Industry luminary Jeff Robinson, M.AIRAH, passed away suddenly last weekend.
Deeply interested in and committed to sustainability, especially as it applies to the built environment, Robinson was involved in many industry organisations and initiatives.
Robinson’s boundless capacity to connect, network and share his enthusiasm was reflected in the response to his passing.
AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng, Affil.AIRAH, described Ireland-born Robinson, a senior engineer for Aurecon, as “a true sustainability champion”.
“Jeff managed to combine his extensive experience of the industry with an enduring enthusiasm that never failed to inspire those around him,” Zheng says. “He was a leader who encouraged others to walk by his side, and brought an enlightening energy to events held by AIRAH and many other industry bodies. He will be deeply missed.”
Tributes to Robinson have flooded in from the individuals whose lives he touched, and from the organisations he influenced.
In addition to being an AIRAH member, Robinson was also active with the Australian Passivhaus Association, Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA), Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA) and Property Council of Australia, among others.
Several of the reflections referred to Robinson’s predilection for always being the first to ask a question following a talk or panel session, his enquiry often combining useful background information with a probing query.
“Whether it was as a member – and former chair – of our Sustainable Development Committee, or as a judge for our People in Property Awards, or as the renowned ‘first questioner’ at many of our events, Jeff’s contribution to the Property Council in Victoria was profound,” read one tribute.
“Despite his many commitments, Jeff was always the first to put his hand up to help with a policy submission, a speaker suggestion or a new initiative.”
Former AIRAH President, NDY’s Sean Treweek, F.AIRAH, also paid tribute.
“Vale Jeff. You have contributed above and beyond,” Treweek said. “Your loved ones must be so proud of your legacy and I’m a better person for knowing – and sometimes arguing – with you. Rest easy mate.”
To honour his memory, Aurecon is calling for a contribution of memories and photos of Robinson for a book that will be shared with family and friends.
Click here for more information.