Program for energy efficient buildings launched

The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, launched the Commercial Building Disclosure program, which is a key step in creating a more energy efficient building sector.

Most owners of commercial buildings will now be required to disclose an energy efficiency rating when selling, leasing or sub-leasing office space with a net lettable area of 2000 square metres or more.

The commercial building sector currently accounts for about 10 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

"Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce Australia’s carbon emissions," Mr Dreyfus said.

"For every one-star increase in an office building’s energy rating there is an estimated 15 per cent saving in energy costs per year."

Mr Dreyfus officially launched the program at the Pixel Building in Melbourne, Australia’s first carbon neutral commercial office building.

Media release: Mark Dreyfus launches new measures to boost energy efficiency in office buildings

Further information about the program is available at the Commercial Building Disclosure website.