Building owners and managers are under pressure to reduce energy spending and their carbon footprint in an age of climate action and operational effectiveness.
The soaring price of utilities, increased regulations, and tenant demands have made energy effectiveness a key aspect of contemporary building management and, thus, NABERS ratings. Australia’s trusted benchmark for sustainability performance.
NABERS Ratings have helped businesses manage their environmental footprint for more than 20 years, and now, with the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator, it is easier than ever to compare and improve the footprint.
But what is the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator? Which building projects qualify for it? What developments of these specific characteristics warrant this rating? Does this new tool replace or improve upon the existing comprehensive NABERS energy rating? We will answer these questions in this blog.
What is the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator?
The NABERS Energy Performance Indicator delivers a user-friendly alternative to the in-depth analysis of the NABERS Energy Star Rating. The tool makes it even easier to perform energy assessments for:
- gyms,
- pubs,
- restuarants,
- libraries,
- swimming pools, and
- even kindergartens.
Individually, a single building’s energy footprint might feel negligible. But combined, these structures play a sizable role in Australia’s overall energy demand and emissions profile.
When using the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator, you are able to improve energy management, benchmark against competitors, and contribute to the sustainable goals at a national level.
Benefits of Adopting the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator
Cost and Efficiency Gains
Buildings, in general, for approximately 40% of global energy consumption. By pinpointing energy waste, the Performance Indicator helps reduce utility bills—a win for both budgets and the planet. For example, a Sydney gym slashed its energy costs by 18% after using the tool to upgrade its HVAC scheduling.
Enhanced Sustainability Credentials
A strong NABERS Rating is a badge of honour in today’s eco-conscious market. The Performance Indicator helps businesses build toward formal certifications like the NABERS Water Rating or BASIX Certificate, which can attract tenants, investors, and grants.
Actionable Insights
The tool translates raw data into clear, visual reports (e.g., dial displays showing energy use intensity). Managers can track trends over time, compare performance against similar buildings, and prioritise upgrades with the highest ROI.
How the Tool Works: From Data to Action?
Step 1: Data Collection & Analysis
The process begins with gathering 12 months of energy bills and floor area measurements. Unlike the NatHERS Certificate, which focuses on design, the Performance Indicator assesses real-world usage.
Step 2: Role of Accredited Assessors
A NABERS-accredited assessor verifies the data, accounting for factors like occupancy patterns and climate. They then calculate your building’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) in kWh/m²/year.
Step 3: Reporting & Comparison
Results are presented in easy-to-read formats, such as:
- A dial showing your building’s efficiency level (e.g., “Above Average”)
- Benchmarks against similar buildings in your sector
- Recommendations for improvements (e.g., switching to LED lighting)
Eligibility, Certification, and Getting Started
Eligible Sectors for the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator
The NABERS Energy Performance Indicator isn’t limited to traditional office spaces or large commercial complexes. Its flexibility makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of sectors often overlooked by standard energy assessment tools. Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit:
- Leisure and Sports Hubs: From bustling aquatic centres and cinemas to fitness-focused gymnasiums, these are venues with high energy demands for lighting, heating, or cooling.
- Hospitality Hotspots: Bars, restaurants, pubs, and cafes are spaces where commercial kitchens, refrigeration, and extended operating hours drive energy use.
- Community and Public Spaces: Libraries, museums, and community centres that balance public access with climate control efficiency. Apart from an energy rating, you can also get a NABERS Water Rating.
- Industrial and Storage Facilities: Manufacturing and warehousing units with specific storage needs with sensitive equipment or temperature control.
- Childcare centers and Caravan Parks: Other smaller-scale operations such as children’s centers or caravan parks are not captured by the NABERS Hotel tool.
- Childcare Centers and Caravan Parks: Smaller-scale operations, like childcare facilities or caravan parks, aren’t covered by the NABERS Hotel tool.
- Specialised Retailers: Certain retail stores fall outside the NABERS Retail Stores scope, including bakeries, dry cleaners, laundromats, and petrol stations.
Just like the NatHERS Certificate for residential development, the NABERS rating is for commercial buildings.
Certification Process
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your building type aligns with NABERS requirements.
- Engage an Assessor: Find a NABERS-accredited professional to guide your assessment.
- Implement Changes: Use the report to upgrade systems or adjust operations.
- Pursue Formal Ratings: If ready, apply for certifications like NABERS Water Rating or BASIX.
Whether you want to get a NABERS rating or BASIX certificate, be sure to hire Building consultants. They can help you comply with the sustainability requirements without any delay.
Wrapping Up
The NABERS Energy Performance Indicator isn’t just another checkbox—it’s a strategic tool for thriving in a low-carbon economy. By understanding your building’s energy profile, you’re not only cutting costs but also contributing to a sustainable future.
Next Steps
- Download the NABERS Energy Guide for sector-specific benchmarks.
- Contact an accredited assessor to schedule your assessment.
- Explore complementary tools like the NatHERS Certificate for new builds or retrofits.
In a world where efficiency equals resilience, the time to act is now. Let the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator light the way.
FAQs
What is the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator?
An NABERS Energy Performance Indicator is one of the more practical tools that help monitor how well a particular building utilizes energy against its size and operational requirements. You can think of it as a spotlight that shows areas with the most energy being wasted, such as HVAC units and lighting and prioritizes them for upgrading.
Can my small business or niche facility use this tool?
Absolutely! The EPI is designed for sectors often excluded from traditional ratings, like gyms, bakeries, caravan parks, or childcare centres. Even if your building doesn’t qualify for a standalone NABERS Retail or Hotel rating, the EPI helps you benchmark performance and identify savings.
What are the immediate benefits of using EPI?
It will be much easier for you to locate energy hotspots (e.g. HVAC, lighting), and lower utility costs while improving your sustainability. For example, 15% energy cost reduction was achieved by a café in Melbourne when altering the schedules of their kitchen equipment after EPI analysis.
How long does the assessment process take?
Unlike the BASIX certificate, most assessments wrap up within 2–4 weeks. You’ll need to provide 12 months of energy bills and floor area details. A NABERS-accredited assessor then crunches the numbers, accounting for factors like occupancy patterns and local climate.
