Gould succeeds Lend Lease Group CEO Dan Labbad in the role.

Gould said: “The real estate and built environment sector is responsible for over a third of the world’s carbon emissions, so has a crucial part to play in tackling climate change.

“The UK should be at the forefront of this challenge and strong leadership is coming from the private sector. We need to see greater consistency on policy from Government to support this.

“As well as being the right thing to do there are significant business benefits in a green economy, with greener buildings being more resilient; a better long term investment; and better for occupiers and users.

“But there is a long way to go, and through my chairing of the UK Green Building Council I hope we can move sustainability even further into mainstream business consciousness, and in particular engage the finance sector, which plays a crucial role.”

Paul King, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, added: “Andrew is a very well-respected and influential figure in the property sector.

“His appointment demonstrates the seriousness with which the industry is now getting to grips with sustainability and shows a real commitment to the cause. Under Andrew’s chairmanship I’m confident UK-GBC can go from strength to strength.”

Labbad said: “It’s been a pleasure to have served as chairman during a key stage in UK-GBC’s development. I am particularly pleased that over the last three years sustainability has remained near the top of the agenda for the property and construction sector.

“This is no small achievement given the economic climate, and UK-GBC has to take significant credit for that. I am delighted that Andrew will be taking on the chair and wish him, Paul King and the UK-GBC board all the best as they continue to drive for a sustainable built environment.”