As a major property owner and occupier, the Victorian Government can lead by example in the new property market.

An example of such leadership can be found int the new Victorian Government Office Accommodation Guidelines 2005

The best time to achieve energy reductions in a portfolio is when building new facilities, leasing new buildings or entering into new leases of existing buildings.

Departments or agencies developing a project can ensure that energy reduction considerations are incorporated into the building's design. This is particularly important for agencies directly responsible for and managing government building projects.

There are also opportunities for departments or agencies as tenants to reduce energy consumption in buildings by specifying energy efficiency as part of their leasing arrangements.

Attention to design details essential for energy efficiency can provide benefits such as high amenity, lower maintenance costs, higher staff productivity and complementary capital cost savings.

Sustainability Victoria developed a Building Energy Brief (pdf) on how to maximise the energy efficiency of new buildings. The Building energy brief is to be used by departments and agencies when building or commissioning new buildings. Click here to download the pdf document.