Got a commercial property in Australia? You probably know energy use matters. The NABERS energy rating now includes a fresh tool: the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator. It benchmarks your building’s efficiency using actual energy data. With energy bills rising, most of corporate tenants now shortlist offices by NABERS stars. That’s not just numbers, it’s demand driving value.
This article explores what the NABERS Indicator is, why it matters, and how you can unlock insights that save money and boost appeal. So, let’s get started:
What Is the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator?
The NABERS Energy Performance Indicator measures how your building leverages electricity as well as heating when compared to similar buildings. It is typically considered a part of the broader NABERS energy rating system—a national metric trusted in Australia.
The indicator uses billing data, occupancy, equipment, and climate factors. Then it spits out a fair 0–6 star rating. No guessing. Real energy performance.
Why the NABERS Energy Rating Matters?
Poor NABERS scores mean high energy costs and limited tenant interest. A good NABERS energy rating signals efficiency and attracts better tenants. Investors take note too. Buildings with 3+ stars often lease faster and secure financing more easily under green-loan schemes.
What does this Indicator Measure?
The system accounts for:
- Heating and cooling loads
- Lighting and plug loads
- Tenant base usage and core building systems
It adjusts for region, hours of operation, as well as occupancy in order to ensure fair comparisons. So, you can think of it as a performance mirror showing what works, and what doesn’t.
How Does the NABERS Energy Performance Tool Work?
TheNABERS Energy Performance Indicator uses a consistent and transparent process. It helps building owners understand current energy use. It also highlights where energy efficiency can improve.
Step 1: Gather Energy and Operational Information
Start by collecting 12 months of energy records. Include electricity and gas bills for the entire period. Add logs that show equipment use and occupancy patterns. All data must reflect actual site conditions.
Step 2: Enter Data via the NABERS Platform or Work with an Assessor
You may submit your information through the NABERS certification portal. Another option is to partner with a NABERS-accredited assessor. The assessor will review the inputs. They ensure the submission meets NABERS standards and avoids common errors.
Step 3: Receive a Certified Star Rating
Once submitted, your building receives a star rating. The score ranges from one to six stars. It is based on how the building performs compared to national averages. The report shows where energy is used and where losses occur.
Step 4: Review Insights and Recommendations
Each report includes a detailed summary. It points out systems that use more energy than expected. It also suggests practical ways to improve efficiency. These insights help owners plan upgrades and prioritise budgets.
The NABERS tool offers more than a score. It provides a reliable way to measure building performance. Each rating builds a record of improvement. It creates a clear path toward long-term sustainability.
NABERS Energy Performance Tool – At a Glance
| Step | What You Do | What You Get |
| 1. Gather Information | Collect 12 months of electricity, gas bills, and equipment logs | Complete and accurate data for the assessment |
| 2. Submit via Portal or Assessor | Enter data on the NABERS platform or work with an accredited assessor | Verified and standards-compliant data submission |
| 3. Get a Star Rating | NABERS reviews and processes your data | Certified rating (1–6 stars) with energy usage breakdown |
| 4. Review the Report | Study the performance summary and recommendations | Practical insights for upgrades and future planning |
What Are the Benefits of Using the NABERS Energy Performance Indicator?
This tool does more than measure efficiency. It provides a structured pathway for long-term building improvement.
- Lower energy costs year on year
The indicator identifies avoidable energy waste. Small-scale changes, such as adjusting HVAC cycles or upgrading lights, reduce operational load. Over time, energy bills reflect steady and reliable savings.
- Stronger market position for tenants and investors
A higher NABERS rating improves credibility in the property market. Tenants are drawn to buildings with proven performance. Investors prefer assets that demonstrate environmental responsibility and cost discipline.
- Improved access to green finance and incentives
Verified energy performance supports loan applications. Lenders and grant bodies often require measurable sustainability metrics. The indicator provides recognised evidence for eligibility.
- Data-driven upgrades and capital planning
The rating process produces actionable data. This information helps guide upgrade decisions. Building owners can target the areas that offer the greatest return on investment.
Real-World Case Study: Melbourne Office Attains a 5-Star NABERS Rating
A mid-rise commercial office in Melbourne was experiencing persistent energy issues. The building was centrally located. Occupancy was stable. Yet, operating costs remained high. Tenant satisfaction had started to decline.
The property owner initiated a NABERS Energy assessment. The goal was to identify performance gaps and address inefficiencies.
Initial Findings:
- The building earned a 3-star NABERS Energy rating after reviewing 12 months of utility data.
- Several problem areas were discovered:
- Fluorescent lighting was outdated and inefficient.
- HVAC systems ran on fixed schedules. They did not respond to occupancy or weather.
- Equipment performance was not tracked or logged.
- Fluorescent lighting was outdated and inefficient.
Targeted Improvements:
- All lighting was replaced with high-efficiency LED fixtures.
- A full HVAC recalibration was performed.
- The Building Management System (BMS) settings were adjusted to cut overnight and weekend waste.
These steps were implemented within a short project timeline. None of the upgrades disrupted tenant operations.
Results After Six Months:
- The building was reassessed and received a 5-star NABERS rating.
- Energy costs dropped by an estimated 28%.
- Tenants reported improved comfort.
- Several lease renewals followed.
- The higher rating allowed the owner to access green lease options and financing benefits.
Quick-Win Table for Building Owners
| Improvement | Typical Impact on Energy Use |
| LED lighting upgrades | ↓ 10% energy consumption |
| HVAC recalibration | ↓ 8% energy load |
| Premium glazing | ↓ 5% heating/cooling demand |
Key takeaway: Small changes can deliver big results. Start with quick wins. Build momentum toward long-term efficiency.
Who Should Use the NABERS Energy Indicator?
Anywhere with meaningful energy use:
- Commercial office towers
- Government buildings
- Hotels or data centres
If your building is billed separately or tracks tenant use, the Indicator helps you benchmark and improve.
How to Get Started?
Beginning the NABERS Energy Performance Indicatorprocess typically necessitates a clear as well as disciplined approach. The aim is to make sure that your building’s energy performance is measured both accurately and consistently.
Start by consulting a NABERS-accredited assessor. Their role is to oversee the process from data collection to certification.
They will:
- Review electricity, gas, and related utility bills from the past 12 months
- Validate the information against NABERS eligibility standards
- Submit the data through the official NABERS certification platform
- Outline areas for possible improvement based on current performance
If you choose to handle the process in-house, you can use the NABERS CertificationAustralia portal. However, internal submission demands a high level of attention to detail.
You must:
- Gather full utility records and operational logs
- Match data with actual occupancy and building usage
- Follow the required input format without variation
Annual ratings are advised. They help establish a reliable performance record over time.
Routine assessments can:
- Track year-on-year progress in energy efficiency
- Reveal inconsistencies in building operations
- Measure the outcomes of upgrades or system changes
- Support compliance with council or investor expectations
Early planning helps in considerably lowering the chance of costly errors or delays. Whether led by an external advisor or internal team, the process should prioritise data accuracy along with procedural discipline.
Committing to regular benchmarking not only meets NABERS standards. It demonstrates your building’s readiness for a future that demands environmental responsibility.
Final Thoughts
All in all, this NABERS performance tool is more than just a metric, it can be called your energy diary. It shows where you stand. It shows where you can go. A higher NABERS energy rating equals lower risk, better performance, and stronger market appeal.
If you want expert insight tailored to your property, a team like Eco Certificates can help. They integrate this indicator with broader NABERS certification work, so your rating is accurate, compliant, and ready for council records or tenant pitches.
