The Australian Government has released the final report on the Commercial Buildings Disclosure (CBD) Program Review.

The report findings highlight the success and relevance of the program in effecting behaviour change and improved energy performance of office buildings. The focus on commercial office buildings will remain, as the program is still the principal Commonwealth Government program for the sector.

The review also demonstrated the potential for significant reductions and educational benefits, by specifically targeting mid-tier office buildings. The GBCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Romilly Madew, supports the refinement of the program’s goals, including proposed changes that would expand their reach to empower a larger range of building owners to take up opportunities for energy and cost reductions.

Public consultation is being sought until 12 March 2016, on the following proposed changes:

1. Lowering the threshold for mandatory disclosure of energy efficiency information on buildings from 2,000m² to 1,000m² to capture smaller office buildings; and
2. Extending the certification validity period for the energy efficiency office lighting assessment, (tenancy lighting assessment TLA), from one to five years.

The full report can be read here.

More information on the program and public consultation is available on the website.