Dean Riddell has been appointed chairman of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC).

Mr Riddell, the previous vice chairman, replaces Rob Lang who has stepped down from his leadership of AMP NZ Office Trust (ANZO), and with it, his chairmanship of the NZGBC.

Mr Lang was Chairman of the NZGBC for two years and a board member for three. During this time he guided the Council through a significant growth period seeing the NZGBC become New Zealand’s leading industry voice on sustainable green building, driving the development and adoption of market-based green building initiatives and setting standards of best practice through the adaptation of the Green Star rating tools. 

Mr Lang welcomes his replacement, Mr Riddell, who is one of the longest-standing board members, having served the Council Board of Directors since its inauguration almost four years ago.

Mr Riddell brings a wealth of property experience and knowledge from his role as Principal of global property and construction consultants Davis Langdon. He is an industry leader in Project Procurement, Cost Management and Project Management, and is part of Davis Langdon’s International Sustainability Group.

One of Mr Riddell’s first roles will be to establish a new chief executive for the NZGBC, following Jane Henley’s appointment as CEO of the World Green Building Council.

“The NZGBC has made a significant impact through Jane's leadership, evidenced by the rapid adoption of green building practices. With Jane now at the helm of the World GBC the opportunity now exists for us to further our involvement in the World GBC through this important connection.”

Mr Riddell says the NZGBC’s particular focus in 2010 and beyond will be continued improvements to the Green Star rating tool to meet industry needs, as well as encouraging retrofitting existing buildings, developing a performance tool and a residential tool. 

“Green Star has successfully provided a common language, quickly becoming an established and widely supported system for increasing the sustainability of new and existing buildings. We look forward to developing this platform further for the benefit of all involved – owners, tenants, residents, designers and builders.” 

New Zealand has 37 projects certified by Green Star NZ, including the first two ‘world leadership’ standard 6 Green Star buildings, Geyser in Parnell and the Christchurch Civic Building, proving a tangible commitment to the value and the potential of green building principles.

The NZGBC’s membership base of more than 400 organisations represents a broad spectrum of interests – central and local Government, universities, architects, engineers, consultants and building owners.

At the NZGBC Annual General Meeting in November 2009, two new Board members were voted on by their peers, Tim Hooson from Jasmax and Scott Pritchard from Goodman.

For further information, contact Meaghan Jones on +61 3 9933 8800 or email mjones2@davislangdon.com.au