The NSW Government has invited expressions of interest from private sector firms to manage office accommodation for the public sector.
Announced by NSW Minister for Finance and Services, Andrew Constance, the move has been welcomed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The NSW Government will draw on the expertise of industry in an effort to deliver more efficient and transparent building management and a better deal for NSW taxpayers, who are currently footing the $7 million annual bill for the management of public sector offices across the state.
GBCA chief operating officer, Robin Mellon, said the capacity of the private sector to deliver greater operational efficiencies and better, more sustainable work environments is proven, and engaging specialist firms in the management of the government’s 830-plus freehold and leasehold properties is an important demonstration of leadership when it comes to efficiency and transparency, as well as the health and wellbeing of public sector workers.
Mellon said effective partnerships between government and industry are already reaping real rewards when it comes to the operational performance of buildings citing theCity of Sydney’s Better Buildings Partnership which has already saved more than $25 million a year on energy bills.
“Trusted, transparent measurement is the first step on the road to better building performance, and we urge the NSW Government to commit to assessing its portfolio’s operational efficiency on an ongoing basis using the Green Star – Performance rating tool, which is due for release at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday October 10, 2013,” he said.
Green Star – Performance assesses the operational performance of buildings over time, allowing building owners and managers to identify opportunities for improvement and make informed decisions about how to generate greater efficiencies.
Green Star – Performance prioritises cooperation between building owners, users and managers and assesses buildings against a range of impact categories including energy, water, emissions and indoor environment quality.
"By using the rating tool, the NSW Government will be able to identify opportunities for energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions savings, reduce operating costs, and create healthier work environments that could significantly boost the productivity of thousands of its employees," Mellon said.
