Commercial buildings have an important role to play in Australia's transition to a cleaner, more reliable energy system.
NABERS' new feasibility study on energy flexibility in commercial buildings explores how buildings can change when they use, store and share electricity to reduce emissions, lower costs and support a stable electricity grid.
The study, which was developed with the support of the Australian Government, draws on Australian and international research and insights from 72 stakeholders across the property, energy and government sectors. It examines the opportunities, challenges and practical considerations involved in increasing energy flexibility in commercial buildings.
Importantly, the study found strong support for NABERS to help recognise and encourage energy flexibility in the market. Stakeholders highlighted NABERS' trusted reputation and proven track record of driving measurable improvements in building performance.
“This study is the next step in the evolution of NABERS Energy ratings. By recognising and measuring energy flexibility in a consistent and credible way, we can enable commercial buildings to support a more sustainable and stable energy system and lower their carbon emissions.”
What you'll find in the study
- What energy flexibility is and why it matters
- The benefits, challenges and barriers to energy flexibility
- The factors that can enable greater participation
- How NABERS can support energy flexibility
- Considerations for designing NABERS flexibility metrics
What's next?
The feasibility study is the first step in a broader program of work.
In July 2026, NABERS commenced a three-year Australian Government-funded program to explore how energy flexibility can be recognised and supported within commercial building ratings.
Over the next three years, NABERS will focus on three key priorities.
- Ensuring buildings that flex aren’t penalised under NABERS Energy
NABERS is reviewing its Energy rating Rules, beginning with battery losses, to ensure buildings can participate in energy flexibility activities without negatively impacting their NABERS Energy star ratings. - Co-designing potential ways to measure energy flexibility
NABERS will co-design and test metrics that recognise and measure energy flexibility in commercial buildings. The aim is to develop trial-ready metrics by mid-2029, informed by stakeholder input and designed to be practical, fair and effective in real-world settings. - Building market capability and knowledge
NABERS will support research, share insights with industry, and provide education, guidance and resources to help build understanding of energy flexibility and support its uptake across the commercial building sector.
As part of this work, NABERS will collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to develop and test proof-of-concept metrics and refine the most promising approaches for future trials.
“NABERS is excited about our program of work to recognise and support energy flexibility in commercial buildings. Collaboration is part of our DNA, and we are looking forward to actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure our approach aligns with their expectations and meets their needs.”
Read the report and get involved
The feasibility study is an important first step in understanding how energy flexibility could be recognised and supported in commercial buildings.
We encourage building owners and operators, policy makers, and industry stakeholders to read the report and get involved in the next phase of work.
Read the NABERS Energy Flexibility in Commercial Buildings Report.