NABERS is thrilled to introduce new tools that help schools across Australia measure their energy and water use. Over four million students attend 9,600 schools in Australia, and now every one of these schools can get a NABERS rating.
NABERS is thrilled to introduce new tools that help schools across Australia measure their energy and water use. Over four million students attend 9,600 schools in Australia, and now every one of these schools can get a NABERS rating.
Expanding NABERS to schools is part of a national effort under the 2019 Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, supported by all Australian governments and funded by the Commonwealth Government.
In 2020, NABERS saw schools as a key area for expansion. The NABERS Accelerate phase began in late 2022 and wrapped up at the end of 2023. Guided by our mission to make "All Australian buildings healthy, comfortable, and environmentally friendly," the NABERS team created an energy and water benchmark in just over a year. This involved collecting data, holding workshops with experts, evaluating the benchmark, and setting up the rules and online platform for school ratings. The final benchmark helps schools aim for better energy and water efficiency, leading to lower emissions.
The NABERS rating system suits the specific needs of schools because it was developed through detailed consultation with state education departments and industry experts. This collaboration resulted in a cost-effective tool for government schools, allowing them to easily join the program.
NABERS studied data from nearly 75% of Australia’s schools in different climates to create fair benchmarks for the rating system. A pilot program also assessed the ratings with over forty-five schools, ensuring the tools are dependable. One of the non-government schools in the pilot program was Knox Grammar School in NSW. Duncan Sharpe, the Director of Operations, said
“At Knox Grammar School, environmental sustainability is an integral part of our agenda as we pave the way for the next generation. NABERS ratings will allow us to measure and manage our energy and water consumption, driving efficiency, reducing emissions, and creating a healthier learning environment for our students, staff, and community. We welcome the NABERS rating tools positive impact on the school sector.”
NABERS is proud to help schools become more sustainable, benefiting both students and the environment. We also plan to expand into other sectors, with NABERS for Retail Stores launching in September 2024.
As part of our new sector offering, non-government schools can take advantage of a 50% discount on their first NABERS rating lodgement fee within the first year after launch. This offer is valid until 30 May 2025.