CEFC Chair sees property sector savings through creative use of technology

18 March 2015

Integrated technology innovations are unlocking exciting opportunities for the property sector and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is helping catalyse those opportunities, says its Chairman Jillian Broadbent (AO).

Ms Broadbent addressed the Green Cities 2015 conference on 18 March, 2015 in Melbourne, as part of a panel on creative change in uncertain times.

"There are businesses that recognise that periods of change and uncertainty provide the perfect opportunity to make bold decisions, catalyse change and position themselves ahead of those who use uncertainty as an excuse not to act. The CEFC is active in the Australian property sector to help accelerate that change," she said.

Ms Broadbent said that according to Navigant Research, the global market for technology rich energy efficient building products and services was expected to grow from just over $300 billion in 2014 to just over $620 billion in 2023.

"We're witnessing an exponential growth in technology and with it creative new ways to drive the transformation of our cities' operations, their sustainability and their liveability.

"This transformation represents exciting opportunities for the property sector to increase productivity in a world where building systems and appliances become integrated and integrated with wholly easy-to-use systems and mobile devices."

Ms Broadbent said the CEFC had been active in the property sector, providing finance for retrofits designed to help future-proof against rising energy costs and retaining their attractiveness to tenants.

"Accessible finance can be an issue, but the CEFC has worked with NAB, ANZ and Commonwealth Bank to establish loan products that cover the upfront cost of upgrading to improve energy productivity across the sector. We've also helped establish programs for access to solar PV generated energy at agreed prices from companies that install own and operate rooftop Solar PV systems on the premises."

"On average, Australia's commercial buildings stock is nearly 30 years old. Our experience shows that retrofits deliver an average energy use reduction of 40 per cent. Why isn't everyone upgrading their buildings and property infrastructure?" she asked.

Ms Broadbent said sustainable growth was a global challenge which required local solutions, but that Australia was well placed to take advantage of technology advances and remain ahead of the pack.

Jointly hosted by The Green Building Council of Australia and the Property Council of Australia, Green Cities 2015 is being held from 17 to 19 March in Melbourne and is billed as Australia's premier sustainability conference.

It features over 70 speakers. Ms Broadbent is being joined by 2014 G20 Youth Summit Chair Holly Ransom on a panel moderated by ClimateWorks Australia Executive Director Anna Skarbek on Wednesday, 18 March.