Tony Arnel
Tony Arnel, previously chair of the World Green Building Council, has been elected to the Board of Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) at the company’s annual general meeting held in Launceston, Tasmania. Source: Timberbiz
“The nomination of Mr Arnel and subsequent election by the members is a testimony to the calibre of director candidates attracted to the company,” chair of the FWPA Board Mr John Simon said.
Mr Arnel is the Global Director of Sustainability at Norman Disney & Young (NDY) and works across the worldwide network of NDY offices in six countries.
He is the company’s key strategist for sustainability and is a Life Fellow of the Green Building Council of Australia, a founding director and was chair between 2007 and 2012. During this time, he was also chair of the World Green Building Council (2008 – 2011).
His current board involvement includes the Energy Efficiency Council (President), Deakin University School of Engineering (Deputy Chair) and the Sustainable Melbourne Fund.
At a subsequent FWPA Board meeting, the directors re-elected John Simon as the chairman of the board.
“I am grateful for the support of my fellow directors and I look forward to maintaining the strategic focus and strong corporate governance of the organisation,” Mr Simon said.
“The strength of FWPA lies in its capability to articulate and implement its rolling 5-year plan in a collaborative and systematic manner,” he explained.
“The company is now transitioning to a new strategic plan that is focused on five outcome-driven programs. I am confident that FWPA will continue to deliver effective and valuable outcomes for its members and for the Australian Government.”
Addressing the meeting Mr Simon noted that the previous financial year has been highly significant for the company with the change to the National Construction Code to allow for taller timber buildings taking effect from 1st of May.
“The change to the code is an excellent example of how the company can make strategic investments in research, particularly in fire and acoustics, and then identify a pathway to adoption through the deemed-to-satisfy requirements,” Mr Simon said.
“Using its market resources and strong alliances with building professions, the company was able to ensure widespread support for the change.”
Based on FWPA’s market research more than 75% of building professionals are now aware of the change and the opportunities for both lightweight and massive timber construction.
Mr Simon noted that other key initiatives for FWPA include an updated TV advertising campaign in conjunction with Planet Ark, and again featuring Peter Maddison, the host of Grand Designs Australia.
Other achievements, equally important but less visible include work on improved industry statistics, timber design life, genetics, and tools to predict wood quality.
Mr Simon thanked his fellow directors for their commitment and contribution in their diligent oversight of the company.
He particularly identified the work of Craig Taylor, a non-member director, who was stepping off down from the board.
“Craig has been a very positive contributor to the Board and his insights will be missed,” Mr Simon said.
Candidates to the FWPA Board are selected by an arms-length director selection committee, which includes representatives from four national associations and then voted on by the company members at the annual general meeting.
