Yetunde, who brings 20 years’ experience to the role, will spearhead UKGBC’s efforts in accelerating changes that will help the industry tackle the climate and nature crises.

Convening the industry to realise UKGBC’s mission to radically transform the sustainability of the built environment, Yetunde will also help align the organisation’s work on climate mitigation, resilience and nature more closely.

With oversight of UKGBC’s activities to scale up best practice initiatives, solutions, and innovations, her new remit also covers circular economy work and solutions and innovation.

During nearly three years as the head of climate action at UKGBC, Yetunde led a series of industry-wide initiatives, including setting up the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard governance board and technical steering group.

Starting her career as a life scientist, Yetunde has first-hand experience in running and embedding evidence-based, industry-wide sustainability standards and frameworks, including ensuring sustainability is factored into post-disaster reconstruction and supporting pre-and-post disaster planning.

Before joining UKGBC, Yetunde worked at several engineering and environmental consultancies, a property investment company and for central government.

Yetunde Abdul said: “The transition toward a truly sustainable built environment that considers resilience and nature, is already underway, but it must accelerate. To achieve this, practical actions, scalable solutions, and the cultivation of knowledge and skills are essential.

“As we embrace the fresh potential that a new government brings, I look forward to leading UKGBC’s industry-facing work. Through partnership and collaboration with our broad membership, we will identify and address urgent climate challenges head-on.

“Having worked closely with the UKGBC team as both a member and collaborator, I am delighted about the expanded scope of my remit. Together, we can drive even greater positive transformation.”

Smith Mordak, chief executive at UKGBC, added: “I am thrilled to have Yetunde on board as our new director. Having led on climate action at UKGBC and being well-known to our colleagues and members, I believe she is fully prepared to make an immediate impact in this critical role.

“With her hands-on expertise in driving sector-wide transformation across both government and industry, Yetunde is brilliantly positioned to make the most of the opportunities arising from the recent change in government. She brings a holistic perspective on sustainability for the built environment, backed by extensive multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral experience.”