NABERS Indoor Environment For Offices Data Collection Guidance Document

NABERS Indoor Environment for offices
Data Collection Guidance Document
Table of Contents
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................. 2
2 Requirements for Completing an Assessment............................................................................ 4
2.1 Data required.................................................................................................................... 5
3 Planning the Assessment ........................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Occupant Satisfaction Survey........................................................................................... 9
3.2 Quantitative Measurements.............................................................................................. 9
3.3 Sampling Locations ........................................................................................................ 12
4 Rated Area ............................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Data required.................................................................................................................. 17
5 Thermal Comfort....................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Data required, definitions, and interpretations ................................................................ 18
5.2 Mechanical and Mixed Mode Buildings........................................................................... 21
5.3 Naturally Ventilated buildings ......................................................................................... 23
5.4 Measurement Outputs – Thermal Comfort ..................................................................... 26
6 Air Quality ................................................................................................................................. 28
6.1 Data required and definitions.......................................................................................... 28
6.2 Process .......................................................................................................................... 30
7 Acoustic Comfort ...................................................................................................................... 31
7.2 Process .......................................................................................................................... 32
8 Lighting ..................................................................................................................................... 33
8.2 Process .......................................................................................................................... 34
9 Office Layout ............................................................................................................................ 35
10 Occupant Satisfaction Survey ............................................................................................... 36
11 Measurement Equipment Specifications and Use................................................................. 38
Appendix 1: Summary of Data Collection ....................................................................................... 49
© NABERS 2010
1 Introduction
The following is a list of changes incorporated into this document over the previous version.
Section Description Version
All Time periods for measurements expanded to 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm 3.0
through to 5pm.
document
‘Tenant noise must be excluded from the measurement’ added to Base 3.0
7.1
Building’s acoustic comfort data required table.
7.1 ‘Tenancy and Whole Building Ambient Sound’ section added. 3.0
7.1 ‘Base Building Ambient Sound’ section added. 3.0
10.1 Further detail on Occupant Satisfaction Survey process added. 3.0
App. 1 Appendix 1 (summary of data collection) added 3.0
Thermal comfort parameter measured by occupant satisfaction survey 3.1
1
removed from Tenancy ratings.
2.1 Measurement of thermal comfort for Tenancy rating not applicable. 3.1
3 Updated requirements for planning an assessment. 3.1
3.2 Updated approach to conducting the measurements and associated Table. 3.1
Revised detail for specific sampling locations. Clarified exceptions 3.1
3.3
applicable to biological and chemical air sampling and lighting.
Thermal comfort parameter measured by occupant satisfaction survey 3.1
5.1 removed from Tenancy ratings. Included consideration of different lease
specified conditions for floors under assessment.
Updated process for collecting temperature data. Relative humidity to be 3.1
5.2
once only measurement data.
5.3 Updated process for collecting temperature data. 3.1
Revised data required and definitions and included a requirement that 3.1
where high readings of indoor pollutants are recorded, further testing is
6.1
required to confirm the result and building management must be notified of
the results.
6.2 Updated process for collecting air quality data. 3.1
7.1 New requirement for sound measurements for Base Building ratings. 3.1
7.2 Updated process for collecting sound measurements. 3.1
8.1 Median lighting levels used instead of maximum and minimum light levels. 3.1
8.2 Updated process for collecting lighting readings. 3.1
9.1 Clarification of role of sub-contractor 3.1
10.1 New requirements for conducting occupant satisfaction survey. 3.1
Issue date: August 2010 Page 2 of 53 Version 3.2

© NABERS 2010
Clarified requirements for NATA accredited external laboratory. Revised 3.1

11 measurement protocol for each indoor environment parameter listed.
Replaced minimum and maximum values with median values.
Updated all fields in table related to other requirements, sampling location 3.1
App 1
and data collection.
Included the weightings for the individual categories (air quality, thermal 3.2
2.2 comfort, acoustic comfort, lighting and office layout) based on their
importance to occupant health and comfort for each rating type.
Additional methods included to calculate the area covered by the rating 3.2
3.3
used to calculate the number of floors and samples per floor.
Revised wording regarding the detection limit for VOCs and Formaldehyde 3.2
11 to make it clearer for analytical laboratories undertaking the detection and
clarification that NABERS Indoor Environment tool is not an OH&S tool.
This Guidance Document has been developed to assist those parties who are performing
measurements for the purpose of providing data required for an accredited NABERS Indoor
Environment rating – referred to as sub-contractors within this document. In addition, this document
can be used to assist in sourcing more accurate data for self-assessments.
NABERS Indoor Environment is a voluntary initiative for office tenants and buildings around
Australia, providing an easy to understand benchmark of their operational indoor environment
practices and associated impacts on building occupants. A NABERS Indoor Environment accredited
rating can be applied to three distinct and different situations:
Covers the indoor environment of offices within a space occupied by a

