Smaller commercial buildings now required to disclose energy efficiency

The federal government is expanding the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Program to commercial building spaces of 1000 m² and more, in a move that is intended to help more businesses save on their energy costs.

The program provides accessible information on the running costs of a commercial building. The move from 2000 to 1000 m² means an additional 1000 commercial office buildings are now required to disclose their energy efficiency when they sell, lease or sublease their property. The NABERS Energy star rating must appear on all forms of advertising material for the building.

The rejigged program will help inform purchasers and tenants about building energy costs and will deliver more than $50 million in energy savings and around 3.5 million tonnes of emission reductions over five years. It followed an independent review conducted in 2016 that found the program was successful in delivering significant benefits at minimal cost to industry and government, including creating positive behaviour change in relation to energy efficiency.

The change will affect building owners selling or leasing office space with a net lettable area of 1000 m² or more and their real estate agents advertising the property. It will come into effect on 1 July.

For more information, visit http://www.cbd.gov.au/.