The following information is presented in accordance with section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

As we do not administer programs or legislation relating to sustainable development or the environment, the direct impact of our activities on the environment is essentially confined to the operation of our leased office accommodation.

We remained committed to the principles of ecologically sustainable development throughout 2019–20.

Our 2019–20 energy consumption for tenant light and power was 737,103 kilowatt hours, with average consumption of 5,132 megajoules per person. This average consumption is well below the 7,500 megajoules per person target contained in the Energy Efficiency in Government Operations policy. The individual performance of each tenancy ranged between 2,951 and 6,271 megajoules per person.

Our Canberra tenancy is the only tenancy that occupies more than 2,000 square metres, and is subject to a Green Lease Schedule. Under the provisions of the schedule, we invite an environmental assessor to review the environmental performance of the tenancy in accordance with the National Australian Built Environment Rating System.

These assessments convert measurable data into an easy-to-understand star rating scale from one to six stars. For example, a 6-star rating demonstrates market-leading performance, while a 1-star rating means the building or tenancy has considerable scope for improvement. Our Canberra tenancy has achieved a 5-star rating or better since our lease commencement in January 2014.

All tenancies are in buildings where the base building energy rating is between 5.0 and 5.5 stars and the base building water rating is between 3.5 and 4.5 stars.

Other strategies that we have implemented to minimise our impact on the environment include:

• increased access for staff to flexible working arrangements, which reduces energy consumption within the office as well as the impact of transport to and from the workplace
• the use of follow-me printers, which has reduced our paper and toner usage
• the use of energy-efficient lighting and lighting control systems that only activate when areas are occupied
• continued use and expansion of communal waste and recycling facilities, resulting in a significant reduction in waste to landfill and contributing to the quick and convenient sorting of waste products
• consulting with staff, building owners and building managers to improve energy performance, and actively participating in energy, waste and water management programs.