BriefEzy Update 2022

SECCCA developed an Environmentally Sustainable Design SD Matrix Tool, called BriefEzy in 2018 designed to create an ESD tender brief to inform the procurement process for building services. The brief enables councils to select a desired level of ESD - essential, best practice or leading and according to budget and building type. This enables councils to maintain a consistent approach to ESD outcomes over time.

SECCCA recently checked in with each member council to see how BriefEzy was working and how the tool could be improved. This analysis found that there is a strong uptake of BriefEzy use among SECCCA member councils, with many reporting that the tool is still helpful and relevant in terms of furthering ESD in council-owned buildings.

Based on feedback from members, it was decided to undertake a technical update of the tool, to improve alignment to current legislative requirements and standards, as well as optimising features and content. External consultants WSP were engaged to undertake this update, liaising with councils to inform and validate the list of suggested updates. WSP will be implementing the changes and re-issuing a new version of the tool by the end of 2022.

The BriefEzy License Agreement has also been revised and updated and the fees restructured to enhance the use of the tool beyond the SECCCA region. Currently the tool is only being used by SECCCA members, and it has been identified that the large upfront payment was a barrier to additional councils wishing to access the tool. Therefore, a restructure to the BriefEzy fees have been implemented as outlined below:

·         A one-off subscription fee of $1,500. This includes a half day training to use the tool and access the WSP helpline.

·         Ongoing service fee of $1000 per annum.

This revision of costings will support the ongoing use of this tool in councils both across the SECCCA region and further afield, as well as enabling further improvements of the tool through regular updates.