scott-webb-9vWcVqVJZFo-unsplash

NABERS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW...

About Obtaining a NABERS Rating For Your Project

DOWNLOAD NOW

NABERS Checklist

Strap a rocket to your ESD Consultant's back

with this must have NABERS Checklist. 

Download Now

NABERS is used to measure the environmental performance of buildings, developments, homes and tenancies. Effectively, it helps measure the water usage, energy efficiency, waste management and indoor environment quality of a building, home, development or tenancy and its total impact on the surrounding environment.

watermark web top -2
 

LEARN

NABERS explained

NABERS is a nationwide rating system that is used to measure the environmental performance of buildings, developments, homes and tenancies. Effectively, the NABERS systems help measure the water usage, energy efficiency, waste management and indoor environment quality (IEQ) of a building, home, development or tenancy and its total impact on the surrounding environment contributing to Australia’s greater energy usage.
 
For over ten 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.
 

 

Art piece for NABERS

 
 
FREE DOWNLOAD

NABERS Checklist

Strap a rocket to your ESD Consultant's back

with this must have NABERS Checklist. 

 

How is NABERS assessed?

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.
 

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.
watermark web top
 

Costing and Time Commitments

Since the process of conducting a NABERS assessment is quite thorough and varies on a project-by-project basis, the cost of conducting the assessment can also vary greatly. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, we recommended that you contact us and obtain a quote. However, typically, NABERS ratings can range anywhere between $2000 and $7000. 

As for the time it takes to conduct a NABERS assessment and receive a rating, our turnaround will typically be between 5-10 business days. In light of this, if you have a deadline, let us know and we will make arrangements to meet it.

To obtain a NABERS rating, please send in your plans for quoting and if you are satisfied with the quote, we will proceed to visit the office space and produce a draft report in a timely manner. Once the draft is approved and payment is received, we will gladly issue a final certification for the project. 

 

Image of brown chair for NABERS assessment

watermark web-6
 

IS RETROFITTING THE FUTURE OF RENOVATIONS?

In its simplest explanation, retrofitting refers to the addition of new features and technology to older houses or buildings. Examples of retrofitting strategies include:

  • Upgrading energy and water systems to minimise consumption
  • Considering solar shading devices
  • Replace existing windows with windows appropriate for climate and exposure.
  • Insulation and ventilation systems installed in the roof
  • Draught proofing doors and windows
  • Upgrade air-conditioning and find ways to introduce passive cooling/heating into the home.

Stakeholders and designers strive to meet sustainability goals and standards with their new build through innovative technologies, star ratings and special features. However, the thousands of builds of the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s that currently run through our cities and towns don’t meet the current sustainability targets. There are many opportunities for older homes and buildings to improve their efficiency capabilities and ratings through retrofitting procedures.

 

Image of man completing renovations

 

Some statistics to consider:

  • 81% of commercial buildings are 10 years or older
  • Energy savings of 50-70% can be achieved through retrofitting these buildings
  • There is a potential $9billion in savings between 2015 to 2030 if we retrofit these buildings
  • Currently, only 2% of older commercial buildings have been retrofitted.

 

Some challenges:

  • Finance: Retrofitting is a long term initiative. In many cases, the building owners foot the bill while the tenants reap in the benefits, causing stakeholders to hesitate.
  • Planning: There are often unknowns in a building system, and plans often need to be changed and adapted during the renovation process
  • Existing tenants: Retrofitting occurs on an occupied and working asset. Tenants will experience inconveniences during the retrofitting upgrades.

 

Retrofitting is the future of renovations

A major transition has occurred, and retrofitting has become more common. In the last ten years, 20% of Australian homes have installed power panels. The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target has now carried out over three million upgrade.
Veolia (2018) gave an astounding example exemplifying the benefits of retrofitting. Kings Technology Park Melbourne conducted four upgrades to their building including installing a new air ducting system, new chillers, new cooling tower and installing a digital building control system. As a result, the asset now saves $250,000 per year on energy costs.
Acquiring a NABERS rating is a method used to assist in effectively retrofits existing buildings. 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. The team of architects and engineers at Certified Energy can provide your project with a NABERS star rating.

 

image of solar panels

Key reasons to retrofit include:

  1. Creates new assets for the home or building
  2. Long term cost savings to be had
  3. Strengthens the tenant/lessor relationship
  4. Increase a homes NatHERS energy rating and thermal comfort
  5. Reduction in energy bills
The highly qualified team at Certified Energy can provide you with a variety of services to assist retrofit your project and bring it to its full potential! We provide a variety of certifications and services to help improve the overall efficiency of your existing property! Our team can give you valuable advice and help you take the first step to retrofitting your property. 
 

Sources:

https://www.veolia.com/anz/five-rules-retrofit-0

6 min read

2019 Proposed NCC building fabric changes + how they affect you

The 2019 National Construction Code (NCC) is now imminent and if it seems like it’s been a while since the last major...

3 min read

Is retrofitting the future of renovations?

In its simplest explanation, retrofitting refers to the addition of new features and technology to older houses or...

2 min read

Moore's NABERS dream - Reality or fantasy?

In May 2018, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore wanted new commercial developments to reach a 5.5 NABERS (National...