Get Ready For The Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Scheme
The implementation of the Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Scheme is imminent following the recent passing of the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010.
Recap of the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Scheme
The fundamentals of the Scheme were developed in July 2009 to ensure that meaningful energy efficiency information is available to buyers and lessees at the point of sale, lease and sub-lease of office space with a nett lettable area (NLA) greater than 2,000 m2.
Subsequently the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010 was passed by the Australian Parliament on 24 June 2010 with the requirements to disclose energy efficiency information to commence on the 1st November 2010. Some key changes to the initial legislation have been adopted.
What are the key changes to the Legislation?
The final legislation includes a number of key changes from that proposed in July 2009:
- Changes to the transitional period;
- Delaying the tenancy lighting assessment; and
- Reducing the maximum penalties (the new bill reduces the penalty payable per day for certain contraventions).
What is the Transitional Period?
The transitional period will apply for the first twelve months of the scheme (i.e. from the 1st November 2010 to 30th October 2011); during this time a valid National Australian Built Environmental Rating System (NABERS) energy base or whole building rating obtained up until the end of the transition period can be disclosed instead of a full Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC).
