NABERS

NABERS (the National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is a performance-based rating system for existing buildings. NABERS rates a commercial office, hotel or residential building on the basis of its measured operational impacts on the environment.

It considers that:

• Energy is used to provide lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation.
• Water is used for washing, drinking, for toilets and air conditioning.
• Waste is generated.
• Occupants are affected by the quality of the air in buildings.
• Local biodiversity is affected by the construction and tenancy of buildings.
• Natural storm water flows are redirected and often concentrated.
• Toxic materials may be present in buildings.
• People travel to and from buildings, often in greenhouse gas-emitting vehicles.