Michael Brooks, chief executive officer of REALPAC, has been named to the board of directors of the World Green Building Council (WGBC) and will also serve as treasurer for 2021-22. He joins seven other directors of the umbrella organization representing approximately 70 national green building councils, along with a slate of new chairs and vice chairs for the WGBC’s five global regions.

“These directors and chairs have earned their place as champions of sustainability in the building and construction industry,” says Cristina Gamboa, chief executive officer of the World Green Building Council. “Their expertise will continue to transform the built environment and help the world to deliver on the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

Beyond his role with REALPAC, a leading organization for Canada’s commercial real estate sector, Brooks is executive in residence at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University; special advisor to the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative (Property Working Group); and a business advisor to the Canadian government’s Sustainable Development Advisory Council. He is the author of the textbook, Canadian Commercial Real Estate: Theory, Practice, Strategy, and formerly practiced commercial real estate law.

Brooks has been a strong advocate for climate action, ESG (environmental, social, governance) and industry standards and professionalism in all those forums — a track-record that aligns with WGBC’s mission to propel the building and construction sector to heightened resiliency, optimal health and minimal environmental impact.

“I am pleased to be part of this global group focused on achieving net-zero emissions from buildings, indoor health and wellness, and the circular economy,” he says.