LATEST NEWS

• National Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) requirements commencing 1 November 2010
  
  From 1 November 2010, sellers and lessors of commercial buildings with a net lettable area of office space of 2000 square metres or over will be required to obtain and disclose an up-to-date energy efficiency rating. This is achieved by obtaining a Building Energy Efficiency Certificates (BEEC) that must include, a National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy star rating for the building (rated from zero to five stars); a lighting assessment of the relevant area of the building; and general energy efficiency guidance. The certificates will be valid for 12 months and will be prepared by an accredited assessor.
  
  To assist with implementing this new requirement, sellers and lessors can take advantage of a one year transition period by  obtaining a NABERS Energy rating only, until 31 October 2011. However, from 1 November 2011 a full BEEC will need to be obtained and disclosed. The CBD program will also require sellers and lessors to register their BEEC online where it will be available to the public. In addition, a NABERS Energy star rating must be included in any advertisement for the sale, lease or sub-lease of the office space.
  
  Newly constructed commercial office buildings (where the certificate of occupancy has been issued less than two years ago) will not be affected by this program. There are some exceptions and exemptions that may also apply for particular buildings.
  
  The CBD program is managed by the Australian Government through the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. Further information on the requirements of the program, including finding an accredited assessor, can be found at www.cbd.gov.au or by calling 1800 020 131.