NABERS: Lessons from 12 Years of Performance Based Ratings in Australia

The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) has been operating for 12 years as a performance based rating system for the energy/greenhouse efficiency of office buildings in Australia. During this period, the scheme has been expanded to include performance based energy and water ratings for offices, hotels and shopping centres, plus performance based rating tools for office indoor environment and waste. NABERS has achieved significant success in transforming the energy efficiency of the office building stock, particularly with respect to the landlord operated services in the higher-quality end of the market. NABERS ratings have become established as a core valuation in the market for sale or lease of these buildings. The declaration of NABERS ratings has recently become mandatory for commercial sale and lease transactions over 2000m2. In this paper, the history of the NABERS scheme is outlined, with particular emphasis on the key lessons learnt and the underlying factors that have contributed to successes and failures along the way. Directions for future development are also discussed.