The Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010 commenced on the 1st July 2010 and is being implemented through the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program. The first phase of implementation involves disclosure for large commercial office buildings (2,000 metres square or larger) and commences on the 1st November 2010.

Commercial Building Disclosure is a national program designed to improve the energy efficiency of Australia’s large office buildings. Under the program from the 1st of November 2010, most sellers or lessors of office space with a net lettable area of 2,000 square metres or more are required to obtain and disclose an up-to-date energy efficiency rating. There is a transition period for the first year of the program where a valid National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy base or whole building rating can be disclosed.

From the 1st of November 2011 a full Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) will need to be disclosed. BEECs are valid for 12 months, must be publicly accessible on the online Building Energy Efficiency Register, and include:

• a NABERS Energy star rating for the building
• an assessment of tenancy lighting in the area of the building that is being sold or leased and;
• general energy efficiency guidance

The NABERS Energy star rating (exclusive of GreenPower) must also be included in any advertisement for the sale, lease or sublease of the office space. Further information about the program is available at the Commercial Building Disclosure website.

If you are not sure about what the CBD means for your organization and your commercial building space, would like to arrange for a NABERS or BEEC assessment, or get information on improving the energy efficiency of a building, call our experienced professional team for help on 08 6467 7122 or email us here.