Globally, various reports on the Building and Construction industry continue to track the progress of the sector in meeting Paris Agreement goals, based on key indicators such as energy use, emissions, the equity sourcing of materials, technologies, and the implementation of critical policies and standards. The latest reports highlight that building-related greenhouse gasses (GHG) are not yet declining. There are ever growing calls for greater and more timely efforts to improve building energy performance, indoor air quality, and reduce emissions, whilst safeguarding the environment. Here at home, the awareness of green buildings, energy efficiency, and passive cooling systems are increasing through the efforts of various international and regional organisations and educational institutions throughout our society.
It is within the midst of this environment that the Trinidad and Tobago Green Building Council held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 13th at the country’s first internationally certified green building, Savannah East. At the AGM, the next Board of Directors was elected by the membership to continue the stewardship, rejuvenation, and sustainability of the Council and its mission to transform the way our country’s buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated thereby enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
Returning for the second year and the 2022-2023 term as President is Colin Cockburn. He will be supported by Ricardo Newallo, Stein Carrington, and Adelwyn Holder, who are all returning to their former positions as the Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President Marketing and Communications, respectively. There are three new members joining this year’s Executive. Joel Le Gendre, who previously served as the Treasurer, will be taking up the role of Vice President Advocacy and Awareness. Dr Rachael Williams steps into the vital role of Vice President Research and Development. Finally, we have Cosimo DiMaggio who will be spearheading our relational challenges as the Vice President Public Relations. The outgoing members of the team were Anabelle Castagne, David Fojo, and Kefim Lewis. We thank them for their service to the Executive.
In addressing the meeting following the election, our President expressed a profound desire to see more members of the organization taking up a proactive and participatory role in helping to spread and fulfill the Council’s mission, whilst promoting the widespread adoption of green building standards, technologies, and practices throughout the country. He is looking forward to deepening the relationship with key industry and governmental stakeholders in driving the greater adoption of green building standards and projects and working with the next generation of younger leaders in being a driving force to sustained change.
The TTGBC remains ever grateful to its founding members, past Executives, and members who have all worked diligently to raise the public profile of the organization and its initiatives over the years. We do look forward to the future with renewed hope and energy as we seek to educate the wider public about the merits of green buildings, not only for our health and well-being, but for the environment and the economy.
