The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
Energy efficiency for commercial buildings-consultation
Media release
18 December 2008
PG/192
It will be easier for prospective buyers and tenants to find green officespace under a new scheme proposed today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett.
“Under this new mandatory disclosure scheme, an energy efficiency rating and advisory report will need to be disclosed at the point of sale or lease for any commercial officespace with a net lettable area of 2000square metres or more,” said Mr Garrett.
“More and more commercial tenants and buyers are searching for energy efficient premises.
“This scheme will help them compare a building’s energy efficiency when choosing to buy or lease office buildings.
“We want both buyers and tenants to have access to credible and meaningful information that will deliver financial and environmental benefits for business and the wider community.
“It will also create incentives to stimulate investment in energy efficiency improvements in office buildings.”
Office buildings contribute the most significant proportion of emissions for the commercial building sector, accounting for around 27 per cent of emissions, and emissions are continuing to grow.
The Australian Government is working with the states and territories through the National Framework for Energy Efficiency to develop this scheme. A Consultation Regulation Impact Statementand a Consultation Regulation Documenthave been released for public comment today, ahead of forums being held early next year in all capital cities to engage industry in the scheme’s development.
“We welcome comments from interested parties on the proposed scheme,” said Mr Garrett.
“This proposed scheme complements more than $1 billion the Australian Government has already committed to a range of programs designed to improve both energy and water efficiency.”
More information on the consultation process is available from: www.environment.gov.au
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