An independent review of the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Program is being undertaken, in order to assess the Program’s objectives, the effectiveness of the program in promoting energy efficiency and its interaction with the Emissions Reduction Fund.

The Review will provide recommendations on funding, governance, possible extension and “the merits of continuing the program or not, both in terms of the public interest as well as the private interest of property owners and tenants”.

ASBEC has adopted a high level position in support of the CBD and the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) that supports this program.

The CBD Program facilitates transparency of energy efficiency information, using the robust NABERS methodology.  This is an important program that addresses the vast number of office accommodation in cities around Australia, using market forces to drive better performing, energy efficient buildings.

Raising awareness of a building’s performance creates a market incentive for tenants to look for higher-performing buildings and for building owners to upgrade stock.  This leads to improvements in energy efficiency, reductions in GHG emissions, improved industry capacity and can act as an ongoing industry stimulus.

ASBEC was involved in the development and launch of the initial NABERS program and we encourage the Government ensure the CBD Program is continued and improved, to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness.

ASBEC notes that there are some differences at a technical level, including the tenancy lighting assessment, between industry stakeholders and encourages the Government to consult with individual professional and industry organisations to ensure that alignment can be found on these technical elements.

Click HERE to download ASBEC’s position on the CBD Program.