Lift off for NABERS embodied carbon tool

The much-anticipated NABERS Embodied Carbon rating tool has been launched at the EEC Buildings Energy Performance Summit in Melbourne. The tool will enable eligible new buildings and partial rebuilds to measure, verify, and compare their upfront embodied carbon with similar buildings.

The launch is a major step forward in getting to grips with embodied carbon emissions, which occur when we extract, produce and transport construction materials and equipment, and when we construct, maintain, repair and renovate buildings. In Australia, embodied carbon from construction accounts for 10 per cent of our emissions, most of that upfront.

Until now, perhaps the biggest challenge has been measuring embodied carbon in a consistent way. Although different tools are available, industry has not landed on a standard. It is anticipated that the NABERS embodied carbon tool, underpinned by an already successful and trusted energy rating system, will provide such a standard.

Made to measure

Josh Wilson, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, announced the launch of the tool via a video at the recent Buildings Energy Performance Summit.

“I’m delighted to announce that the Australian government has supported the development of a new embodied carbon rating tool, to make it easier for buildings to become more sustainable,” he said.

“The new embodied carbon rating tool will enable new buildings and partial rebuilds to measure, verify and compare their upfront embodied carbon with similar buildings, helping to guide better design and better construction choices.”

As part of the launch, the NABERS Embodied Carbon rules have been published on the NABERS website. These outline the methodology and requirements for conducting a NABERS Embodied Carbon rating.

A new version of the rules will be released in early 2025 once benchmarking is complete. This updated version will include the list of building sectors eligible for a star rating.

Calling for assessors

NABERS is inviting people to register their interest in becoming accredited NABERS Embodied Carbon Assessors, and is offering an online and interactive course as a pathway to accreditation.

The course is designed for quantity surveyors, design and construction professionals, and professionals in the sustainability, building and construction industry. NABERS recommends that participants are familiar with building development processes, building products or life-cycle assessments.

To register your interest, click here.