A Green Building Council of Australia statement said that Mr Arnel's guidance drove the co-operation and commitment of the World Green Building Council (WGBC) to join with the United Nations Environment Program Sustainable Building and Climate Initiative and Sustainable Building Alliance in adopting the global initiative.

Commenting on the turnout at the World Green Building Council Congress and the agreements reached, Mr Arnel said "The coming together of so many leading green building organisations is unprecedented and appropriate at this critical moment in the world's response to the global challenge of climate change.

"This simple, uniform way of assessing the carbon impact of buildings will make corporate and international comparisons much easier."

To assist in driving further international co-operation and global language, the WGBC has also introduced a new structure, which will enable the more established GBCs to provide leadership and mentoring for emerging countries.

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Under Mr Arnel's leadership, the WGBC has seen an increase in country membership, now totalling 63 members. He is also the Victorian Building and Plumbing Commissioner.

Jane Henley, the current CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council, was also appointed as interim Chief Executive for the WGBC.

"Jane has been a great success in New Zealand and is well known in the World GBC community," Mr Arnel said. "I look forward to working with Jane to implement the new direction for the World GBC."