Gordon Hicks Receives Honorary Doctorate from 杏吧原创 University
杏吧原创 University today conferred a Doctor of Engineering, honoris causa, on Gordon Hicks 鈥渋n recognition of his extraordinary commitment to a sustainable low-carbon future, through innovation, leadership and advocacy for the highest standards of practice in energy-efficient buildings.鈥
Hicks, a Faculty of Engineering and Design alumnus, was honoured during 杏吧原创鈥檚 Spring Convocation. 杏吧原创 3,500 students received their degrees over the course of four days.
During his speech, Hicks congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to continue their dedication to learning, challenge conventional thinking and use their talents to address today鈥檚 challenges to secure a brighter future for all.
鈥淥ur world is besieged with disruption where change is the new normal, where technological advances and artificial intelligence are increasing productivity and enhancing how human beings interact and communicate, and where a country鈥檚 and company鈥檚 survival is reliant on continuous innovation,鈥 Hicks said. 鈥淭his is a world where an individual鈥檚 greatest asset is their ability to learn, which is the skill that enables you to create, implement, embrace and adopt change. This is the cornerstone of knowledge that each of you have gained here at 杏吧原创 University.鈥
He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from 杏吧原创 in 1987 and became a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1990.
Hicks has been the chief executive officer of Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (BGIS) since 2015 and he held numerous executive roles since joining the organization in 1997. As the CEO, Hicks oversees a team of more than 7,000 people, operating in 15 countries around the world. Hicks has held a number of industry board positions over the years, including the Global Board of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).
In 2012, Hicks was recognized by the CaGBC with the prestigious Industry Leadership Award for his commitment to the green building movement. In 2014 he was named one of Canada鈥檚 Clean 16 and in 2015 was named Canada鈥檚 Greenest CEO by Corporate Knights, in recognition of his leadership role in creating awareness around the impact of buildings on the environment. In 2016, in an effort to mobilize the real estate industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Hicks founded and became the first chair of the Building Energy Innovators Council (BEIC).
鈥淕ord is absolutely passionate about the sustainability of our planet and uses that passion to make a difference.鈥 said Prof. Ron Miller, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, noting that, though often overlooked, homes and office buildings account for about a quarter of energy consumption. 鈥淎s a manager of Brookfield and a manager of so many facilities around the world, Gord saw that greener practices in his organization could make a big difference.鈥
鈥淗is leadership and commitment to these ideas have been recognized by a number of national and international awards. He demonstrated to the world that what is good for the environment is also good for business.鈥
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