The Federal Government has started the process to introduce a green rating system that will eventually affect every residential property in Australia.
Under the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency, Australian, state and territory governments have proposed to introduce compulsory disclosure of residential building performance information when selling and leasing homes.
If adopted, this may require owners of existing homes to assess and rate their home’s energy, water and greenhouse performance and provide the information when selling or leasing.
The proposed framework for mandatory disclosure is expected to start with energy efficiency disclosure by May 2011. A number of states and territories (such ACT and QLD) have already implemented some kind of compulsory rating system for homes.
http://www.environment.gov.au/greenloans/households/faqs.html
What does this mean for home owners? Simply that it is time to invest in making your home or investment property more energy efficient. A good way to start is to arrange a FREE home sustainability assessment with a qualified assessor then start making changes in your home that will make your home more sustainable.
The owners who do this will benefit in a number of ways: reducing costs of utilities such as water and power, helping to create a sustainable environment and getting the best price for their property when they sell. Houses and home units with a higher the green rating will be in more demand than those with a low rating. To find out more about home sustainability assessments, go to the Federal Government’s Department of Environment website or book now on 1800 895 076.
Get some helpful tips on going green.