The founder of Szencorp, Peter Szental was a tireless and passionate champion on climate change and sustainability. Sadly, he passed away at home surrounded by his close family on 14 July 2010, after a battle with cancer.

Peter was widely respected for his pioneering work over three decades to improve Australia’s sustainability. He was a passionate advocate for action on climate change and sustainable buildings, possessing a sharp eye, an impatience for action, and a strong ethic of business accountability. He is credited with a leading role in turning energy efficiency into mainstream business in Australia.

Peter was ahead of his time in the field of sustainability. In 1983 he established Energy Conservation Systems (ECS), a company focused on technologies to reduce energy consumption in buildings. With ECS he became passionate about finding innovative ways to save energy, often investigating emerging technologies to see if they could become commercially viable. It took the world over two decades to catch up to his visionary approach to energy performance in buildings.

At various times Peter held national leadership positions in the development of technologies as diverse as efficient lighting, solar air-conditioning, bioenergy, and electric cars. He also served as Founder of the Australian Alliance to Save Energy and Founding President of the Energy Efficiency Council, as well as being instrumental in the establishment and early work of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Green Building Council of Australia, Business Council for Sustainable Energy, and the Clean Energy Council. He sat on advisory committees for Federal and state governments too numerous to list.

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As the issue of climate change began to gain greater attention in the early 2000s, Peter was already actively speaking out about the need to reduce our reliance on coal-fired electricity. His political and industry involvement started to increase as he became deeply committed to influencing the environmental political agenda.

One of Peter’s lasting and most visually striking achievements stands at 40 Albert Rd, South Melbourne. In 2004 Peter began the process of transforming the Szencorp Building into what is now widely regarded as a world-leading example of sustainable retrofitting. The building achieved global fame for cutting its energy use by 65 per cent, and for achieving the highest water, energy, waste and Indoor Environment Quality ratings from NABERS given to any Australian building. It was the first retrofitted building to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating.

Over the years Peter has been a valued contributor to EcoGeneration magazine, writing numerous reports in his roles as President of the Business Council on Substainable Energy and the Clean Energy Council, and sharing his thoughts on the future of the clean energy industry just last year.

Peter defied conventions and had diverse interests. He was passionate about the Melbourne Football Club, where he served as a Director. He held degrees in science, politics, philosophy and business. His many private passions, including skiing, wine, spending time with his close family, football and the arts, were pursued every bit as much as his professional commitment to leaving the world a better place for all of our children.

Peter was a loving husband and adoring father who was devoted to his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Lorraine, his daughter Jae, and his son Max. Peter will be greatly missed.