NABERS
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System, is an initiative by the government of Australia to measure and compare the environmental performance of Australian buildings and tenancies.
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) measures the true environmental performance of Australian buildings. For over 20 years, it has helped Australian business and government demonstrate their commitment to saving.
NABERS MISSION
To increase environmental, social and economic performance of our built environment NABERS VISION Nabers vision is to reduce emissions, preserve water supplies and reduce waste to landfill.
For over the years, NABERS has helped property owners, tenants and managers across Australia to improve the sustainability performance of their buildings, gaining large financial benefits in the long-term, whilst also building their reputation as environmentally conscious individuals. Managing NABERS on behalf of the Commonwealth, State and Territories is the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. NABERS creates a star rating which is based on its actual operational performance over a 12-month period. It is assessed by using verified real world performance information, such as utility and water bills, and converting them into an easy to understand star rating, rated from one (worst) to six (best) stars. For example, a 6 star rated building demonstrates industry leading performance, whereas a 1 star rating means that the building or tenancy has considerable room for improvement. This program compares the performance of the building to benchmarks of energy usage for buildings in similar areas.
NABERS KEY PRINCIPLE
NABERS is Australia’s leading building performance rating due to its integrity of methods, transparency of the process, and accountability to the industry.
NABERS is built on the following 7 key principles which help us maintain our quality of service.
- We measure actual impact, not intent
- We are relevant to building operations
- Our ratings are meaningful
- Our ratings are simple and easy to perform
- Our ratings are reliable
- Our management is trustworthy
- Our development is collaborative
HOW LONGE ARE THE NABERS RATING VALID?
A NABERS Rating is lodged with the National Administrator within 120 days of the end of the rating period. It will be valid for 365 days from the date of certification.
WHY DO WE NEED TO RATE BUILDINGS?
The built environment has a significant global environmental impact and is a contributor to climate change.
Buildings are responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions and use approximately:
- 40% of the world’s energy
- 30% of the world’s available drinking water.
Environmentally friendly buildings are better for the bottom line, better for staff and clients, and better for the planet.
WHEN IS NABERS REQUIRED AND WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
NABERS is an energy rating system that is required for all new buildings over 2000 square metres and buildings that are up for sale or lease. It helps buildings reach sustainability goals by measuring their energy usage and highlighting the possible room for improvement forcing new and existing buildings to aim for better more sustainable energy usage goals.