Data Centres

NABERS can provide ratings for most types of data centres, including facilities located within other buildings. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the rating type, ownership structure and metering arrangements. For detailed eligibility requirements, refer to the Rules document for your chosen rating type. 

As ratings are based on a performance comparison against a benchmark of Australian peers, NABERS ratings are only available for eligible data centres located within Australia.

Internal performance metrics are useful for monitoring and managing the operation of your data centre. However, they don't provide an independent benchmark of how your facility performs relative to comparable data centres. 

A NABERS rating uses independently verified operational data and a consistent methodology to benchmark performance against peer facilities. This allows organisations to track progress over time, communicate results to stakeholders and demonstrate performance using a nationally recognised rating system.

A NABERS Energy rating benchmarks operational performance of a data centre against comparable data centres and awards an easy-to-understand star rating. NABERS ratings are based on 12 months of operational data, account for operational factors that influence performance and are independently verified by accredited NABERS Assessors. 

Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is a technical metric that measures how much energy a data centre’s infrastructure services consume relative to the IT equipment they support. It is commonly used to assess infrastructure efficiency but does not indicate how a facility performs relative to other data centres. 

Simply put, a PUE measures the efficiency of a data centre’s infrastructure, while a NABERS Energy rating benchmarks the overall performance against comparable facilities.

A NABERS Energy for Data Centres rating is calculated by comparing the energy consumed by a data centre with the services it provides. 

For the infrastructure scope, this involves assessing the energy associated with systems such as cooling, UPS, switchgear and power distribution against the IT equipment they support. 

This energy use is converted into carbon emissions using current Australian National Greenhouse Gas factors and the results are then benchmarked against comparable data centres to determine a NABERS star rating, where 3 stars is average and 6 stars is market leading. 

For a more detailed explanation of how a NABERS Energy rating for Data Centres is calculated, refer to the Rules.

NABERS ratings consider factors that are unique to data centres to ensure fair and consistent comparison. Depending on the rating type and scope, this may include:

• Location
• Heat rejection percentage
• Energy for IT equipment
• Lighting
• Air conditioning, ventilation and process cooling
• In-rack fans
• Energy for power conditioning, distribution and back up
• Fuel for back-up generators

For detailed information on the factors considered for each rating type, refer to the Rules document on the Publications page.

The information required will vary depending on the rating type, scope and characteristics of your data centre. Most ratings require at least 12 months of historical performance data, along with supporting information about your facility and its operations. 

A NABERS Assessor can help identify the information required for your specific rating and guide you through the assessment process. For detailed requirements, refer to the Rules document for your chosen rating type.

To find a NABERS Assessor to help you get your data centre rated, use the Find an Assessor tool. 

As service levels vary, we recommend obtaining quotes from two or three NABERS Assessors.

Validity periods vary by rating type. Refer to the page of your desired rating to determine its validity period.

Data required to complete a rating is only shared with your Assessor and NABERS. NABERS stores your data in compliance with NSW Government data management policies. 

All data centre ratings are voluntary. It is the choice of the customer whether their rating will be publicly listed on the Find a current rating register. 

For customers who choose to have their rating listed, only certified rating results are displayed. The underlying data used to calculate those results is not made public.