The NABERS scheme will also help office owners to achieve their net zero targets, contributing to the UK’s wider decarbonisation drive.
Shamir Ghumra, head of building performance services at BRE, said: “Having a building that has a lower environmental impact and lower running costs, and being able to communicate that with confidence and simplicity, is going to stand building owners in good stead over the long-term – and the new NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme will help them facilitate this.
The NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme rates the performance of the ‘base’ building (including central services such as heating and cooling systems, lifts and lobby lighting) enabling building owners to clearly delineate the energy consumption under their control. This allows office buildings to be rated and compared based on landlord services.
The annual ratings can drive performance improvements and reductions in energy consumption and emissions, with the increased transparency enabling owners to demonstrate competitive advantage with existing and prospective investors and occupiers.
The scheme was imported from Australia.
The scheme will be governed by a steering committee comprised of NABERS, the Better Buildings Partnership, with BRE the UK administrator responsible for assessor training and building certification.
BRE recently approved its first cohort of NABERS UK energy for offices assessors, who have completed their training and exams, ready to perform Energy for Offices ratings on behalf of building owners.