single tenant and under the control of that tenant. This includes air
quality, acoustic comfort, lighting, and the office layout. If thermal
Tenancy
comfort is maintained solely through packaged air-conditioning
systems belonging to and controlled by the tenant then the whole
building tool may be more appropriate.
Covers the indoor environment of all office spaces within a building
and measures parameters that are under the control of the landlord or
Base building base building. This includes thermal comfort, air quality, and acoustic
comfort. This scheme considers mechanical ventilation and naturally
ventilated buildings differently. There is no occupant survey.
Essentially a combination of the above. Covers the indoor
environment of all office spaces within a building where the tenant is
Whole Building the owner and/or has control of all services. This includes thermal
comfort, air quality, acoustic comfort, lighting, office layout, and an
occupant satisfaction survey.
This document only provides guidance for sub-contractors appointed by Accredited Assessors to
collect the required data (thermal comfort, air quality, acoustic comfort and lighting) that contributes
to the tenant/building rating. This information alone is not enough to complete an accredited rating.
A valid accredited rating must have been performed to promote the environmental performance of
© NABERS 2010
the tenancy and/or building to clients, staff, tenants and stakeholders using the NABERS Indoor
Environment logo. Only an Accredited Assessor of the NABERS scheme is able do this. An
accredited rating involves applying a strict Validation Protocol to collected indoor environment data,
to ensure that offices around the country are rated consistently and fairly. The Validation Protocol
represents the intellectual property of the scheme and is not publicly available document.
The aim of this Guidance Document is to facilitate the collection of the indoor environment data in a
consistent manner to the requirements of the Validation Protocol.
This document is intended to cover the majority of office buildings. However, in the event that a
particular premises or situation is not covered by the rules contained herein, the sub-contractor is
required to contact the Accredited Assessor to request clarification.
2 Requirements for Completing an Assessment

NABERS Indoor Environment is intended as a comparative tool between office buildings and where
possible will exclude areas, services, functions and Indoor Environment parameters that are
associated with ‘non-office’ activities. Therefore NABERS Indoor Environment does not include the
areas and the associated Indoor Environment parameters of spaces such as:
• Retail spaces,
• Areas for use by the general public,
• Public car parks, and
• Major equipment primarily serving non-building occupants or non-office uses (e.g.
telephone exchanges or computer suites serving external networks, laboratory equipment,
specialist communications equipment etc).
These spaces are dealt with by exclusion of floor area as detailed later in this Guidance Document.
In addition to this, locations for data collection should be limited to typical office spaces rather than
in ancillary services provided exclusively for the tenants such as child minding areas, kitchens,
printing rooms, gymnasiums, and meeting/conference rooms. Data collection is not to be done in
these ancillary spaces even if they are provided exclusively for the tenants and the spaces are to be
included in the area calculations. This is to provide a fair comparison between buildings and of the
environment in typical office spaces.

© NABERS 2010
2.1 Data required

This table is a summary only and is to be used as a guide. More detailed information is available in
the appropriate Sections.
Data Tenancy Rating Base Building Whole Building
Rating Rating
Floor Area Rated area of office Rated area of office Rated area of office
space space space
Number of Floors Number of rated Number of rated Number of rated

floors floors floors
Thermal Comfort: Not Applicable

• Space Yes Yes
Temperature
• Relative Mechanical/Mixed Mechanical/Mixed
Humidity mode systems only mode systems only
• Outdoor Naturally ventilated Naturally ventilated
temperature systems only systems only
• Air Speed Yes Yes
Air Quality:
• Carbon Dioxide Yes Yes Yes
• Indoor Pollutants Indoor pollutants as Indoor pollutants as Indoor pollutants as
particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide,
formaldehyde, total particulate matter, particulate matter,
volatile organic and microbials. formaldehyde, total
compounds, and volatile organic
microbials. compounds, and
microbials.
Lighting Yes Not Applicable Yes
Acoustic Comfort Yes Yes Yes
Occupant Yes Not Applicable Yes
Satisfaction Survey
Postcode Yes Yes Yes

