Melbourne's CBD buildings could collect 4.2 billion litres a year in rainwater if tanks were installed across the city.
With an estimated roof space of 8.5 million square metres, the CBD grid could harvest enough rainwater to fill 16 billion drinking glasses or 83,000 backyard swimming pools each year, according to calculations by environmental consultant Eric Noel.
Mr Noel's figures increased pressure on the State Government to force commercial developers to meet the same environmental standards as new residential homes. It is compulsory for new residential buildings to acquire a five-star green rating but the rule does not apply to commercial premises.
Environment Minister John Thwaites' spokesman said four-star ratings to new large commercial developments would be rolled out but he did not give a time frame.
And smaller commercial buildings, under 5000 square metres, only require a 3.5 star rating.
"Sceptics will come to you and say it is costly, Mr Noel said.
"We need to develop a will and behaviour change that says we cannot afford to have this water pouring down into our streets."
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