The Active Building Centre (ABC), a government funded research and technological organisation setup to help accelerate the UK's drive towards net-zero carbon by transforming the way buildings are powered and heated, has announced the appointment of its new CEO.

Dan Cook has been initially appointed on an interim basis at the Berkeley-based business until September to help the organisation complete delivery of UKRI's Transforming Construction Challenge programme and to lead ABC in its next stage of development in promoting systems thinking between buildings and energy systems.

Mr Cook has 24 years working experience spent across Australia, Asia, Latin America and the United Kingdom working across many fields including surveying, climate and biodiversity action, equity, diversity, inclusion, landscape, property, sustainability and regional development.

He has previously held leadership positions across the construction industry including as CEO of the Landscape Institute (2016-2021) and prior to that Director of Strategy for the Royal Institution for Charted Surveyors (RICS) where he led their futures programme.

He is also currently an assessor for the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership and is part of the World Cities Summit Young Leaders Forum.

Chair of Active Building Centre board, Keith Clarke said: "We were impressed with Dan's enthusiasm and his background, not only on the climate and sustainability agenda but also in helping organisations focus by setting out a clear strategic vision. These are skills we look forward to Dan bringing to the Active Building Centre as we look to grow and develop.

It is hoped that Mr Cook will guide the next phase of the ABC's strategic growth, as the construction and buildings industry moves forward on its journey to net zero.

He will also draw on his industry relationships and track record of successful private sector collaboration to further develop the ABC's partnerships.

Dan Cook said: "With energy prices driving the cost of living crisis and a renewed focus on the drive to net zero, we are at a major turning point as an industry. It will be vital that our buildings are not only carbon-neutral, but also use energy as intelligently and efficiently as possible through active generation, management and storage of energy. This will help reduce costs for consumers and contribute more green electricity to the grid.

"I am passionate about making change happen and the built environment is ripe for that change. I can't wait to work with business and government to continue driving this transformation and a just energy transition for all."