Total Environment Centre (TEC) states that owners of existing buildings can increase the value of their properties by making their buildings green. Presently, many new office buildings have received 6 star energy ratings.
The NSW Environmental Trust has funded the Existing Office Building Leaders Project.
Green Capital has announced that it is going to conduct two seminars on the topic of upgrading buildings and the way to gain positive results from a retrofit project. Green Capital, an independent, non-government environment organisation established by TEC, has a performed a Sydney-based analysis of buildings and has released a report. The studies are part of the Lessons and Tools from the project.
According to the report, building owners could gain the interest of more tenants, while making realistic investments. To achieve this, they had to undertake thorough planning and utilize the services of contractors and consultants. Acquiring the services of consultants are significant expenses, but they can be offset in a short period through direct savings in energy and prevention of costly emergency maintenance.
The report states that performing a recalibration of the building management system leads to considerable savings in energy. In certain cases, the owners hope to achieve a return on their investment based on the performance of the new buildings within a period of three years.
The Green Building Fund had provided grants for many of the studies mentioned in the report. The fund has now been closed. Presently, the Environmental Upgrade Agreements, Energy Saver programs and Energy Savings Schemes provide grants at longer loan terms and better rates for performing refurbishment works.