How it works
Measure, compare and communicate your aged care facility's environmental performance with NABERS.
A NABERS rating helps aged care home managers and providers measure the sustainability of their facility. Use NABERS to see how your site compares to others and identify opportunities to save energy and water, recycle and reduce waste, and more!
When your aged care home is assessed, you'll receive a rating from 1 to 6 stars, with 3 stars being average and 6 being market leading. Your rating is based how your building's real performance compares to the industry benchmark.
The information on this page relates to residential aged care facilities. To learn more about NABERS for retirement villages, visit the Retirement Living page.
Benefits of a NABERS rating for residential aged care
Independent benchmark you can trust
NABERS is a trusted, government-backed sustainability initiative, providing independent and credible sustainability assessments since 1999. Our ratings are formulated based on your facility's actual operational performance, compared to the industry benchmark.
Reduce operating costs
The aged care sector is under immense pressure to deliver high-quality care while keeping operational costs low, especially but not exclusively for those in the not-forprofit sector. All operators can use a NABERS rating to help identify and prioritise areas for operational efficiencies and upgrades that can deliver significant cost savings.
Communicate your performance with ease
Use a NABERS rating to translate technical building performance into simple information that residents, families, investors and other key stakeholders can understand.
Attract and retain residents
A strong NABERS rating helps differentiate your aged care home and boost its reputation among sustainability-conscious residents and families.
Non-disruptive assessment
A NABERS rating assessment requires data collection and an Assessor site visit. Fortunately, the Assessor inspection involves checks to metering and servicing arrangements and does not interrupt site operations or residents.
Support every step of the way
Unsure where to start? Not to worry, you’ll be led through the rating process by a NABERS Accredited Assessor.
Ratings and tools for residential aged care
Case studies
Estia Health
“Caring for a rapidly ageing population and responding to climate change present two of the most significant challenges of our time. Sustainable innovations can help tackle both of these challenges at once. This is why we welcome the introduction of NABERS ratings for the residential aged care sector to address the environmental impact of our sites and to improve the comfort and quality of life for our elderly citizens.”
Rita Sheridan, Chief Development and Property Officer at Estia Health
Resources for residential aged care
Downloads
Learn more about NABERS for residential aged care.
Links
Explore the detailed method and criteria Assessors must follow when certifying the energy and water efficiency of a residential aged care facility.
Start your NABERS journey
Take the first step towards measuring your aged care home's sustainability performance.
Get in touch with our team
Learn more about how NABERS can support your sustainability goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
For any other questions about NABERS for residential aged care please contact us.
To learn more about pricing for residential aged care, visit Pricing and Offers.
For more information on eligibility, download the rules document for your desired rating type from the Publications page.
At this stage, ratings are available only to facilities located in Australia.
A NABERS rating considers factors unique to your residential aged care site to ensure a fair, like-for-like comparison. Some factors that we may consider, depending on the rating type, include:
- Occupied bed days
- Heavy laundry processed on site
- Meals cooked
- Heated pools
- Climate zone
For more information on assessment considerations, download the rules document for your desired rating type from the Publications page.
To find a NABERS Assessor for a residential aged care facility, visit the Find an Assessor tool.
As service levels vary, we recommend obtaining quotes from two or three NABERS Assessors.
To learn more about how NABERS Energy and Water ratings for aged care homes are calculated, visit the Residential Aged Care Rules page.
For Rules of other types of NABERS ratings, download the rules document for your desired rating type from the Publications page.
Validity periods vary by rating type, though most NABERS ratings are valid for 12 months. Refer to the page of your desired rating to learn more about its validity period.
The latest news for residential aged care
30 Jul 2026
NABERS launches Energy Flexibility in Commercial Buildings Feasibility Study
The study examines the opportunities, challenges and practical considerations involved in increasing energy flexibility in commercial buildings.
01 May 2026
Changes to NABERS Energy update for 2030
NABERS has announced a major update to the NABERS Energy rating, ensuring the scheme keeps pace with Australia’s rapidly changing energy landscape.
27 Oct 2024
NABERS launches free courses for Planning and Sustainability Professionals
NABERS launches new free training courses for Assessors and sustainability professionals.