The opinion that the regulations will boost demand for offices in sustainable buildings have also been echoed by commercial real estate companies.
Rob Murray-Leach, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council, said the introduction of the lighting assessment in particular added an extra dimension to the information that must be disclosed.
“Switching to efficient lighting can cut tenants’ lighting bills by 30 to 60 per cent. The full Commercial Building Disclosure Program will help tenants find more efficient offices and save them money,” Mr Murray-Leach said.
Joel Quintal, Director of Sustainability, Australia, for Jones Lang LaSalle, can see the benefits of the Program for his clients, who include both building owners and tenants.
“From a tenant’s perspective, what we are seeing is organisations linking their corporate social responsibility commitment with the need to occupy energy efficient buildings, Mr Quintal said
“The Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program provides these organisations with access to information enabling them to make informed decisions on their occupancy strategies.
“From a building owner’s perspective, the CBD program has been instrumental in raising awareness of energy efficiency across the property market. CBD has heighted the importance of sustainability as a legitimate measure of property performance,” Mr Quintal said.
For more information and advice on the Commercial Building Disclosure Program visit: www.cbd.gov.au
