Sustainability declaration

14 January 2010

From 1 January 2010, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning will require a seller (vendor) to complete a sustainability declaration when selling a house, townhouse or unit. 

The checklist will identify the property's environmental and social sustainability features in four key areas: 

• energy
• water
• safety
• access

Properties which score well on the checklist will potentially have lower operating costs and be more energy and water efficient. 

By identifying sustainability features such as access and safety, a property can be assessed for its suitability for owners during their various life stages which may reduce the need for costly future upgrades.

The government believes that the sustainability declaration will increase the awareness and marketability of a dwelling's sustainable building features and will act as an incentive to improve the sustainability performance of Queensland's 1.6 million existing homes. 

Who should complete a sustainability declaration? 

The declaration should be completed by the property owner or a delegated individual. If an owner is unable to complete the form, another person may complete it as long as the owner signs it. Where an owner cannot sign the form, a person authorised under a power of attorney or other statutory power may sign the form.

The relevant links are provided below:

Sustainability declaration form

Sustainability declaration fact sheet

Sustainability declaration reference guide

The Department will be assessing the form's performance over the next few weeks to ensure its ease and effective use for the community. Feedback should be emailed to buildingcodes@dip.qld.gov.au.

For further information, please contact: 

Michael Klatt | Partner
Mullins Lawyers
t +61 7 3224 0370
f +61 7 3224 0333
mklatt@mullinslaw.com.au