ABSTRACT
This chapter will explore the introduction of Building Energy Efficiency Certificates in Australia and their impact on energy efficiency in commercial buildings. In 2010 the Australian Government evaluated a number of options in order to encourage greater energy efficiency in office properties. Having established that, while some owners were using voluntary energy rating schemes, in order for Australia to meet its international greenhouse gas emission targets greater energy savings were needed. Legislating to require public reporting of energy efficiency has been used as a tool to encourage energy conservation in a number of countries. BEECs provide a comparison tool when buildings or substantial parts of buildings are offered for sale or lease thus enabling potential purchasers to compare one building with another. After five years of operation, it is possible now to evaluate what potential energy savings have been achieved as a result of this scheme.
