National assessment framework & mandatory disclosure

The National Assessment Framework being developed under the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency is scheduled to be in place by May 2011. The Framework was intended to apply to all new buildings under BCA 2011 and to be introduced for all existing buildings as part of proposed mandatory disclosure requirements by May 2011.
 
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is responsible for the development of the Framework and will work in consultation with the Australian Building Codes Board and all State and Territory governments to progress implementation.
 
It is unclear at this point, whether development of the Framework is on schedule for May 2011. The Department released a Discussion paper in April 2010 seeking responses on a range of issues for both new buildings and existing buildings. However a Regulatory Impact Statement was scheduled to be released in mid-2010 in relation to mandatory disclosure, and this is yet to be released.
 
Alongside this, a complementary discussion has commenced regarding the training needs for energy assessors and future mandatory disclosure assessors. This is likely to lead to a further, more robust discussion on the level of qualification and potential registration of energy assessors in the future.

More information on the National Assessment Framework is available from the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency or Kristin Tomkins at HIA.

Click here to view a copy of HIA’s submission on the discussion paper for the National Assessment Framework.