© NABERS 2010
The NABERS Indoor Environment Performance Rating has its foundation around a site visit in order
to conduct quantitative measurements of indoor environment parameters. The stages to completing
the Accredited Assessment are:
- Plan and organise the assessment;
Inform client of requirements,
Gather preliminary data where available,
Arrange a suitable time for the works,
- Undertake the occupant satisfaction survey in the case of the Tenancy and Whole
Building ratings,
- Undertake a site visit to conduct quantitative measurements,
- Collate data and obtain laboratory results if required,
- Enter relevant data into the assessment spreadsheet, and
- Determine the final star rating from the web tool.
It is important that the Accredited Assessor and their appointed sub-contractor understand who is
responsible for each of the above stages prior to commencing the rating and any associated
measurement & data collection. While the sub-contractor can only collect the indoor environment
data (i.e. quantitative measures), they should be involved in the initial stages of planning and
organising the assessment, and the site visit to assess suitable locations and approaches to
conducting the audit.
For compliance purposes, it is always necessary to use 100% accurate information. Estimates
(mathematical or otherwise) are not allowed for in the collection of indoor environment data.
To assess the indoor environment quality, the NABERS Indoor Environment tool weights the
individual categories (air quality, thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, lighting and office layout) based
on their importance to occupant health and comfort (see below).
Indoor Environment Weighting based on importance to occupant health and comfort

Category
Base Building Whole Building Tenancy
Thermal Comfort 40% 30% Not applicable
Air Quality 40% 30% 40%
Acoustic Comfort 20% 20% 30%
Lighting Quality Not applicable 10% 15%
Office Layout Not applicable 10% 15%
NABERS Indoor Environment awards star ratings based on the building’s ability to deliver an
appropriate indoor environment for occupants of the building. For tenancy and whole building ratings
this also includes how the occupant’s activities impact the indoor environment with input also
obtained through an occupant satisfaction survey. The rating is provided in order to be able to
compare buildings in as fair and consistent a manner as possible during their normal operation and
is not intended to target the worst operating conditions either during the day or the year. A higher
number of stars indicates better performance. The rating is a comparative tool and not an absolute
measure.

© NABERS 2010
The number of stars is determined from the total points attained through either measured or
surveyed results. Greater points are achieved when more optimal conditions of indoor environment
exist to improve the comfort of the occupants rather than to just meet statutory obligations. This
reflects the rated premise’s potential to improve the working environment of the occupants.

© NABERS 2010
3 Planning the Assessment

Good planning is essential to achieve a cost effective, accurate and consistent Accredited
Assessment. The Accredited Assessors and their sub-contractors must liaise with the Client to
obtain details about the base building and tenanted office areas, organise the assessment date, and
coordinate access to relevant base building and tenanted office areas. This process can occur via
telephone, fax or email. A site visit should not be necessary at this organisational stage. Essential
aspects to consider in the planning and organisation stage are:
- Communication with the Client of the requirements of the assessment. In particular
all relevant stakeholders (e.g. building owner/manager, building maintenance staff,
tenants) should be informed that an assessment is being planned so that access at
the time of the site measurements to relevant base building and tenanted spaces and
information will be available. The Client should be made responsible for informing
and negotiating with the relevant stakeholders to confirm and approve access on an
agreed date.
- The Accredited Assessor must gather the following information about the base
building and tenanted office areas to become familiar with the respective areas and
allow for planning of the measurement strategy:
Building information should include details of the rated area of the building,
number of rated floors and area of rated floors to determine the sampling
locations. Also the number, location, and type of ventilation system (e.g.
mechanical, mixed mode or natural) and how each system distributes air to
the tenanted spaces.
Plans of tenanted office space to show the arrangement of open plan office
area as well as private rooms.
Make arrangements to ensure that the tenanted areas will be at least two
thirds occupied at the time of the assessment.
- The site assessment is to be done at typical operating times; i.e. Monday to Friday
(not Public Holidays, school holidays or other times where low occupancy of tenanted
floors may arise) and typically between 9am to 5pm. All rating types will involve
measurements located within tenanted office spaces and some base building areas.
- The building is to be operated normally for the days of the site assessment. Records
are needed to confirm that operating times and conditions are normal for that time of
year.
- The Client is to confirm that there will be no unusual circumstances occurring in the
base building or tenant space on and around the agreed assessment date that may
adversely affect the assessment. For example; maintenance on the HVAC systems,
new painting or new furnishings installed, and occupancy levels should be typical (not
Public Holidays, school holidays or other times where low occupancy of tenanted
floors may arise).

