"Change can happen" - Smith Mordak, Chief Executive of UKGBC

11/21/23 • 40 min

Today, I’m joined by a true industry trailblazer, Smith Mordak.
Smith is an award-winning architect, engineer and writer, working across disciplines to realise a regenerative economy and built environment.
As former Director of Sustainability & Physics at Buro Happold, a one-time steering committee member at Architects Declare, and a current board member of the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy (to name just a few of their past and present roles) – Smith has a long-standing reputation for driving industry action on climate change.
Their work in this field began a new chapter in July 2023 when Smith was appointed Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC).
In this episode, we talk about driving forward strategies for an equitable transition to a sustainable built environment, some of the cultural and political levers needed to enable change, and the importance of breaking down industry silos.
Smith also offers up some valuable tips for maintaining personal optimism and resilience in the face of global crisis.
Hope you enjoy the listen.
Resources

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) https://ukgbc.org/
UKGBC Systems Change Programme https://ukgbc.org/news/turning-the-tide-against-business-as-usual-ukgbcs-systems-change-programme/
Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity https://cusp.ac.uk/
Governing the Commons by Elinor Ostrom https://www.waterstones.com/book/governing-the-commons/elinor-ostrom/randall-calvert/9780521405997
The Dawn of Everything – A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/314162/the-dawn-of-everything-by-wengrow-david-graeber-and-david/9780141991061
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey https://thenapministry.com
The Nap Ministry @thenapministry on Instagram

LinkedIn: Smith Mordak, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)
Twitter: @SmithMordak @UKGBC
Instagram: @smithmordak

About Stand Tall
Stand Tall with Rachel Bell is conversations about life, careers, and defining moments with people blazing a trail across property, architecture, engineering and construction.
The podcast is brought to you by Stride Treglown - an employee-owned AJ100 architectural practice and a Certified B Corporation.

Please leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. And reach out to us on social media: @rachelj_bell @StrideTreglown #StandTall

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) https://ukgbc.org/
UKGBC Systems Change Programme https://ukgbc.org/news/turning-the-tide-against-business-as-usual-ukgbcs-systems-change-programme/
Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity https://cusp.ac.uk/
Governing the Commons by Elinor Ostrom https://www.waterstones.com/book/governing-the-commons/elinor-ostrom/randall-calvert/9780521405997
The Dawn of Everything – A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/314162/the-dawn-of-everything-by-wengrow-david-graeber-and-david/9780141991061
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey https://thenapministry.com
The Nap Ministry @thenapministry on Instagram

LinkedIn: Smith Mordak, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)
Twitter: @SmithMordak @UKGBC
Instagram: @smithmordak

Previous Episode

My adventures in Malawi: Purpose. Partnership. Empowerment.

Welcome back to Stand Tall. This episode’s a bit different to our usual conversations. Today, I’m excited to share my own stand tall moment with you.
Back in April 2023, I travelled to Malawi to lead a Women’s Partnership Challenge trip with Orbis Expeditions, a travel company specialising in sustainable tourism.
The 10 day trip is for women, of all ages and backgrounds, who itch to have real purpose in their adventure.
From a wildlife safari and eco-island stay to partnerships with female entrepreneurs and students - each experience is designed to benefit the local people, economy, and environment.
But the trip also aims to take travellers out of their comfort zones with personal challenges including a hike up Malawi’s highest mountain.
This really was a trip of a lifetime and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share my experiences with you. I hope you enjoy listening to the moments I captured during my time there.

Resources