NABERS UK explained: How it impacts office buildings and landlords
NABERS UK is becoming a key benchmark for measuring how office buildings perform in real-world conditions. Unlike design-based certifications, it reflects how a building actually operates day to day.
In this article, we will help you understand how the NABERS UK rating framework works for your building performance, compliance exposure, and help you find out your real property.
What is NABERS UK?
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) provides a clear, independent view of how buildings perform in practice. It assesses landlord-controlled energy consumption and translates it into a simple star rating, typically from 1 to 6 stars.
In the UK, it is widely used in offices, data centres, and other complex facilities, providing clear, verifiable insights into energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage.
NABERS UK rating levels
NABERS UK uses a simple star rating system from 1 to 6. The higher the rating, the better the building performs in terms of energy efficiency.
The certification uses a 6-star rating system:
- 6 Stars: Market-leading performance
- 5 Stars: Excellent performance
- 4 Stars: Good performance
- 3 Stars: Average performance
- 2 Stars or below: Below-average performance
NABERS UK is rapidly gaining traction in the UK office sector as a trusted framework, providing landlords and tenants with verified data to benchmark efficiency, manage risk, and support net zero strategies.
How does NABERS UK affect your office buildings and tenants?
NABERS UK affects both office buildings and their tenants by measuring performance on energy efficiency, carbon emissions and water use.
About the tenants are rated separately for electricity consumed within their leased space, including lighting and small power.
Higher NABERS UK ratings can strengthen a building’s appeal, particularly to tenants with clear sustainability targets and reporting obligations. Know more about the serviced – managed – leased office (1)? Check this article now.
How about your landlords and tenants?
For both landlords and tenants, NABERS UK can shape how an office building is perceived and how it performs in the market. Buildings with strong NABERS ratings are often viewed as more attractive assets, with potential for higher values and faster lease-up.
A high base-building rating signals efficient management, lower operating costs, and stronger rental resilience. In practice, NABERS UK helps connect operational performance with commercial and sustainability outcomes.
How to check NABERS ratings for buildings in the UK?
The ratings of NABERS UK are publicly available, so you can check them by:
- CIBSE Certification Online Register: You can search NABERS ratings with your building’s name, address, owner, or rating type.
- Ask the landlord, asset manager, or managing agent: Request the current certificate or rating report, often included in leasing packs or ESG disclosures.
- Check marketing and ESG materials: Some owners display ratings on websites, brochures, or reports, often on EPC or BREEAM information.
- Contact a NABERS UK Assessor or CIBSE Certification: They can confirm whether a building has been rated or direct you to an accredited assessor (subject to permissions).
These options can help landlords, tenants and industry stakeholders verify performance claims and compare buildings across the market to make a better choice.
The benefits of NABERS UK certifications
The NABERS certification not only rates your buildings, but also offers many practical benefits for office tenants, investors, and the community as a whole. Some benefits that NABERS UK brings are:
- Transparency and comparability: The 0-6 star rating system makes it easy for stakeholders to evaluate and compare buildings.
- Increased property value: Buildings that meet NABERS standards are typically valued higher, making them more attractive to international tenants.
- Support for operational management: Provides clear data to help investors and management units easily monitor and optimise performance.
- Meeting ESG standards: Aligns with sustainable development and social responsibility trends pursued by many global businesses.
There are still have more essential green building certifications for UK office spaces (2) for you to know. These standards ensure commercial buildings meet the required energy efficiency and overall environmental performance criteria. Becoming a premium office spaces for your properties.
Enhancing sustainability and energy performance with The Langham Estate
The Langham Estate offers a perfect commercial lease rent in Fitzrovia, positioned between Oxford Street, Marylebone, Soho, and Bloomsbury.
Moreover, you should understand the difference between short-term and long-term office leases (3) to protect your assets and your own interests.
Langham Estate recognises that modern tenants value flexibility, whether through pop-up leases, short-term agreements, or customisable office configurations. Our expert team has a clear process, and we will help you to find your space.
All these meet green building certifications and cater to the growing tenant demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly workplaces.
Our future-proof, ready-to-occupy offices are designed to help you:
- Reduce energy costs from day one with 100% renewable electricity
- Stay ahead of regulations with buildings aligned to our sustainability standards
- Meet ESG targets without the need for major retrofitting
If you are seeking a workplace that defines who you are, the estate remains one of the most reputable destinations to choose.
Contact us now for more information, and we’d be happy to help you find your space.
The Langham Estate offers a perfect commercial lease rent in Fitzrovia, positioned between Oxford Street, Marylebone, Soho, and Bloomsbury.
Moreover, you should understand the difference between short-term and long-term office leases (3) to protect your assets and your own interests.
Langham Estate recognises that modern tenants value flexibility, whether through pop-up leases, short-term agreements, or customisable office configurations. Our expert team has a clear process, and we will help you to find your space.
All these meet green building certifications and cater to the growing tenant demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly workplaces.
Our future-proof, ready-to-occupy offices are designed to help you:
- Reduce energy costs from day one with 100% renewable electricity
- Stay ahead of regulations with buildings aligned to our sustainability standards
- Meet ESG targets without the need for major retrofitting
If you are seeking a workplace that defines who you are, the estate remains one of the most reputable destinations to choose.
Contact us now for more information, and we’d be happy to help you find your space.
FAQs about NABERS UK
How long is the NABERS certificate valid?
A NABERS UK rating is valid for 12 months. It reflects the building’s actual operational performance over a specific period, so it must be renewed annually to remain current and credible.
What does the cost of the NABERS certification include?
The cost typically covers accredited assessor fees, data collection and verification, and the official rating certification. It may also include administrative fees from the scheme operator and any supporting analysis required to prepare accurate performance data.
Is NABERS UK mandatory for office buildings in London?
No, NABERS UK is not currently a legal requirement in London. However, it is increasingly expected by landlords, investors, and tenants, particularly for new developments and high-quality office space, as part of wider ESG and net-zero strategies.