The Property Council has expressed support for the expansion of Australia’s “light-touch” energy efficiency program for commercial buildings.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister announced on June 14 a deadline for the program’s expansion to enhance the capture of energy and emissions information.
The commercial building sector accounts for approximately a quarter of electricity consumption and 10 percent of total emissions in Australia. Expanding the program’s coverage is expected to bring cost savings for businesses and substantial reductions in emissions, as highlighted by McAllister to a business audience.
The proposal includes mandatory disclosure of energy use for various non-residential facilities such as hotels, shopping centers, data centers, and hospitals.
Additionally, the suggested changes may introduce minimum energy performance standards for underperforming buildings that do not improve under a mandatory disclosure regime.
Transitioning to electrified buildings instead of maintaining the status quo could save $49 billion (US$32.4 billion) in energy bills by 2050 and prevent nearly 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions, according to industry research.
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The Property Council and Green Building Council of Australia have advocated for the expansion of the commercial building disclosure (CBD) program and the national environmental performance rating system for buildings, known as NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System).
The CBD program mandates the provision of NABERS energy efficiency information, in most cases, when selling or leasing office spaces exceeding 1000 square meters.
CEO of the Property Council, Mike Zorbas, emphasized that including more commercial office spaces and various types of commercial buildings in the program would result in emissions and energy bill savings.
He stated, “It is an opportunity to reconsider the program’s role in promoting electrification, the procurement of renewable electricity, and a focus on the embodied carbon of buildings.”
Zorbas also highlighted the benefits of the CBD program, citing higher tenant retention rates and increased value for highly rated buildings.
Senator McAllister praised the program for its proven track record in assisting commercial buildings in reducing emissions and energy consumption.
Since 2010, there has been a 35 percent decrease in base building energy usage per square meter for office buildings covered by the program.
She added, “Improving energy performance can reduce emissions, enhance tenant comfort, and lead to energy cost savings.”
Senator McAllister encouraged feedback from the public by mid-September on the potential inclusion of different building types and ownership structures such as trusts, partnerships, and individuals.
