UPDATED 12 April 2024: The sustainability industry lost its strongest, purest voice and clearly one of its most loved people on Sunday with the passing of Jeff Robinson.
On Monday as news spread of his passing that took his life there was widespread dismay, grief and tears. People could not work or think clearly. There were many moments of silence and introspection.
By late Monday there were hundreds of comments on a LinkedIn announcement about his passing; by Tuesday, thousands.
Who could possibly replace him? No-one comes close. He was the “everywhere” man. A special soul or spirt or force of nature that moved through every conceivable nook and cranny of this amazing fledgling industry whose aim is no less than to transform an entire built environment to be net zero and sustainable.
Jeff was like the symbol of what it would take to win this game – standing tall, confident, inclusive, kind, positive but always with a question that challenged us all to do better.
He worked in the biggest public forums and a huge range of official committees, boards and working groups. But there was also the quiet work behind the scenes with individuals – each feeling (magically) it was their special privilege, their unique special mentoring.
Caroline Pidcock, architect and powerful green advocate herself said in that in the “forest of sustainability he was one of the tallest and strongest trees”.
Davina Rooney, the Green Building Council’s chief executive, said she had no idea how many young people Jeff had mentored until they came forward. He was “the industry’s heartbeat” she said.
But Jeff was never blindly positive, Rooney said. “He didn’t hold back in his criticism of bad policy,” she told The Fifth Estate. “He gave generous compliments when deserved and loving feedback when the industry needed to do better.”
Carlos Flores, NABERS’ director, said Jeff approached him in his very earliest days in the job 10 years ago and was a constant presence ever since, encouraging the agency’s work, prodding it to go further.
The number of people who were affected by the news was “incredible”, Flores said. “I think that’s partly because he always made a conscious effort to reach out, to provide feedback, to encourage you in whatever role you play in the industry, Jeff was always there to encourage you, to keep ploughing through.
“I don’t know if I know any person in this field that did that more than Jeff.”
He seemed to have the unofficial role of being the “greatest champion of young talent”.
“I think that that legacy will live on in all of us, because he’s actually really influenced the way we go about life and about our work.”
Romilly Madew chief executive of Engineers Australia and a former CEO of the GBCA said he was “a true leader who leaves a lasting legacy”.
Grace Foo of DeltaQ said Jeff would be “a massive loss to the entire industry”.
He was “an industry giant, challenging the industry to strive harder to make the world a better place and always encouraging collaboration between professionals through so different industry working groups”.
His colleagues at Aurecon and work colleagues throughout the industry sang his praises with one voice.
From Andrew Tracey: “Sitting with tears in my eyes contemplating just how much I learnt from our innumerable chats, filtered with smiles, stories and laughter.”
Manda Ford remembered the way he bounded into his work building each and every day: “Another exciting day in consulting engineering!”
He was an “inspiration, a leader and a damn good friend,” she said on a digital board created for his memory.
Max Marschall remembered the absolute equality of the way he treated people.
“What inspired me most about Jeff was that it didn’t matter how junior or senior you were; he treated everyone he met with the same warmth, optimism, openness, humour, interest, and kindness. I pledge to honour Jeff by taking his example in the way I treat my co-workers, peers, and loved ones, and adopting the same benevolent attitude that he modelled with such authenticity.”
Darren O’Dea of Speckle remembered a generous man who “so naturally” encouraged those around him to do better. “I will miss his ‘Hello Mr O’Dea…are you still shaking that tree?’”
Dominque Hes of Greenfleet who had worked with him on and off for 20 years said simply she was devastated. “I have no words.”
By Tuesday there were early signs of people searching for the best way to honour Jeff’s legacy. It won’t be easy. And to do it justice it won’t be just one thing; it will be many and varied – it will be everything, everywhere, all at once.
Note:
Old school, Jeff’s resume on LinkedIn is unusually short for modern times – 24 years at Aurecon and before that principal of Arup for six years. His education was Trinity College, Dublin. He leaves behind his wife Carolyn and three daughters.
UPDATE 10 April 2024: A statement from Aurecon Group chief executive William Cox said:
It is with heavy hearts that all of us at Aurecon share the news of the sudden passing of our esteemed and much-loved colleague, Jeffrey Robinson.
Tragically, Jeff was walking not far from his home when he was involved in a fatal traffic incident on Sunday 7 April.
Jeff was a cherished Aurecon team member for over 20 years. Throughout his career, he was a mentor to many of us, a driving force behind our sustainable building and precinct design work and a leading light in the industry. Always pushing the boundaries of what was achievable, he was responsible for the first 6 Green Star refurbishment in Melbourne.
He made a huge personal and professional contribution, giving up his time to speak, coach and agitate for better outcomes through roles in several industry bodies and associations, including Green Building Council of Australia, Australian Passivhaus Association, Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA), Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance and Property Council of Australia.
Jeff will be fondly remembered as a kind and generous soul by those of us who were lucky enough to know him. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jeff’s wife Carolyn, their three daughters and loved ones as they mourn this tragic loss. Rest easy Jeff.
UPDATE 12 April 20224: A further statement from Aurecon:
To celebrate and commemorate the life and legacy of Jeff Robinson, a memorial forest is being planted in his honour.
Administered by Greenfleet, the forest will be legally protected for 100 years, allowing it to grow into a self-sustaining ecosystem that will thrive beyond this century – an appropriate recognition of Jeff’s passion and commitment to sustainability. If you would like to contribute to ‘Jeff’s Forest’ you can do so here. https://bit.ly/49zTlU1
With the support of Jeff’s family, who will be holding a private funeral, an industry event will be organised to recognise Jeff’s huge contributions, both personally and professionally, to so many organisations and individuals. We will update this post with details, once confirmed.