The property industry has once again raised the bar for new office buildings, with guidelines that support the delivery of more sustainable, productive and efficient office premises.
This is the clear message delivered by the Property Council of Australia’s newly revised Guide to Office Building Quality (The Guide).
The market-driven matrix identifies typical features of different grades of office space and reflects an industry appetite for improved building performance.
Property Council CEO, Peter Verwer, said the Guide is currently used by all sectors of the industry as a benchmark for office buildings.
“The Guide is a vital tool for designers, owners, managers and occupants in the office market,” Mr Verwer said.
“It is a reflection of expectations in each sector of the market, and sets a clear standard for new office stock over the coming years.”
Mr Verwer said the Property Council believes the Guide is an international first.
“This Guide is the most comprehensive of its kind – it has been recognised by industry associations internationally as a world-leading publication,” Mr Verwer said.
Mr Verwer said a key feature of the revised Guide is a broader scope of sustainability indicators.
Environmental criteria were first included in the 2006 Guide, and have now been expanded to reflect a more holistic view of sustainability.
“In 2006, sustainability metrics were added to the Guide for the first time,” Mr Verwer said.
“Many buildings have far surpassed the standards set in 2006, which were ambitious for that time.”
“For instance, the 2012 edition of the Guide identifies 5 Star Green Star and NABERS Energy ratings as the benchmark for new Premium Grade buildings.”
“The expanded environmental performance metrics in the new Guide raise the bar, but also demonstrate what industry already knows – sustainable design and management of office buildings has become part of core business.”
“This is more proof that the sector is driving innovation, and will continue to do so.”
The Guide provides 60 parameters for the classification of office space into grades – from Premium to Grade A, B, C or D.
Criteria include building size, location, environmental performance, mechanical and electrical provisions as well as building services and amenities.
“A Guide to Office Building Quality is a market-driven document that informs industry decision making and sets the benchmark for building performance,” Mr Verwer said.
The Guide was developed by a panel of experts, and was subjected to extensive industry review before publication.
Note to Editors:
- The Property Council of Australia’s Guide to Office Building Quality is voluntary.
- The Property Council does not publicly release any building classifications.
For more information contact:
Peter Verwer
Ph: 0407 463 842