© NABERS 2010
Other unusual events may also have to be considered such as high outdoor
particulate due to haze from bushfires or nearby construction, or high outdoor relative
humidity due to rain. These events can influence unduly the indoor environment
measures leading to a lower rating than would be achieved at a more typical
occasion.
3.1 Occupant Satisfaction Survey

A survey of occupant satisfaction of the indoor environment is part of the Tenancy and Whole
Building NABERS Indoor Environment performance rating. The survey elicits the level of satisfaction
with various aspects of the indoor environment that can not be fully assessed through quantitative
measurements and is used to correlate with the objective measurements. The occupant satisfaction
survey has been benchmarked to best practice and so can provide reliable evaluation of some
aspects of the indoor environment.
The occupant satisfaction survey must be done prior to the site visit that conducts the measurement
component of the NABERS Indoor Environment assessment. The occupant satisfaction survey is
made available to specified occupants for up to two weeks and the closing date and receipt of all
required responses must be before the site visit is undertaken.
The Accredited Assessor and Client agree upon the start date and end date for the survey. Two
weeks is usually a good time limit to allow time for staff to fit it into their schedules but not to make it
so long that they forget. It is good practice to have the Client provide some advance notice of the
survey to the relevant occupants through email and staff meetings. This allows any concerns from
the occupants to be addressed and thus allow a greater participation rate.
Preferably the occupant satisfaction survey is distributed to the specified occupants by email by the
client or line managers of the recipients. Occupants will be able to complete the survey online at
their convenience for the period of time the survey is open.
It is not envisioned that a sub-contractor will be involved in this part of the process.
3.2 Quantitative Measurements

The Accredited Assessor is responsible for the overall coordination of the NABERS Indoor
Environment Performance Rating. This rating tool requires a relatively high level of technical skill.
The Accredited Assessor should have a background in building and indoor environment
surveys/assessments/inspections. However if the Accredited Assessor does not have the requisite
skills and experience, then a sub contractor may be used for some or all of the site assessment.
Likewise the sub-contractor should be a professional organisation with a background in science,
technical or OH&S discipline and have at least three years active experience in indoor environment
assessment/measurement. Nevertheless, the Accredited Assessor is the responsible party who
completes and finalises the rating assessment.

© NABERS 2010
Where an occupant satisfaction survey is required as part of the Indoor Environment rating then the
quantitative on site measurements are to be conducted after completion of the valid occupant
satisfaction survey. The on site measurements must be fully completed in line with this
Validation Protocol within four weeks after the completion of the valid occupant satisfaction
survey. The office layout and conditions must remain the same between completing a valid
occupant satisfaction survey and commencing the on site measurements.
The approach to the measurements for the indoor environment assessment should entail:
- A preliminary walk through of the base building and relevant tenanted office spaces
to confirm access and verify that the measurement strategy developed from building
and/or office plans is still valid, marking up the plans to show the final locations.
Confirm that no unusual circumstances exist that may prejudice positively or
negatively the quantitative measurements.
- Set up chemical air sampling in the time frame 9:30am to 5pm. Do this first as
chemical air sampling will be done over a longer time period.
- Undertake real time measurements with measurements conducted at both of two
time periods of between 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm.
- Conduct biological air sampling in the time frame 9:30am to 5pm.
- Finalise all data and information collection.
The site visit for the Accredited Assessment has been designed such that the activities can be
accommodated within the typical occupancy hours; e.g. 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (not Public
Holidays, school holidays or other times where low occupancy of tenanted floors may arise).
Buildings that operate for extended hours will still be measured during these same time periods in
order to maintain a fair comparison to other buildings. The requisites for collecting data and
information during the site visit are summarised in the table on the following page.
Note that in most cases all site measurements should be able to be taken within one day but it is
acknowledged that this may not be possible for larger buildings or if there are problems on site on
the day of the visit. It is allowed to use more than one day for the collection of data but the time
between visits is not to be more than five (5) working days without approval from the National
Administrator.

