NABERS for apartment buildings. Increase your property value with a NABERS rating

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1 NABERS for apartment buildings Increase your property value with a NABERS rating

2 The introduction of NABERS for apartment buildings In June 2018 NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) for apartment buildings was launched. Simply, NABERS rates the energy and water efficiency of a building s common property. NABERS for Apartment Buildings ratings are awarded using a six-star scale, borne out of the success of the NABERS Commercial Building Disclosure Program. A star rating is calculated using a benchmark that fairly compares the energy and water performance of an apartment building to others in the Australian market. Ratings are conducted by a qualified assessor who are authorised by the National Administrator, on behalf of the Federal Government.

3 The importance of having a NABERS rating NABERS s aim is to slow down the heating of the planet and minimise water wastage. To date, NABERS have assisted commercial buildings to: Reduce emissions by an average of 11.5% per building Increase water efficiency by an average of 9% per building, saving a total of 1,100 megalitres of water each year Save over $350 million in energy bills since 2010 In addition to this, buildings with a higher NABERS rating have increased market value and has allowed owners to attract the right tenants because high performing buildings support high performing businesses. Investing in a NABERS for Apartment Buildings rating gives owners and the committee a true representation of how a building s common property performs with a simple six star rating scale, where three is average and six is market leading. This new information committees can either: Demonstrate the building s operational value (if it s performing well) Help you understand that improvement is needed which can unlock potential cost saving opportunities. Create a sense of community and contribution to a sustainable future. The benefits and knowledge of how your building performs can lead to reduced operating costs, increased market value and rental income, and reduced vacancy rates. The advantages of having a NABERS rating: Increased market value Increased rental income Attract the right tenants Reduced vacancy rates Reduced operating costs

4 How to qualify Assessment criteria Facilities that are assessed include: Minimum requirements For a building to be eligible for a NABERS for Apartment Buildings assessment, the property must be a registered strata plan and contain multiple apartments in a configuration that includes: At least four apartments in total; and, At least two apartments stacked vertically; and, One or more points of entrance to the scheme footprint that serve more than one apartment. These apartments must be lived in during the rating period. This ensures there is sufficient common property usage to be rated. Lifts and lobby areas Car parks Gyms For the purposes of NABERS for Apartment Buildings an apartment is defined as a self-contained unit of accommodation comprising kitchen, sleeping, living and bathroom facilities within a building that contains many such residential dwellings. The following details must be available for an assessment to take place: Bills of electricity, gas and water for latest 12 months and for all accounts that are paid for by the owners corporation Registered strata plan/strata management statement As-built drawings of architectural, lift, electrical, hydraulic and mechanical services. Specifically: Floor plans of each service Schematic diagrams of each service Equipment schedules that includes specification for each piece of equipment Building operations manual (where applicable) that include: An executive summary of each service system installed in the building Operation hours of common areas such as a pool and gym etc. Pools Gardens All lighting in common areas A star rating is calculated using a benchmark that fairly compares the energy and water performance of an apartment building to others in the Australian market. 1 STAR 2 STARS 3 STARS 4 STARS 5 STARS 6 STARS poor below average average good excellent market leading It is not uncommon to get a poor, or below average rating after the first assessment. Should this occur NABERS for Apartment Buildings does not require the building to disclose the rating publicly.

5 Assessment process 1 Contact one of PICA Group s accredited NABERS for Apartment Building assessors. 2 Once successfully engaged, your PICA Group NABERS for Apartment Building assessor will work with your strata committee to compile data, visit your property and calculate your building s rating. 3 Your assessor will submit the property s rating application to the technical team at NABERS. 4 NABERS staff will review, verify and certify your buildings rating. 5 Finally, NABERS for Apartment Buildings will issue your strata committee with an electronic rating certificate, valid for 12 months. With your PICA Group NABERS for Apartment Buildings Assessor you can discuss strategies on how to improve your buildings rating. Book your assessment: To book your assessment, visit

6 Fee options The fee consists of a lodgement fee (NABERS administration fee) and rating fees by an accredited assessor. Lodgement fee (NABERS administration fee) Until 30 June 2019 (50% discount) Apartment buildings Single (energy or water) Combined (energy or water) Option 1 - Rating fee for combined services (energy AND water) Combined services Collection and compilation of data A building that has more than 50 and less than 100 lots more than 100 and less than 300 lots more than 300 lots $200 $200 $200 Physical inspection $400 (4 hrs) $600 (6 hrs) $900 (9 hrs) Calculation of the rating $1,200 (8 hrs) $1,800 (12 hrs) $2,100 (14 hrs) Lodgement fee (plus GST) $595 $841 Submission of the application $100 $100 $100 From 1 July 2019 Apartment buildings Single (energy or water) Combined (energy or water) Total plus GST $1,900 $2,700 $3,300 Until 30 June 2019 (50% discount) $950 $1,350 $1,650 From 1 July 2019 $1,900 $2,700 $3,300 Lodgement fee (plus GST) $1,189 $1,681 Option 2 - Rating fee for single services (energy OR water) Rating fee inclusions The rating fee is for the following items: Single services Collection and compilation of data A building that has more than 50 and less than 100 lots more than 100 and less than 300 lots more than 300 lots $200 $200 $200 Physical inspection $200 (2 hrs) $300 (3 hrs) $450 (4.5 hrs) Calculation of the rating $600 (4 hrs) $900 (6 hrs) $1,050 (7 hrs) Submission of the application $100 $100 $100 Collection and compilation of data, including record keeping Physical inspection of the building including photography Calculation of the rating Submission of the rating application to NABERS Total plus GST $1,100 $1,500 $1,800 Until 30 June 2019 (50% discount) $550 $750 $900 From 1 July 2019 $1,100 $1,500 $1,800

7 The information provided is a general guide only, and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. The company disclaims all responsibility and liability for any expenses, losses, damages and costs which might be incurred as a result of the information provided by the company. Last updated in September 2018.