UKGBC’s McWhirter named co-chair of Climate Action Coalition taskforce

Simon McWhirter, deputy chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, has been appointed as co-chair of the Built Environment Taskforce at the Climate Action Coalition.

He joins Coalition chair Chris Skidmore at the body in tracking progress on climate objectives set by the 2015 Paris Agreement.

McWhirter brings a wealth of experience to the role, as he represents UKGBC on the World Green Building Council’s policy agenda, helping to shape national and global discussions and the sharing of international best practice.

“McWhirter’s insight and understanding of deeply technical and complex issues will be essential for the work of the Climate Action Coalition to calibrate its focus on where we can have most impact,” said Skidmore.

“He has held a variety of roles, advising governments and business on the sustainability of the built environment, with a broad view across the linked climate, nature and cost-of-living crises. His commitment to this mission is renowned across the sector.”

The Climate Action Coalition, launched by former US secretary of state John Kerry in June 2024, was established with the aim of unblocking the policy barriers to deliver the Paris Agreement.