In light of changes to the NABERS Energy rating tool, and the broader industry shift toward eliminating gas use in commercial office buildings, the Asset & Facility Management Advisory (AFMA) team in Melbourne has been actively engaged in delivering electrification and degasification solutions across multiple assets nationwide.
Electrification refers to the process of converting building systems – such as HVAC and domestic hot water – from gas-fired to electrically powered systems, with a strategic preference for electricity sourced from renewable generation. This shift aligns with both regulatory changes and broader ESG targets increasingly prioritised by institutional investors and tenants.
Each engagement typically commences with a feasibility assessment phase, aimed at developing preliminary design concepts for technically and commercially viable electrification pathways. This stage incorporates detailed site assessments, system performance modelling and stakeholder consultation to inform the selection of preferred options for progression to detailed design.
Collaborative workshops are then held to refine these strategies, taking into account building-specific constraints, infrastructure capacity and timing relative to lease events, capital works programs or broader portfolio decarbonisation plans.
The AFMA team is currently supporting several projects at various stages of development. In selected cases, detailed engineering design for the approved solutions has been completed and the projects have entered the tendering and procurement phase for implementation.
These projects are expected to deliver measurable reductions in operational carbon emissions and improve the overall NABERS Energy performance, supporting long-term sustainability goals within the commercial property sector.