Rod Fehring, chief executive officer of Frasers Property Australia and proponent of sustainable construction and healthy building practices, has been appointed chair of The Green Building Council of Australia.
 
Frasers is one of the largest diversified property groups in Australia, and was the top performer last year on the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark.

Before joining Frasers, Fehring spent nine years with Lendlease as CEO of its development, retirement living and aged care businesses, and six years as CEO of Delfin Lend Lease.

Fehring said growing cities require 'healthy' buildings.

“As our cities grow, we have an obligation and an opportunity to embrace building practices that deliver healthy, resilient and positive places for people and the natural environment,” he said.

Fehring has said that as more Australians choose to rent, because of higher property prices, the development industry must change its offering, and has indicated that Frasers could enter the 'multi-family' apartments market. 'Multi-family' apartment buildings are generally built by institutional developers and managed by a single manager; they often provide very long leases. 

The development industry is committed to using sustainable practices, said Fehring.

“There may be some uncertainty around the Paris Agreement and global commitments to tackle climate change, but industry remains rock-solid in its commitment to sustainability," he said.

Fehring said Green Star ratings are being broadly adopted in Australia.

“Almost 1,500 Green Star projects have been certified around Australia – and 38 per cent of the nation’s office space is Green Star certified. More than 1.3 million people shop in a Green Star retail centre every day," he explained.

The GBCA will be focusing on net zero buildings over the next twelve months, and leading the industry in using sustainable practices.

“The GBCA’s focus over the next year will be leading the shift to net zero buildings, and to reshaping the way Australians live, work and play in their cities.

"The GBCA’s board is determined to accelerate market transformation and to set the sustainability agenda throughout our region."

New deputy chairs have also been appointed: Kylie Rampa, Lendlease’s Chief Executive Officer, Property Australia; and John Flecker, Chief Executive Officer of Multiplex Australasia.

Kylie Rampa, Chief Executive Officer of Multiplex Australasia has been appointed deputy chair of the GBCA. 

The GBCA’s chief executive officer, Romilly Madew, welcome Fehring, and paid tribute to outgoing chair, Tanya Cox.

“Tanya’s term has been characterised by a laser-focus on strong governance, strategic board appointments and the development of an ambitious new agenda for a carbon positive industry. Her impact will be felt for many years to come."

Last year Cox was appointed to the executive committee of the World Green Building Council, a network of national green building councils in more than 75 countries. The WorldGBC’s aim is to championing green building practices in member countries, and to connect members to a network of knowledge, inspiration and practical support.

Read more about the GBCA:

Smart cities are sustainable: GBCA

Carbon positive roadmap will pave the way for climate action

New cabinet welcomed by Green Building Council of Australia