Tony Arnel has been appointed president of the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC), Australia's peak body for energy efficiency, cogeneration and demand management.
Arnel assumes the reigns from Rob Thomson, who has stepped down as president after almost two years in the role.
Arnel is the global director of sustainability at engineering consultancy firm Norman Disney & Young and is a trustee of the Sustainable Melbourne Fund, an initiative of the Melbourne City Council created to accelerate the retrofitting of existing buildings by making funding available to building owners.
He is the former chair of both the Green Building Council of Australia and of the World Green Building Council.
Between 2000 and 2012 he served as the Victorian Building Commissioner. Over the past decade Arnel has been a leader in the Australian and international efficiency debate, advocating for efficient buildings as a means of reducing emissions and improving economic growth.
Luke Menzel, Acting CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council welcomed news of the appointment.
"I'm delighted to welcome Tony Arnel to the presidency at this critical moment in the energy debate," Menzel said. "A highly respected international expert and leader, he brings an extraordinary wealth of knowledge to our team.”
Commenting on his appointment, Arnel said he looks forward to working with council members to build the market for energy efficiency, cogeneration and demand management in Australia.
"Improving our energy efficiency has the potential to deliver great upswings in productivity and economic growth across Australia, while also reducing our energy bills and cutting carbon pollution," he said.
"I’m committed to the development of policies and platforms that support smarter, more sustainable energy use.”