Robin Mellon, who was formerly Chief Operating Officer of the Green Building Council of Australia, has stepped into the new role of Chief Executive Officer of Australia's Supply Chain Sustainability School.

Launched in March 2015, the Supply Chain Sustainability School aims to increase supplier engagement on sustainability within the property, construction and infrastructure industries. It provides training to ensure the broader supply chain has a common understanding of best industry practice, and follows the model of the UK's Sustainability School, which was established in 2012.

The industry-led initiative started with seven founding partners—John Holland, Mirvac, Stockland, Downer Tenix, McConnell Dowell, Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia and DuluxGroup—with additional funding and support provided by NSW Trade and Investment, Sustainability Victoria and Construction Skills Queensland.

"Sustainability offers great opportunities for us all – but we need to understand our supply chains better and realise we can’t address these issues alone," said Mellon. "Bringing the best resources and tools together in one place to build everyone’s skills and knowledge from the fundamentals upwards is the fastest way for us to create the buildings, communities and infrastructure we need for a sustainable Australia."

The appointment of Mellon represents the next step in the School’s growth, said Renuka Sabaratnam, a founding partner and co-chair of the School who is also John Holland’s Manager for Sustainability.

"Robin’s collaborative style and extensive networks will enhance our ability to work with both the public and private sectors to raise understanding of sustainability," said Sabaratnam.