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Expert calls for ‘common sense’ building scheme
Media release
24 March
2011
Australian energy efficiency expert calls for
‘common sense’ building scheme
A leading Australian energy efficiency expert says New Zealand should adopt a mandatory building energy rating scheme.
Australian Energy Efficiency Council chief executive officer, Rob Murray-Leach, said he understands that the New Zealand and Australian commercial building sectors are different but the economic case for mandatory building energy disclosure schemes is clear on both sides of the Tasman.
“We’ve done it and the benefits are clear – lower operating costs, higher return on investment, greater tenant attraction and enhanced marketability - it really is a common sense scheme.”
He said at present, New Zealand has no system in place to help identify which buildings are energy efficient are which are not.
“Introducing a mandatory disclosure scheme would address that. Commercial buildings would get an energy efficiency rating and tenants and future buyers can then judge for themselves whether they want to lease or buy that space.
“It’s another way of demonstrating a building’s quality enabling consumers to make more informed decisions.”
Mr Murray-Leach believes that a voluntary scheme won't cut it.
“We need mandatory schemes so that all properties, not just the top performers, are rated.”
The executive officer of New Zealand’s Energy Management Association (EMANZ), Ewan Gebbie, believes the scheme would help tenants to fully understand their total operating costs when assessing potential office locations.
He added “building owners and landlords would not be forced to make improvements if they didn’t want to because no minimum standards or requirements would be set.
“But, an energy rating scheme would ensure a level playing field and an open market for those looking at purchasing or letting property.”
Mr Murray-Leach will be speaking at the EMANZ conference on 25 March in Auckland where he will discuss leadership in efficiency.
Ends…/
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