The federal government’s carbon tax plan is expected to boost demand for offices in sustainable buildings, according to Ray White Commercial.
Ray White Commercial Office Leasing Director Anthony Harris said while there were no direct obligations on the property industry under the new carbon scheme, there would be implications for owners and tenants if the plan becomes law.
Mr Harris said Ray White Commercial in Sydney had received an increase in enquiries about sustainable office buildings since Prime Minister Julia Gillard launched her energy plan.
“We have definitely seen a higher level of interest from prospective office tenants about building energy ratings,” he said.
Mr Harris said the federal government’s Commercial Building Disclosure Scheme, which started operating from November 1 last year, requires current energy efficiency information to be disclosed to prospective buyers or tenants of office space.
“This scheme aims to ensure that credible and meaningful energy efficiency information is given to prospective purchasers and lessees of large commercial office space,” he said.
Mr Harris said a recent report by the Green Buildings Council of Australia (GBCA) said the proposed $23 per tonne of emissions charge of the nation’s top 500 polluters would impact on the operational costs of commercial buildings.
“The GBCA points to price rises in emissions-intensive products such as glass, steel and cement which will make building refurbishments more expensive,” he said.
“These cost factors will also have an impact on builders and consumers with a need for higher standards of efficiency and greener materials to not only reduce prices but cause less carbon emissions.”
Ray White Commercial’s John Skufris said sustainable buildings with high energy ratings were likely to become more attractive to both tenants and prospective owners.
“The increased demand driven by owners and tenants to secure properties with low operating and refurbishment costs may push up rental prices,” he said.
“In late 2009, 189 Kent Street in Sydney’s western corridor overlooking Barangaroo upgraded its mechanical systems and the annual greenhouse gas reduction achieved was the equivalent of removing 9,500 cars from our roads. It has assisted our client reduce running costs and hold onto existing tenants for further lease terms.”
A National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) rates a building on the basis of its measured operational impacts on the environment, and provides a simple indication of how well a building owner is managing environmental impacts in comparison with other neighbouring buildings.
ENDS
Further inquiries:
John Skufris
Ray White Commercial Director (Office Leasing)
Mb: 0414 969 221
Email: jskufris@raywhite.com
Anthony Harris
Ray White Commercial Director (Office Leasing)
Mb: 0409 319 060
Email: aharris@raywhite.com