NABERS welcomes the release of the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Program Expansion Roadmap and is committed to supporting the built environment sector as it prepares for the expansion of mandatory disclosure of energy performance across more commercial building types.
As one of the longest running sustainability programs in Australia, NABERS has provided trusted, evidence-based ratings that help building owners and tenants understand and improve their assets’ environmental performance. Mandatory disclosure for large office buildings has been in place since 2011, setting a global benchmark for transparency and accountability in the built environment.
The results speak for themselves:
- 44% reduction in the average energy intensity of rated office buildings since 2011.
- 5.48 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved based on NABERS Energy ratings for offices.
- $2.23 billion saved on energy bills by NABERS users.
Speaking about the roadmap’s significance, Magali Wardle, NABERS Director, said:
“We’ve seen how regular NABERS ratings and transparency have transformed the office sector into a global leader in energy efficiency. Expanding disclosure to more building types will create new opportunities for emissions reduction and cost savings. As the program expands, we will work closely with industry and government to ensure the transition is practical, well-supported and delivers benefits for all stakeholders.”
For more than two decades, NABERS has demonstrated that simple, reliable tools can deliver real-world outcomes. Today, NABERS ratings cover the majority of Australia’s office market and are increasingly being adopted across other sectors. This success shows the power of transparency to drive investment, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The benefits of regular ratings go beyond compliance. They help owners and tenants identify opportunities for improvement, attract sustainable finance, and respond to growing demand for low-emissions buildings. They also support Australia’s broader climate goals, including the national target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Magali Wardle added: “This is a pivotal moment for the built environment. The roadmap gives industry certainty and a clear direction for the future. Together, we can build on the success of the past 25 years and ensure that every building plays its part in creating a low-emissions, high-performance future for Australia.”
Throughout the next decade, NABERS will continue focusing on innovation and digital transformation. Enhanced data platforms, streamlined rating processes, and integration with emerging technologies will ensure that NABERS remains a trusted partner for businesses navigating a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. These advancements will help organisations not only meet regulatory obligations but also leverage data-driven insights for long-term value creation.
NABERS will also continue to evolve by expanding to more building types, providing additional guidance for owners and operators, and delivering training programs to build industry capability. This will provide businesses with the trusted, comparable data they need to make informed decisions, reduce operating costs, and meet their own net zero commitments.