Introduction

In the realm of sustainable buildings and environmental consciousness, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has been a leading force in driving change. However, recent developments have indicated a shift in focus for the organization. BRE has announced the end of its license agreement for the NABERS UK energy performance rating tool. This move is part of BRE’s strategy to concentrate on its world-renowned BREEAM scheme, which takes a holistic approach to assessing a building’s environmental impact. As a result, NABERS UK is now seeking a new administrator to continue its mission of promoting energy efficiency in the built environment.

Understanding NABERS UK and its Impact

NABERS, originally developed in Australia in 1998, made its way to the UK in 2020. The aim was to address the need for greater transparency in the market by allowing for the measurement and verification of actual energy usage in office buildings. Unlike BREEAM, which considers various factors such as land use, materials, and health and wellbeing, NABERS focuses solely on energy performance. It provides a standardized rating system that enables building owners and office occupiers to assess and improve their energy efficiency.

The introduction of NABERS UK brought significant benefits to the commercial building sector. It empowered office tenants and building owners on their journey to reduce energy consumption. Jennifer Dudley, Senior Product Manager at BRE, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of NABERS UK, stating, “This is another great NABERS UK milestone that will support office tenants and building owners on their journey to reduce their energy consumption.”

BRE’s Decision and the Search for a New Administrator

After successfully working together to launch and operate NABERS UK since 2020, BRE and NABERS have decided to part ways. The termination of the license agreement allows BRE to focus all its energy on further enhancing the BREEAM scheme. This strategic decision aligns with BRE’s vision of creating the most successful iteration of BREEAM yet. While BRE will no longer be the administrator for NABERS UK, the organization remains committed to supporting the continued growth of NABERS UK with a new partner.

The search for a new NABERS UK administrator has begun. This process will ensure continuity and a smooth transition for NABERS UK stakeholders. Details of the expression-of-interest process for potential administrators will be announced in the coming weeks. This search presents an exciting opportunity for a new partner to step in and contribute to the growth of NABERS UK, furthering the shared goal of increasing the sustainability of the built environment.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The collaboration between BRE, NABERS AUS, and the Better Buildings Partnership has been instrumental in the success of NABERS UK. This collaborative effort has paved the way for advancements in energy performance assessment and verification. Although BRE and NABERS are parting ways, their collaborative relationship will continue beyond the transition. The organizations recognize the value in sharing knowledge and acknowledging the connections between NABERS ratings and the BREEAM credit system.

The recognition of NABERS within BREEAM signifies a shared commitment to promoting sustainability in the built environment. By integrating the strengths of both rating tools, the industry can achieve even greater progress in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The continuation of this collaboration will ensure a seamless transition for stakeholders and support the ongoing growth of NABERS UK under new administration.

The Impact on Office Tenants and Building Owners

The development of NABERS UK’s new version, NABERS 2.0, marks an important milestone in the scheme’s evolution. With the introduction of whole building and tenancy ratings, NABERS UK now offers a comprehensive assessment of energy performance. Building owners can undertake assessments to verify the energy performance of their entire buildings, while office occupiers can assess the energy usage of their tenanted spaces. This expansion of NABERS UK’s capabilities provides valuable insights for office tenants and building owners, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive energy efficiency improvements.

The availability of whole building and tenancy ratings under NABERS UK 2.0 demonstrates the commitment to providing transparency and encouraging energy-efficient practices. It empowers office tenants to understand and address their energy consumption and supports building owners in optimizing their energy performance. This comprehensive approach contributes to the overall sustainability of the built environment and aligns with the broader industry goal of reducing carbon emissions.

The Role of Better Buildings Partnership

The Better Buildings Partnership, a member of the NABERS UK Steering Committee, has played a crucial role in driving the success of NABERS UK. As an ambassador for NABERS UK, the organization recognizes the importance of bridging the performance gap and verifying energy performance in commercial buildings. The Design for Performance project, convened by the Better Buildings Partnership, has brought together industry bodies and major UK developers to address this issue. The launch of NABERS UK has already had a significant impact on the industry, and the organization looks forward to the appointment of a new administrator who can further capitalize on the opportunity to operate and scale up this market transformational scheme.

The Future of NABERS UK and BREEAM

As NABERS UK embarks on a new chapter with a new administrator, the future looks promising for the scheme. The search for a new partner presents an opportunity to build upon the achievements of NABERS UK and drive further advancements in energy performance rating. The new administrator will have the chance to shape the future direction of NABERS UK, ensuring its continued growth and impact in the commercial building sector.

BRE’s focus on enhancing the BREEAM scheme reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence. The organization aims to make the next iteration of BREEAM the most successful yet, leveraging the knowledge and experience gained through its collaboration with NABERS. Recognizing NABERS within BREEAM underscores the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. It highlights the interconnectedness of various rating systems and the collective effort required to achieve a greener future.

Conclusion

The decision by the Building Research Establishment to end its license agreement with NABERS UK marks a significant turning point in the energy performance rating landscape. The focus on the BREEAM scheme reflects BRE’s dedication to advancing sustainability in the built environment. As NABERS UK seeks a new administrator, the industry eagerly awaits the next phase of its evolution.

The collaboration between BRE, NABERS AUS, and the Better Buildings Partnership has laid the foundation for advancements in energy performance assessment and verification. The transition to a new administrator presents an exciting opportunity for a fresh perspective and innovative approaches to drive energy efficiency improvements. The integration of NABERS within BREEAM further solidifies the industry’s commitment to sustainability and sets the stage for a greener, more sustainable future.

