UKGBC head steps down after eight-year stint

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UKGBC, is stepping down after more than eight years leading the sustainability network. Hirigoyen will leave the body in summer next year. A search for her successor has already begun. During Hirigoyen’s tenure as chief executive, the UKGBC has evolved from a small environmental NGO to a substantial organisation with a strong voice across the UK built environment sector. Key achievements for the body include the doubling of the membership base to more than 700 members, crafting the UK’s first net zero carbon buildings framework definition, creating the net zero whole-life carbon roadmap for the UK built environment, launching UKGBC Scotland and broadening the body’s focus to embrace wider impact areas including resilience and nature, the circular economy and social value. “I am immensely proud of UKGBC’s collective achievements and impact over the last eight years and deeply honoured to have worked with such a passionate team and so many engaged and ambitious stakeholders,” said Hirigoyen. “Although I will leave behind an organisation I deeply care for, I am excited to see it embark on a critical next chapter under new leadership. My decision to stand down was a challenging one, but I believe that fresh direction will allow for an infusion of new creative ideas at a pivotal moment in time, ahead of the step-change required to 2030. My focus now is on supporting a smooth transition and getting the organisation ready to welcome in new leadership.” Key highlights for Hirigoyen have been around building and retaining the team at UKGBC and bringing the sector together. “I am proud of galvanising industry consensus around key issues such as the net zero carbon buildings framework and the net zero carbon buildings standard, and the way in which we have enabled radical collaboration. COP was an example of that,” Hirigoyen told EG. “We cannot achieve what we need to deliver if everyone isn’t taking a collaborative approach.” The next big collaborative approach Hirigoyen and UKGBC will be pushing will be on delivering a roadmap for resilience in nature. “Shared goals and pathways are vital,” said Hirigoyen. “And I would like to see more roadmaps initiated.” On her reasons for stepping down, Hirigoyen said the time was right to allow the next chief executive time to deliver on its 2030 goals. “I was really keen that succession happens enough in advance of 2025 to shape and succeed over the last five years towards our 2030 goal,” she said. “One of the hardest things about being in charge is knowing when to step down.” Sunand Prasad, chair of the board of trustees at UKGBC, added: “Having led the executive team for over half of UKGBC’s existence, Julie can take huge credit for its growth and increasing impact across the sector. Julie has been an outstanding leader; she has steered the organisation adeptly through times of global crisis and been instrumental in uniting our network on action to drive tangible progress in decarbonisation.” He continued: “Julie leaves UKGBC in a position of strength, but at a pivotal time for the sector. The incoming chief executive of UKGBC has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive the system-level change required to deliver net zero and to ensure we are on a sure trajectory towards a climate-adapted and nature-friendly built environment. We are looking for an inspirational and ambitious leader who will steer our team and strengthen our network, seizing new opportunities and expanding UKGBC’s reach and impact yet further.” Anyone looking to step forward for the role will be expected to have a sense of personal purpose around the mission to enable real estate on its sustainability journey, said Hirigoyen. They will need to be a strong influencer, not just in the real estate sector but for government too and have a strong commercial background. “They need legitimacy,” said Hirigoyen. “They will need to live and breathe the mission.” To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@eg.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @EGPropertyNews Image © UKGBC