018, was a proud moment for our entire team.
When I look back on the last 13 years, I leave with many wonderful friends, colleagues and memories. I would like to thank the many GBCA members, the board, fellows, Green Star alumni and other close partners that work hard to deliver transformation across Australia and the world.
I also leave with the confidence that the property industry will continue to challenge and question, test, trial and tweak, innovate, inspire and ideate. I am confident you’ll celebrate success and learn from failure, collaborate and compete, and most importantly demand a different, better way of building our cities. Onwards and upwards!