Sustainability Declaration Information

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing our environment and our future. As just one of a range of measures to act now on the impacts of climate change, the Queensland Government has introduced the sustainability declaration. The declaration will play an important role in promoting more sustainable homes.

 

On 12 November 2009, the Building and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2009 was passed by the Queensland Parliament. This Act includes requirements for the mandatory completion of a sustainability declaration from 1 January 2010 before a house, townhouse or unit is marketed for sale.

 

What is a Sustainability declaration?

A sustainability declaration entails a compulsory checklist that must be completed by the seller when selling a house, townhouse or unit from 1 January 2010.  The declaration will inform potential buyers about the sustainability features of the property involved and increase community awareness of the value of such features.  The declaration is a checklist that identifies the dwellings sustainability features in four key areas:

·         Energy

·         Water

·         Access

·         Safety

The declaration aims to increase the awareness of the community of sustainable housing features when a property is marketed for sale.  It will also have the capability of promoting the possible ongoing financial and environmental benefits that could be achieved with specific features.

What happens if you don’t fill out the form?

Completing the sustainability declaration and making it available is a mandatory requirement for the properties which are marketed from 1 January 2010 and for properties that have not been sold and continue to be marketed after 1 January 2010.

There are maximum penalties of up to $2000 where a seller refuses to complete the form and may be enforced by local government.

Further information in regards to the new Sustainability Declarations  and how to fill out the form can be found at the following links:

 

http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/sustainable-housing/sustainability-declaration.html