"Change can happen" - Smith Mordak, Chief Executive of UKGBC

Today, I’m joined by a true industry trailblazer, Smith Mordak.

Smith is an award-winning architect, engineer and writer, working across disciplines to realise a regenerative economy and built environment.

As former Director of Sustainability & Physics at Buro Happold, a one-time steering committee member at Architects Declare, and a current board member of the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy (to name just a few of their past and present roles) – Smith has a long-standing reputation for driving industry action on climate change.

Their work in this field began a new chapter in July 2023 when Smith was appointed Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC).

In this episode, we talk about driving forward strategies for an equitable transition to a sustainable built environment, some of the cultural and political levers needed to enable change, and the importance of breaking down industry silos.

Smith also offers up some valuable tips for maintaining personal optimism and resilience in the face of global crisis.

Hope you enjoy the listen.

Resources

• The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) https://ukgbc.org/ 
• UKGBC Systems Change Programme https://ukgbc.org/news/turning-the-tide-against-business-as-usual-ukgbcs-systems-change-programme/ 
• Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity https://cusp.ac.uk/ 
• Governing the Commons by Elinor Ostrom https://www.waterstones.com/book/governing-the-commons/elinor-ostrom/randall-calvert/9780521405997 
• The Dawn of Everything – A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/314162/the-dawn-of-everything-by-wengrow-david-graeber-and-david/9780141991061 
• Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey https://thenapministry.com 
• The Nap Ministry @thenapministry on Instagram

LinkedIn: Smith Mordak, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)
Twitter: @SmithMordak @UKGBC
Instagram: @smithmordak

About Stand Tall

Stand Tall with Rachel Bell is conversations about life, careers, and defining moments with people blazing a trail across property, architecture, engineering and construction.

The podcast is brought to you by Stride Treglown - an employee-owned AJ100 architectural practice and a Certified B Corporation.

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