A NABERS Waste Verification is an independent measure of the resource recovery performance of a building. It uses a consistent method of measurement to assess how well buildings separate and divert waste generated on-site into streams that can be readily recovered, and whether those materials are likely to go to a facility that will recover them efficiently. A NABERS Waste Rating uses the same rigorous process to evaluate a building’s performance and then expresses it on a star rating scale according to an industry benchmark. This lets you see how your building compares to its peers of a similar building type.
The NABERS Waste Rules set out the requirements to assess the waste management and resource recovery performance of any building type.
NABERS Waste Ratings or Verifications must be performed by a NABERS Assessor accredited in the NABERS Waste methodology and comply with the principles and standards set in the rules for gathering, interpreting, and using waste data.
The latest version of the NABERS Waste Rules is v2.0.
What's new in this version?
The Waste Rules v2.0 contains major structural changes from v1.3 of the Rules and the two associated interim Rulings:
- NABERS Waste Rating Technical Ruling v1.5.
- NABERS Waste Data Verification Ruling v2.0.
All changes are itemised in Appendix G for easy reference, but in general:
- The template has been updated for ease of navigation and consistency across all NABERS Rules.
- The two interim Rulings have been incorporated into the Waste Rules v2.0, and have now been revoked.
- Sector-specific content has been removed from the Waste Rules v2.0 and placed into separate documents. This will facilitate the development of specific rules for waste ratings in new sectors in future. Sector specific Rules for NABERS Waste Ratings are now available as follows:
- NABERS The Rules – Waste for Offices 1.0
If you have any questions regarding the interpretation or application of the Rules, please contact nabers@environment.nsw.gov.au.
NABERS Rules
Other documents
- NABERS Waste calculation spreadsheet v3.4 This spreadsheet is required for section 7 and section 8 of the Rules (v3.4, updated Nov 2024).
Previous versions now superseded
- The previous (now superseded) version of the rules was version 1.3 of The Rules- Waste (February 2021)
About the NABERS Waste Platform
The NABERS Waste Platform is an online data management system designed to monitor waste and recycling data. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the NABERS Waste Rating and Verification process by securely storing the necessary information.
Additionally, it functions independently as a valuable tool for tracking waste and recycling. The Platform offers the ability to gain valuable insights into waste management practices, presenting dynamic charts and high-level indicators for a comprehensive overview.
The Platform can used across most of the built environment. Almost all property types are already available and we will add additional as the demand increases. All user support documents for the Platform can be found on this page. This includes the current version of the data upload template for the Platform.
The free training module, NABERS Waste Basics provides an introduction to the NABERS Waste Rating methodology and online platform for customers and users. We recommend for users to upload their waste data on a regular basis to track, visualise and examine their ongoing waste performance.
Who can use the Waste Platform?
Anyone with a valid NABERS login and password can use the Waste Platform.
If you are new to the Platform, then we recommend you complete our free online training.
Why our data format?
NABERS worked with the commercial property sector to develop a national standard waste reporting format. These reports allow waste producers to become more consistent across the sector which makes it easier to benchmark waste performance improvements.
This format is becoming a national standard for the collection of commercial waste data. The format:
- meets the needs of the Better Buildings Partnerships Operational Waste Guidelines;
- can be used for Green Star points through the Green Building Council of Australia; and
- aligns with the waste industry’s move towards actual-weight-based reporting
By delivering waste data in this format, you will be offering your clients best practice reporting.
Using the online Waste Platform
The Waste Platform can be configured to enable an organisation’s cleaning or waste contractor to upload their nightly collection data on a regular basis, using the Waste Platform Data Template below.
An organisation can also assign a Platform Administrator to carry out this task themselves.
Alternately, they can find an assessor to manage the entire process on their behalf. There are numerous specialised waste consultants among our list of accredited assessors who can provide this assistance.
The organisation can view and use this data for ongoing management of their operational waste performance, and to generate a NABERS Waste Rating or Verification.
Training
NABERS offers a free online tutorial on how to use the platform, called NABERS Waste Basics. This training will give you:
- an overall understanding of how the Platform works;
- detail on how to upload data to the Platform;
- an understanding of how organisations will view and use the data; and
- the skills to troubleshoot data upload issues.
The tutorial is designed to be self-paced and modular, making it a handy resource for ongoing reference or sharing with others as needed.
You can access the tutorial by following this link or by navigating to the training page of this website and searching for “waste.”
Templates and other supporting documents
The following templates and documents can be downloaded below:
- The Building Setup Information form (required to ensure a smooth setup for your building)
- Waste Platform Data Format v4.0 with instructions and example
- Waste Platform Data Template v4.0 (a blank copy of the above for regular use)
- A form to create a contractor company on our database so they can access the platform
- A reference table for user types on the Waste Platform
- A list of waste types available on the platform, and the values NABERS uses for calculations
Helpful user guides
In addition to NABERS Waste Basics outlined above, we also offer several user guides for download:
- The NABERS Waste Rating Guide
- User Guide for Waste Contractors
- User guide on how to register a building on the platform, and add user accounts
- A guide to common errors relating to data uploads and how to fix them
- How to assign an Accredited Assessor to a Waste Rating (The Waste Rules also contain procedures for the rating)
- User guide explaining what the Material Recovery Score is, how it works and how it can affect your Waste Rating