ASBEC appoints new president

The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has appointed new president Tanya Cox, as architect Professor Ken Maher AO steps down after seven years in the role.

Cox is a non-executive director of various ASX-listed and unlisted boards. She is the former chair of the Green Building Council of Australia and World Green Building Council and was chief operating officer of Dexus Property Group for 11 years.

“ASBEC plays a unique role as the peak collaborative forum for organisations that champion sustainable, productive and resilient buildings, communities and cities,” says Cox.

“I am honoured to take on the position of chair as ASBEC pursues an ambitious agenda. Supporting the transition to an integrated, sustainable and climate resilient built environment, strengthening regulations and ensuring all Australians have healthy and comfortable homes, offices and buildings are big challenges.

“These challenges will only be achieved through collaboration, and ASBEC’s role has never been more central to Australia’s future as a low-emissions nation.”

Cox also paid tribute to the “extraordinary” work of outgoing president Prof. Maher, who was appointed to the role in February 2015.

“Ken has been a strong and steady voice for sustainability in the built environment,” Cox says. “Under Ken’s wise council, ASBEC’s influence and impact has steadily grown.

“Ken’s commitment to collaboration has expanded ASBEC’s membership into new areas, bringing together an array of industry sectors with community advocates to push for stronger building standards, champion net zero targets and lay the foundations for sustainable homes.”

Among ASBEC’s achievements during Prof. Maher’s tenure were research and reports that strengthened the case for net zero buildings, including Low Carbon High Performance (2016), Built to Perform (2018) and Every Building Counts (2019).

Under Prof. Maher’s guidance, ASBEC’s advocacy informed the national Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (2019) and helped upgrade energy efficiency standards in the National Construction Code. He also forged a strong research partnership between ASBEC and the CRC for Low Carbon Living (2012–2019).

“Ken leaves ASBEC in a position of strength, with an engaged board of industry leaders, a growing network of members and a clear strategy as we drive change in the decade of decarbonisation,” says Cox.

Image shows new ASBEC president, Tanya Cox.