The Energy Efficiency Council has welcomed Federal Minister for Energy Josh Frydenberg’s announcement this week that the Commercial Building Disclosure Scheme will be expanded.
“This will make it easier for people who are buying or leasing offices to find out how efficient and comfortable they are, and will boost our economy’s productivity,” said Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council.
The CBD Scheme, which provides people with energy efficiency ratings for offices before they buy or lease them, was introduced in 2010 with support from all the major parties. A recent review by ACIL Allan of the first four years of the program found that it led to office upgrades that delivered over $72 million in energy and carbon savings. These upgrades also improved the comfort of offices, leading to over $160 million in benefits from improved staff productivity, the Energy Efficiency Council said.
The Minister for Energy announced changes that will expand the program to office areas larger than 1,000 square metres, from the existing limit of 2,000 square metres.
“The Commercial Building Disclosure Scheme is win-win-win. It delivers lower energy bills for tenants, more productive staff and increases the value of Australian buildings. Expanding the Scheme is a sensible next step in efforts to make Australia’s workplaces more efficient, comfortable and productive,” Mr Menzel said.