As the built environment continues to evolve, NABERS UK and BREEAM will play pivotal roles in shaping its sustainability. With a renewed focus and strategic partnerships, these rating tools will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, optimize energy performance, and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Nabers UK: A New Chapter in Energy Performance Rating

Introduction

In the realm of sustainable buildings and environmental consciousness, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has been a leading force in driving change. However, recent developments have indicated a shift in focus for the organization. BRE has announced the end of its license agreement for the NABERS UK energy performance rating tool. This move is part of BRE’s strategy to concentrate on its world-renowned BREEAM scheme, which takes a holistic approach to assessing a building’s environmental impact. As a result, NABERS UK is now seeking a new administrator to continue its mission of promoting energy efficiency in the built environment.

Understanding NABERS UK and its Impact

NABERS, originally developed in Australia in 1998, made its way to the UK in 2020. The aim was to address the need for greater transparency in the market by allowing for the measurement and verification of actual energy usage in office buildings. Unlike BREEAM, which considers various factors such as land use, materials, and health and wellbeing, NABERS focuses solely on energy performance. It provides a standardized rating system that enables building owners and office occupiers to assess and improve their energy efficiency.

The introduction of NABERS UK brought significant benefits to the commercial building sector. It empowered office tenants and building owners on their journey to reduce energy consumption. Jennifer Dudley, Senior Product Manager at BRE, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of NABERS UK, stating, “This is another great NABERS UK milestone that will support office tenants and building owners on their journey to reduce their energy consumption.”

BRE’s Decision and the Search for a New Administrator

After successfully working together to launch and operate NABERS UK since 2020, BRE and NABERS have decided to part ways. The termination of the license agreement allows BRE to focus all its energy on further enhancing the BREEAM scheme. This strategic decision aligns with BRE’s vision of creating the most successful iteration of BREEAM yet. While BRE will no longer be the administrator for NABERS UK, the organization remains committed to supporting the continued growth of NABERS UK with a new partner.

The search for a new NABERS UK administrator has begun. This process will ensure continuity and a smooth transition for NABERS UK stakeholders. Details of the expression-of-interest process for potential administrators will be announced in the coming weeks. This search presents an exciting opportunity for a new partner to step in and contribute to the growth of NABERS UK, furthering the shared goal of increasing the sustainability of the built environment.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The collaboration between BRE, NABERS AUS, and the Better Buildings Partnership has been instrumental in the success of NABERS UK. This collaborative effort has paved the way for advancements in energy performance assessment and verification. Although BRE and NABERS are parting ways, their collaborative relationship will continue beyond the transition. The organizations recognize the value in sharing knowledge and acknowledging the connections between NABERS ratings and the BREEAM credit system.

The recognition of NABERS within BREEAM signifies a shared commitment to promoting sustainability in the built environment. By integrating the strengths of both rating tools, the industry can achieve even greater progress in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The continuation of this collaboration will ensure a seamless transition for stakeholders and support the ongoing growth of NABERS UK under new administration.

The Impact on Office Tenants and Building Owners

The development of NABERS UK’s new version, NABERS 2.0, marks an important milestone in the scheme’s evolution. With the introduction of whole building and tenancy ratings, NABERS UK now offers a comprehensive assessment of energy performance. Building owners can undertake assessments to verify the energy performance of their entire buildings, while office occupiers can assess the energy usage of their tenanted spaces. This expansion of NABERS UK’s capabilities provides valuable insights for office tenants and building owners, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive energy efficiency improvements.

The availability of whole building and tenancy ratings under NABERS UK 2.0 demonstrates the commitment to providing transparency and encouraging energy-efficient practices. It empowers office tenants to understand and address their energy consumption and supports building owners in optimizing their energy performance. This comprehensive approach contributes to the overall sustainability of the built environment and aligns with the broader industry goal of reducing carbon emissions.

The Role of Better Buildings Partnership

The Better Buildings Partnership, a member of the NABERS UK Steering Committee, has played a crucial role in driving the success of NABERS UK. As an ambassador for NABERS UK, the organization recognizes the importance of bridging the performance gap and verifying energy performance in commercial buildings. The Design for Performance project, convened by the Better Buildings Partnership, has brought together industry bodies and major UK developers to address this issue. The launch of NABERS UK has already had a significant impact on the industry, and the organization looks forward to the appointment of a new administrator who can further capitalize on the opportunity to operate and scale up this market transformational scheme.

The Future of NABERS UK and BREEAM

As NABERS UK embarks on a new chapter with a new administrator, the future looks promising for the scheme. The search for a new partner presents an opportunity to build upon the achievements of NABERS UK and drive further advancements in energy performance rating. The new administrator will have the chance to shape the future direction of NABERS UK, ensuring its continued growth and impact in the commercial building sector.

BRE’s focus on enhancing the BREEAM scheme reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence. The organization aims to make the next iteration of BREEAM the most successful yet, leveraging the knowledge and experience gained through its collaboration with NABERS. Recognizing NABERS within BREEAM underscores the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. It highlights the interconnectedness of various rating systems and the collective effort required to achieve a greener future.

Conclusion

The decision by the Building Research Establishment to end its license agreement with NABERS UK marks a significant turning point in the energy performance rating landscape. The focus on the BREEAM scheme reflects BRE’s dedication to advancing sustainability in the built environment. As NABERS UK seeks a new administrator, the industry eagerly awaits the next phase of its evolution.

The collaboration between BRE, NABERS AUS, and the Better Buildings Partnership has laid the foundation for advancements in energy performance assessment and verification. The transition to a new administrator presents an exciting opportunity for a fresh perspective and innovative approaches to drive energy efficiency improvements. The integration of NABERS within BREEAM further solidifies the industry’s commitment to sustainability and sets the stage for a greener, more sustainable future.

As the built environment continues to evolve, NABERS UK and BREEAM will play pivotal roles in shaping its sustainability. With a renewed focus and strategic partnerships, these rating tools will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, optimize energy performance, and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.