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Simon Parker
Input is being sought on plans to introduce mandatory disclosure of residential building energy, greenhouse and water performance at the time of sale and/or lease.
The proposed legislation forms part of the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency (NSEE), and which was agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in July 2009.
According to a statement from the Ministerial Council on Energy, the 'Consultation Regulation Iimpact Statement (RIS)' considers several options, covering a range of models for the disclosure of energy, greenhouse and water information.
Of particular relevance to agents and property managers is whether the disclosure is made at point of sale only, or at the point of sale and lease.
A report entitled Greening the Real Estate Industry, released in July by Western Australia-based training company Greengurus, said there had been a lack of engagement by the real estate industry on the topic of sustainability in most Australian states.
“The real estate industry can help to produce highly significant outcomes for energy and water conservation but will need to be engaged with, trained and supported,” it said.
The report said real estate professionals who attended its ‘Sustainability in WA housing’ workshops, which were developed in conjunction with the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA), could see the benefits in disclosing the financial and environmental benefits of energy and water efficiencies. 121 professionals attended the workshop between May 2010 and May 2011.
“It was evident this information was overwhelmingly embraced by participants,” the report said.
Comment is now sought on the Consultation RIS from affected stakeholders and interested parties, particularly in relation to:
• the regulatory options proposed;
• the assumptions; and
• the estimates of costs and benefits.
Agents and property agents can submit submissions by email to
Submissions must be sent by 12 September 2011. A submissions template may be used and is available for download at http://192.168.88.63/government/submissions/residential-building-disclosure.aspx
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