NABERS Energy Updates Consultation Questions

Help Shape the Future of NABERS Energy Ratings

We’re seeking your feedback on the proposed NABERS Energy update for 2030. Your feedback will ensure the next NABERS Energy update reflects the needs and goals of building owners, managers, and policy makers across the country. 

Please take a moment to respond to the consultation questions: 

  1. How likely will this item support your organisation's policies or goals for energy efficiency?

  2. Are there any risks or unintended consequences to the proposed approach, and what would help overcome them?

  3. What should we consider in finalising this approach?

  4. General feedback

All questions will be asked separately for each of the three items in this proposal.

Please ensure submissions are received by the close of business on 12 December 2025.

Responses will not be published by NABERS but may be subject to public requests for access to information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act. NABERS may use anonymised quotes from submitted responses to this paper to support future work. NABERS will collect contact details to allow us to contact respondents if required. This may include clarifying your responses or to inform you of the outcomes of the consultation process.


Item 1: NABERS Energy rating to compare all energy sources equally

NABERS is proposing to update the Energy rating methodology so that all energy sources are compared equally. This means that electricity, gas, LPG, and diesel will be assessed based on their energy content, rather than emissions factors. For example, 1 MJ of electricity and 1 MJ of gas would be treated the same in the rating calculation. This aligns with Scenario 2 in the NABERS prediction tools, which can be used to assess the impact on ratings (Appendix B: Impact on NABERS Energy Ratings outlines more details on this). 

Rationale: 

  • Comparing all energy sources equally reflects the changing emissions profile of Australia’s energy grid, where electricity is becoming cleaner. 

  • This proposal aligns with stakeholder preferences for a simpler and more transparent comparison. 

  • It ensures buildings using gas can still receive meaningful ratings based on efficiency, rather than being penalised solely for emissions. 

  • This supports NABERS Energy in continuing to be a tool that meaningfully compares the energy efficiency of buildings  

  • This allows NABERS to continue to drive emissions reduction by providing benchmarked information about the energy efficiency of buildings andcontinuing to provide information about energy sources through the Renewable Energy Indicator. 


Item 2: Implement the update across all building types and jurisdictions simultaneously

 NABERS proposes implementing the update across all building types and jurisdictions simultaneously. 

Rationale: 

  • Implementing simultaneously ensures consistency and fairness across the program. 

  • It simplifies messaging and planning for stakeholders, many of whom have a national presence. 

  • It concentrates the impact within a single period, rather than staging the update for different sectors or jurisdictions, which could introduce further complexity

Item 3: Implement the update in 2030

NABERS proposes implementing the update in 2030, with a planned review in 2027 to assess readiness for an earlier implementation in 2028. 

Rationale: 

  • Stakeholders have asked for at least 3–4 years’ notice to support planning, budgeting, and upgrades. 

  • Some organisations may be ready earlier, and the 2027 review allows flexibility. 

  • This timeline supports a smooth transition while maintaining confidence in the rating system.