Energy Efficiency

Are Triple Net Lease Property Investments Risk Free?

Many property investors believe that triple net leased property investments make for good, safe, passive investments.

This can be the case, but there can also be serious financial consequences should they not be managed properly.

Triple net leases differ from traditional leases in that the tenant is generally responsible for all of the operating expenses including repairs, maintenance and life cycle capital expenditure – a new roof, air conditioning system, lifts, and the like.

However, there are risks to be aware of with such property. Triple net lease investments are often single tenanted properties, perhaps with a special purpose or use.

The commercial stability of the tenant is of course fundamental in any investment, but in a triple net lease are they also going to:

  • Take a proactive and planned approach to managing the asset?
  • Keep on top of property maintenance and life cycle repairs and replacements?
  • Fully understand what their obligations are?
  • Know how to live up to and manage their end of the bargain? Continue reading

Political expediency shoves green opportunities into a black hole

OPINION: It was somewhat surprising that the Climate Commission report, The Critical Decade: Generating A Renewable Australia, published a few days ago, failed to discuss the significant impact that Energy Efficiency improvements can have on reducing carbon emissions.

Almost all focus in the report was applied to the option of pursuing renewable energy as a solution to our reliance on carbon based energy. This is fine for the longer term, but it ignores the commercial reality that a step by step approach is required and indeed will occur. 

Plainly, the process of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels must include the reduction in our overall demand for energy. Any decrease in demand for energy will also reduce Peak Demand.  Continue reading