NABERS is a standardised sustainability building rating system in Australia that evaluates the performance (energy, water, waste disposal, indoor environment) of commercial buildings.
NABERS Rating For Offices
The NABERS Rating scale starts with 1 star, which is the lowest rating. 6 stars are the highest rating and signify ‘market-leading’ building or best industry standard, demonstrating phenomenal environmental efficiency.
A building with a NABERS energy rating of 6 stars is significantly better than 5 stars rated development, generating almost half the amount of carbon footprint.
3 stars indicate an ‘average’ rating. However, it defines a good foundation level so that commercial developers, owners and managers can integrate efficient planning for energy efficiency improvements.
Similarly, for residential development in NSW, the BASIX certificate is the tool or system for sustainability measurement.
Components Of NABERS Office Ratings
NABERS rating requirements for offices and corporate spaces requirements encompass four components/ parameters when evaluating a building’s performance and sharing a rating:
- Energy – evaluates operational and functional energy efficiency, for example reviewing artificial light fittings, natural light exposure, lifts and HVAC system and dependency.
- Water – measures potable water utilisation and recycling.
- Waste – measures waste generation and recycling and examine supply chain management.
- Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) – Examines the comfort of occupants within a building by evaluating air quality, lighting, indoor thermal comfort, and acoustics.
The NABERS rating system is based on a comparison system. The rating is given after comparing similar buildings and only considers elements that a commercial building owner/manager can influence and improve.
Also Read : The Importance of the BCA Section J Report
Importance Of NABERS Rating
Every development (commercial or residential), irrespective of its physical footprint, has an impact on the environment.
Greenhouse gas productions, waste generation and disposal and potable water usage from buildings all contribute to the environmental impact. In fact, the build environment contributes to nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions.
To reduce this impact, NABERS, NatHERS, Section J report and BASIX certificate were conceptualised and implemented.
- Tracking NABERS ratings not only influences project developers to design new sustainable buildings but also encourages the upgrading of energy-efficient facilities and assets in existing buildings.
- Improvements to a NABERS rating in commercial buildings are the responsibility of both the building owner and all tenants too. The rating requirements measure actual impact, reflecting real performance, not merely plans.
- A NABERS rating also promotes improving building and tenancy activity for enhanced sustainability performance. Consistent tracking and recording of NABERS ratings help identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. A reduced star rating in a particular category offers precise direction for focus areas.
While NABERS ratings are voluntary, a good to excellent NABERS star rating has several benefits, apart from improved environmental impact.
- Reduced operational costs, such as energy bills, can provide substantial financial savings. Investment in efficiency upgrades will usually pay for themselves very quickly.
- For developers and project owners, NABERS and BASIX certificate brings reputational benefits and increased demand in the market.
What Is The Relationship Between NABERS Rating and BEEC?
A Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) dictates a standard for the energy efficiency rating of a building or a particular portion of a building that is open for sale, lease or sublease.
BEECs encompass two parts:
- Part 1: Entails National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy for offices rating for the building. It needs to be a base or whole-building rating.
- Part 2: Entails CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment (TLA) for the portion of the building open for sale, lease or sublease. The TLA involves a tenancy lighting assessment for measuring the power density of the installed general lighting system.
Final Word
NABERS Rating is gaining increased importance given its economic and ecological benefits. Additionally, under the BEEC requirements, the NABERS rating has become mandatory. Therefore, hire experienced building consultants to improve your NABERS Rating and get expert assistance to prepare for sustainability assessments.
