With cities contributing up to 75 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions (Source: C40 Cities), office buildings have a major part to play in meeting Australia’s international greenhouse targets. Tenants themselves can influence up to 50 percent of total energy use in office buildings, but we must act now.

Australia’s major building refurbishments occur on average every 20 to 25 years. Instead of waiting for this stock to be replaced, CitySwitch delivers short-term greenhouse gas reductions by encouraging green tenancy fit-outs and energy efficient business practices in offices that have an average lease turnover time of 3 to 5 years.

Office tenancies typically have significant opportunities for low and no-cost improvements and are perfectly positioned to make their offices energy efficient. They can have the biggest immediate impact in the reduction in carbon emissions in our cities simply by managing the way they use energy.

If your office uses electricity,

it has a climate change impact.

By joining CitySwitch, Signatories join a growing network of like-minded businesses committed to improving the environmental performance of their offices. Signatories commit to achieve and maintain an accredited 4 stars or higher NABERS Energy tenancy or whole building rating. NABERS Energy provides a performance benchmark by measuring and rating a tenancy's or building's annual greenhouse gas emissions using 12 months of energy bills.

The CitySwitch Commitment can be achieved by simple, easy to implement actions that increase energy efficiency such as:

• activating sleep mode on equipment where applicable
• upgrading lighting controls including occupancy sensors and timers
• installing energy efficient lighting and office equipment
• changing to flat screen monitors
• educating staff on the benefits of energy efficiency
• purchasing GreenPower from renewable sources

To find out more about joining CitySwitch contact the CitySwitch Program Manager located in your local Council area. Real action on climate change may be easier than you think.

Read more about the benefits of joining CitySwitch >