NABERS UK: ‘Design for Performance’ framework launches for office buildings
New office developments and major refurbishments in the UK are now able to formally register under the new Design for Performance framework, which launched this month.
The framework aims to tackle the well-known ‘performance gap’ that exists between original design intent and how a building truly performs in-use. It requires project teams to target an operational energy rating during the project design and verify it once the building is occupied.
Design for Performance is part of the NABERS UK rating scheme, administered by BRE, in partnership with NABERS and the Better Buildings Partnership.
It is based on the Australian NABERS scheme, which has been running for over 20 years and has been highly successful in improving the energy performance of commercial buildings in Australia.
Office developments invited to register
Since the official launch of Design for Performance last November, project registration has only been open to a selection of leading commercial property developers who funded the development of the scheme, but as of this month, any project is now able to register.
By signing up, projects can promote their target rating to investors, occupiers and wider stakeholders, demonstrating the sustainability ambitions of the project and its alignment with net zero carbon targets.
Projects are then required to design the building to operate at the target rating, using advanced simulation to test the design against a range of expected operational conditions. The framework spans a number of years and remains in effect until the building has received its NABERS Energy Rating, after 12 months of operation.
For more information visit the BRE website.
If you’d like advice on how we can help you improve your buildings’ energy performance, get in touch.
