subject: Energy efficiency disclosure to be mandatory [print this page] Energy efficiency disclosure to be mandatory
Since the end of 2010, energy efficiency of commercial buildings has been more important than ever. New laws have been introduced nationally that require up-to-date energy efficiency information to be disclosed to anyone looking to buy or lease an office building with more than 2,000 m2 floor space.
The aim of this "mandatory disclosure" rule is to drive building owners to improve the energy performance of existing buildings, knowing that this is fom now on a key consideration when selling or leasing their asset.
For this reason, demand for retrofitting and refurbishment solutions is on the rise. Features like better insulation, energy efficient lighting, energy efficient heating/cooling systems and power-saving smart electrical wiring help create a more comfortable, healthy and sustainable building for occupants, and the economic savings in both operational costs and increased productivity are potentially enormous.
Practica MMC is a specialist in Kingspan Insulation's externally insulated cladding systems, which are ideal for retrofitting and refurbishments. The company is at the forefront of refurbishments on commercial buildings, with a particular focus on modern methods of construction and energy efficient innovations.
Practica MMC Director Sandy Macpherson said Australia lagged behind the rest of the world in energy efficiency disclosure and regarded the new legislation as a chance to catch up.
"Consumers deserve to be more informed when making commercial decisions regarding buying or leasing buildings. It's vital information the market deserves to be privy to."
Practica MMC has an agreement to distribute Kingspan's two external wall systems -Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board andKooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board.
"Kingspan offers the best insulation by thickness in the world," said Sandy. "I feel that these products will change the way we build and refurbish commercial buildings forever."
Kingspan Insulation Technical Manager Keith Anderson concurs that theKooltherm products are perfectly suited to the task of refurbishment.
"Kooltherm products have the best thermal resistance of any rigid insulation product in the Australian market, and also better fire performance than conventional rigid polystyrene insulation products.
"As externally installed products, they enable existing building facades to get a facelift while at the same time improving energy efficiency."
