The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) congratulates two outstanding built environment sustainability champions on being awarded an Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2019 Honours List.

Ms Romilly Madew, Chief Executive of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and past-Deputy President of ASBEC has been awarded for her “distinguished service to the construction sector as a change agent and advocate for sustainable building practices”.

Mr Peter Verwer, former head of the Property Council of Australia, ASBEC’s co-founder and founding board member of the GBCA, has been awarded for his “distinguished service to the property sector, to sustainable development and construction, and to professional bodies”.

“Romilly is an extraordinary champion of sustainable, liveable and resilient buildings, communities and cities, who has helped to catalyse an enormous effect on Australia’s built environment.” said Professor Ken Maher AO, President of ASBEC. “As CEO of the GBCA, Romilly has grown the market for sustainable buildings and precincts, which are not only energy and water efficient and environmentally-friendly, but also deliver great health, comfort and wellbeing outcomes for occupants.”

“Peter has made a remarkable contribution to the property industry and built environment sector with his relentless dedication to bringing a focus on sustainability, through cross sector collaboration.” said Prof Maher. “In his longstanding role as former head of the Property Council of Australia, as well as co-founder of ASBEC and the GBCA, Peter lead the delivery of policy initiatives that have spurred a step change in the environmental performance of commercial buildings within our cities.”

“Peter and Romilly are exception individuals whose passion, commitment and boundless energy has helped to foster an expansive, high level and impactful collaborative movement advancing a sustainable built environment.”  said Prof Maher.  “All of us at ASBEC congratulate Romilly and Peter as they join the ranks of distinguished Australians who have been recognised with an Order of Australia award.” concluded Prof Maher AO.

Read the full ASBEC media release here.