The past seven years have also been a time for rapid change in the definition of climate and sustainability leadership for the sector, particularly in regards to the net-zero transition.

Under Hirigoyen’s leadership, the UKGBC published and refined its Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework Definition, increasing ambitions across the sector on operational emissions and bringing discussions on embodied carbon from a niche issue to a key consideration. The Definition has laid the foundation for a new UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, which is due to launch next year.

The Council has also, during Hirigoyen’s tenure, launched a specific arm in Scotland and produced much advocacy, research, analysis and guidance on issues beyond carbon, including social value, biodiversity and the circular economy.

The UKGBC is now commencing a formal search for a new chief executive, who will take the helm from mid-2023. Hirigoyen has not yet announced plans for her next role.

“Having led the executive team for over half of UKGBC’s existence, Julie can take huge credit for its growth and increasing impact across the sector,” said the Council’s chair of the board of trustees Sunand Prasad. “She has been an outstanding leader; she has steered the organisation adeptly through times of global crisis and been instrumental in uniting our network on action to drive tangible progress in decarbonisation”

Hirigoyen herself said: “I am immensely proud of UKGBC’s collective achievements and impact over the last 8 years and deeply honoured to have worked with such a passionate team and so many engaged and ambitious stakeholders.

Although I will leave behind an organisation I deeply care for, I am excited to see it embark on a critical next chapter under new leadership. My decision to stand down was a challenging one, but I believe that fresh direction will allow for an infusion of new creative ideas at a pivotal moment in time, ahead of the step-change required to 2030. My focus now is on supporting a smooth transition and getting the organisation ready to welcome in new leadership.”

Prior to becoming chief executive, Jope had headed up Unilever’s Beauty and Personal Care division. In being appointed to the top job, he said his priority was to “reinvent Unilever for a more connected, more digital, faster-moving future”.

Speaking to edie during the Covid-19 lockdowns in the UK in 2020, Jope said: “The discussion we find ourselves at the centre of at the moment is the very future of capitalism… Certainly, there’s a lot of good that has come from capitalism. It has been the economic system that has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. The innovation drive and the competitive spirit of capitalism are very important.

“However, the single-minded pursuit of profit is damaging. It has many unanticipated negative consequences.”

Under Jope, Unilever outlined plans for reaching net-zero by 2039, backed by a €1bn climate and nature fund. This was perhaps the most attention-grabbing environmental announcement of his tenure to date. It came less than a year after the UK Government legislated for net-zero by 2050. The plans were put to a shareholder vote in May 2021 and passed with more than 99% of the vote. Even before the plans were published, Jope wrote to trade associations and other business groups that Unilever is a member of, asking for clarity on their climate-related work.

Whoever is appointed as Jope’s successor will be tasked with delivering the plan’s key facets. Nonetheless, Jope has stated that growth should “remain top priority” going forward. Unilever has continued to position growth and sustainability – environmental and social – as dependent rather than at odds.

Unilever has stated that it has not yet selected a new chief executive and will now undertake a “formal search” for suitable candidates internally and externally.

“Under Jope’s leadership, Unilever has made critical changes to its strategy, structure and organisation that position it strongly for success,” said the firm’s chairman Nils Anderson.

The Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Following the news, edie’s Publisher David Griffiths said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty was an inspiration to people the world over, and a longstanding supporter of climate action to protect future generations. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the Royal Family as we give thanks for the selfless contribution of our country’s longest-serving monarch.”

The Queen was a renowned environmentalist, having used many of her speeches to call for better protection of the natural world. Her Majesty had links with more than 600 charities, associations, professional bodies, and public service organisations – including being the patron of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

‘Room for hope’

Ahead of last year’s COP26 climate summit, The Queen delivered a video message urging world leaders to “achieve true statesmanship” and create a “safer, stabler future” for the planet.

Her Majesty said at the time: “None of us underestimates the challenges ahead: but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope.

“It is the hope of many that the legacy of this summit – longstanding written in history books yet to be printed – will describe you as the leaders who did not pass up the opportunity; and that you answered the call of those future generations.

“Of course, the benefits of such actions will not be there to enjoy for all of us here today. None of us will live forever. But we are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps.”

Charles, Prince of Wales, is now King, having acceded to the throne immediately on the death of his mother. King Charles III has been one of the world’s most vocal environmental campaigners for several decades, having led and supported a host of climate-focused initiatives, including the Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change, the Sustainable Markets Initiative, and the recently formed Terra Carta campaign.

Green economy pays tribute

Tributes have poured in from across the green economy following The Queen’s passing.

Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP said: “All of us have shared in the pain of losing a loved one in our lives, and at this difficult time for so many, we offer our condolences following the Queen’s passing.

“Since first opening the Scottish Parliament in 1999 she was a frequent visitor to Holyrood, and I am among many here who hold memories of meeting her during her visits to the Chamber over the years.

“She made her mark on history, and we hope people find solace in each other.”

Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning said: “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with our patron, His Royal Highness King Charles III and the entire Royal Family.

“It is with immense admiration that we reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to the UK and the Commonwealth and we share the nation’s sorrow at her loss. We will celebrate and miss her equally as a remarkable monarch, inspirational woman and a warm and trusted constant across seven decades.”

Energy Networks Association chief executive David Smith said: “It is with great sorrow that today we learned of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the United Kingdom’s energy network operators, we send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family on this day of sadness for the nation.”

Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation co-founders Chris and Lorraine Platt said: “The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation is deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II. We join the millions of people across the United Kingdom and around the globe in mourning her passing.

“Her Majesty has been a bedrock of stability through some of history’s most significant events over the last seventy years. We would like to pay tribute to the lifetime of service she has given to our nation, having reigned for longer than any other Monarch in British history.”

Offshore Energies UK acting chief executive Michael Tholen said: “On behalf of all at OEUK, and our member companies, we are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offer our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family at this very difficult time.

“We wish to pay tribute to the Queen’s decades of public service and stand with others throughout the country and across the world in mourning.”