NABERS stands for the National Australian Built Environment Rating System, and is a rating system used in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK to measure how green your building is. While mostly voluntary, getting a NABERS is like getting a gold star for being eco-friendly – perfect for showing off to your building’s tenants, investors, or just your green-minded friends. 

‍

Globally, everyone’s jumping on the sustainability bandwagon, meaning that various stakeholders, from governments to investors, might nudge or even require real estate asset owners to get ratings like NABERS.

‍

In this article, we’ll spill all the beans about the NABERS rating system: what it is, who it’s for, and how to snag one.

‍

What is NABERS?

NABERS is Australia’s shining star for rating the environmental performances of buildings, whether residential or commercial. Think of it as a report card that tells you how well your building is doing in the green game. 

‍

Launched by the Australian government, NABERS offers a simple and comparable way to assess energy, water, waste management, and indoor air quality. It’s managed by the New South Wales (NSW) Office of Environment and Heritage on behalf of the Australian government, but don’t worry, the paperwork isn’t that scary.

‍

In the UK, its administration has been taken over by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Previously, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) was responsible for training and certifying NABERS assessors in the UK. 

‍

NABERS examines data over 12 months and uses a comparison system to gauge performance, considering factors beyond the owner or manager’s control. The rating tools turn all detailed, complex data into an easy-to-understand star rating.  

‍

NABERS ratings explained

NABERS uses a star rating system ranging from 1 to 6. Here’s what these stars actually mean:

‍

The ranking shows performance regarding the type of rating the building owner/manager has applied for. So, if your building’s got six stars, it’s the equivalent of being top of the class. One star? Well, at least you’re on the board. 

‍

Types of NABERS ratings

NABERS ratings come in four categories:

• Energy: Measures how energy efficient your building is, considering its size and climate. Plus, you get a free NABERS Renewable Energy Indicator if your building produces or buys renewable energy
• Water: Evaluates your building’s water usage and recycling. If your building is a water-wise wizard, this rating is for you 
• Waste: Assesses waste production and management. It’s like giving your waste habits a check-up
• Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ): Checks the comfort level inside your building – air quality, acoustics, lightning, and temperature. This one’s only available for office buildings, so your office can finally get that gold star 

‍

In the UK, two types of ratings are currently used: Energy, and Design Peformance. The former is the same as the rating system used in Australia and New Zealand, whereas the latter is for new buildings to have energy-efficient designs.  

‍

NABERS is also working on adding more rating categories, like embodied carbon for new builds and renovations. Watch this space!

‍

Types of buildings covered

NABERS ratings can be applied to:

• Office buildings
• Apartment buildings
• Schools
• Shopping centres
• Retail stores
• Data centres
• Residential aged care centres
• Public hospitals
• Hotels
• Warehouse and cold storage

‍

Not every rating type suits every building. For instance, data centres get a special focus on IT infrastructure, while hotels are assessed on overall energy use. It’s all about relevance. 

Who is NABERS for?

NABERS is primarily for the Australian market, but it also has a buddy system with NABERS New Zealand and the UK. If you are outside Australia and need a building rating, consider international options like LEED, DGNB, or BREEAM. 

‍

Who conducts the NABERS assessment?

NABERS assessments are performed by independent assessors – sustainability consultants accredited by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry, & Environment or CIBSE – and use tools provided by NABERS to rate buildings. 

‍

These experts collect and audit your building’s data to give it a star ranking in the rating category that you applied for. Only accredited assessors can issue ratings, so make sure your assessor is the real deal. 

‍

NABERS assessment costs

Getting a NABERS rating involves two fees: one for NABERS itself and one for the assessor. The assessor’s fee is set by them, while NABERS publishes its fees online. You can see the latest costs here. Discounts might be available for multiple buildings or first-time applicants, so check for those savings!  

‍

Benefits of getting a NABERS rating

NABERS ratings aren’t just for bragging rights – they’re worth the investment. Here are some advantages of getting certified in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK:

• Compare performance: See how your building stacks up against others in the same category. Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition?
• Validate environmental data: A high rating is proof that your eco-friendly claims are the real deal. It’s your building’s green badge of honour. It also validates your data for reporting purposes, such as ESG reporting
• Satisfy stakeholders: Investors, tenants, or any other stakeholder will appreciate the commitment to sustainability and showcase the building's performance
• Track and improve performance: Keep tabs on your building’s green progress and find areas for improvement
• Competitive advantage: A NABERS rating can give your property a competitive edge in the market, attracting potential buyers or tenants with its green credentials

‍

Toward a green future!

The NABERS rating system is a solid way to gauge and enhance your building’s environmental impact. It’s about understanding your building’s sustainability performance and working towards lowering its carbon emissions. 

‍

At comundo, we’re all about promoting green certification. They not only validate your building’s performance but also contribute to cost savings and green investments. Let’s make those buildings shine green!

‍

FAQs

How long is the NABERS rating valid?

NABERS ratings are valid for 12 months. This annual ratings model accounts for and rates the most recent performance. You can choose to apply again at the end of the 12 months and get a new rating. 

‍

Is NABERS rating mandatory?

A NABERS rating isn’t mandatory – with a few exceptions. The Australian government now requires new government buildings to have a NABERS Energy rating of at least 4.5 stars. Similarly, large office spaces (2,000 sq. metres or more) are required to be rated by NABERS. 

‍

Does NABERS offer a certification?

NABERS offers a rating for buildings on energy, water, waste, and IEQ on a scale of 1 to 6. However, it also provides a carbon-neutral certification for buildings in partnership with Climate Active. 

‍

What is a good NABERS rating?

A NABERS rating of four is good, whereas a rating of five is excellent, and six makes the building a market leader in specific rating types (energy, water, waste, etc.). 

‍