Introduction to rating your building

When do I need to obtain a rating?

You need to obtain a rating for a building (or an area of a building) if it falls within the scope of the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program, and if no exemption has been granted from the requirement to obtain and disclose a rating. The factors that will determine whether a rating needs to be obtained will include:

• the type of entity that owns or leases the relevant office space
• the nature of the office space
• the nature of the proposed transaction relating to the office space (for example, proposed sales and leases)

The Legal responsibilities section contains information that can help you to identify whether and when you need to obtain, register and disclose a rating. However, that information does not take into account your particular circumstances, and you should obtain legal advice to ensure you meet your obligations under the program.

There are some exceptions and exemptions that may apply for buildings that would otherwise need a rating. Exceptions are automatic. Exemptions may be granted at the discretion of the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, and you will need to make an application supporting your claim for an exemption. See Exemptions for more information.

Why can’t new buildings be rated?

There is an automatic exception that applies under the CBD program for newly constructed buildings (where the certificate of occupancy was issued less than two years ago). This is because in order to obtain a performance-based National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy rating, a building needs to have twelve months continuous energy data.

However, new buildings can sign up to a NABERS Commitment Agreement and voluntarily disclose their targeted rating, modelled in accordance with the certain protocols. More information on NABERS Commitment Agreements can be found on the NABERS website. As soon as two years have passed since the certificate of occupancy has been issued, the exception from the program ends.

How can I find an accredited assessor?

You can search for an assessor on the Register of Accredited Assessors, which provides contact details for all assessors accredited for the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program (see Find an assessor).

If you are approached by anyone claiming to provide services and advice in relation to this program, we advise you to check their credentials on the register. A rating will not be able to be obtained using an assessment undertaken by a person who is not CBD accredited.

The cost of a rating can vary, depending on the size and complexity of the property. As with any professional service, we encourage you to obtain more than one quote to ensure you receive a competitive price for your rating assessment.

Please note: There is no obligation under the CBD program to undertake a full energy audit.

What do I need to get a rating?

Obtaining a building’s first NABERS Energy rating can take some time, so you are encouraged to plan ahead. It will save you time and money if you compile all of the materials your assessor needs beforehand.

Information on preparing for a NABERS Energy rating can be found on the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website.

How do I get a CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment?

A CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment can only be done by a CBD Accredited Assessor. The assessment must be performed in accordance with the CBD Tenancy Lighting Assessment for Offices Rules which are available on the publication section of this website.

The CBD Accredited Assessor will submit the assessment to the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency using the CBD Lighting Assessment Form which is available on the forms section of this website.

For information on how to become a CBD Accredited Assessor, go to Becoming an Assessor.

What do the star ratings mean?

The star rating communicated on a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate will be a NABERS Energy rating – either a base building rating or whole building rating.

• A base building rating covers the performance of the building’s central services and common areas, which are usually managed by the building owner.
• A whole building rating also covers the tenanted space. These ratings are only disclosed when there is inadequate metering to obtain a base building rating

NABERS Energy rates the energy efficiency of commercial buildings by comparing them against a set of benchmarks developed using actual building performance data.

NABERS rates building performance on a scale of 0 to 6 stars. A 6 star rating is awarded for market leading performance, and represents a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or water use from a 5 star rating. A 0-star rating means the building is performing well below average and has considerable scope for improvement.

Does the rating include GreenPower?

The NABERS Energy rating and greenhouse gas emissions reported on a BEEC will not take into account GreenPower purchases. This is because a decision to purchase GreenPower does not reflect the energy efficiency of a building. GreenPower purchases will, however, be acknowledged on the BEEC.

The NABERS Energy rating that must be disclosed in any advertisements and on the Building Energy Efficiency Register cannot take into account any GreenPower purchases. During the transition period for the CBD program, it is important that owners and lessors disclose the NABERS Energy rating exclusive of GreenPower.