What is the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Amendment Act?

On 1 July 2015, Australia introduced the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure (BEED) Amendment Act 2015 to replace the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010. Read on to learn more about the new act, why the original act was revised, and the implications for the local construction industry.

BEED Amendment Act 2015 Basics

Under the revised act, building owners and landlords do not need to lodge a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) detailing energy efficiency information for a number of transactions, including unsolicited offers to sell or lease and new building purchases. For the first time, building owners and landlords can also apply for a BEEC with a commencement date later than its date of issue. Finally, under the new act the BEEC need not include six pages of standard energy efficiency guidance text. Prospective buyers and tenants can access this information online instead.

The Need for Revisions

According to James Bottomley, a partner at Australian law firm HopgoodGanim, the amendments aim to reduce the regulatory burdens previously faced by local building owners and landlords. These groups will especially benefit from the Commercial Building Disclosure program’s new simpler certification process. The changes to BEEC issuing dates also allow building owners and landlords to get a new BEEC before their existing one expires.

Implications for the Construction Industry

Any changes which reduce the amount of red tape that business owners and landlords face is good news for the Australian construction industry. A number of industry experts have already welcomed the changes, which they believe will streamline property transactions. However, they believe it’s too early to tell whether the amendments will impact energy efficiency measures in commercial construction, including local offices. Thanks to the new BEED Amendment Act, Australian building owners and landlords should find it easier to commence new commercial construction projects. At TPM Builders, we understand it can be difficult to come to terms with new legislation, but we can ensure your project meets the amended BEED guidelines. Contact us today to learn more about our design and construct services. ©Image via Flickr by Woods Bagot