© NABERS 2010
Indoor Environment Rating Types Temporal Conditions Location

Parameter
Space Temperature Both of two specified
Base building and time periods of
Air Speed In tenanted office
between 9:30am to spaces.
whole building.
Relative Humidity 12:30pm and 2pm to
Outdoor 5pm.
Temperature Plant rooms.
Carbon Dioxide Base building, Both of two specified In tenanted office
tenancy and time periods of spaces and plant
whole building. between 9:30am to rooms.
12:30pm and 2pm to
5pm.
Carbon Monoxide Base building and Both of two specified Plant rooms only.
whole building. time periods of
between 9:30am to
12:30pm and 2pm to
5pm.
Particulate Matter Base building, Both of two specified In tenanted office
tenancy and time periods of spaces.
whole building. between 9:30am to
12:30pm and 2pm to
5pm.
Airborne Microbials Base building, Within the period In tenanted office
tenancy and 9:30am to 5pm. spaces and plant
whole building. rooms.
Formaldehyde Tenancy and Within the period In tenanted office
whole building. 9:30am to 5pm. spaces.
Total Volatile Tenancy and Within the period In tenanted office
Organic Compounds whole building. 9:30am to 5pm. spaces.
Illuminance Tenancy and Both of two specified In tenanted office
whole building. time periods of spaces.
between 9:30am to
12:30pm and 2pm to
5pm.
Sound Level Tenancy and Both of two specified In tenanted office
whole building. time periods of spaces.
between 9:30am to For base building
12:30pm and 2pm to measurement the
5pm.
tenant noise is to be
Base Building Once only during day isolated.

© NABERS 2010
3.3 Sampling Locations

This section defines the minimum number of samples required for an accredited rating. It is always
possible and recommended to use more sampling locations at a greater frequency if this is available
or necessary to gain an indicative reading. However, in order to limit the possibilities and to
maintain consistency there have been rules set for minimum requirements.
It is not acceptable to obtain more data than the minimum and then filter the excess data to
determine the best or worst results. The Accredited Assessor must always use whatever is
available as long as it meets these minimum standards and complies with the relevant sections of
the Validation Protocol. The sub-contractor must provide the Accredited Assessor with appropriate
data, as described in this Guidance Document. If more data is available then the excess data must
firstly comply with this Guidance Document in terms of both the location of the samples and
methodology for gaining the information. It is strictly forbidden for the assessor or their nominated
sub-contractor to take a reading and then take another one based on the results from the first,
unless specifically advised in this Validation Protocol (e.g. an unforeseen loud noise during a sound
reading).
For all rating types the number of sampling locations on each floor and the number of floors to be
sampled is defined by the size and configuration of the space to be rated. The frequency and
method of sampling is detailed in the Guidance Document section relevant to that particular
measure.
The Accredited Assessor in organising the assessment must get building plans to understand the
layout of the floors in order to determine the final locations. This will need to be confirmed by a site
inspection and the plans marked with the locations of each sampling point for auditing and record
keeping purposes. The tenanted office floors and final locations to be assessed will be selected by
the Accredited Assessor and/or the sub-contactor and not the Client.
Calculating the area covered by the rating

With the Base Building and Whole Building ratings the rated area and rated floors refer to the
building. With the Tenancy rating the rated area and rated floors refer to those associated with that
tenancy only.
When a NABERS Indoor Environment rating is performed in conjunction with an NABERS Energy
rating (Base Building, Tenancy, or Whole Building ratings) for the same site and for the same rating
period, use the rated area figure calculated for the NABERS Indoor Environment assessment.
When a NABERS Indoor Environment rating is performed on its own and no current information on
the rated area is available, for example from a current NABERS Energy rating, use the following
approaches to calculate the area covered by the rating.
For Base Building or Whole Building ratings, you can use the following to calculate the office area
covered by the NABERS Indoor Environment rating:
• NLA for the building specified within an official report, such as a company’s annual report;
• Gross Floor Area (GFA); or
• Tenancy stack diagrams

© NABERS 2010
For Tenancy ratings, you can use the following to calculate the office area covered by the NABERS
Indoor Environment rating:
• General information from the tenant’s lease about the NLA of the space, which may not
meet the PCA standard; or
• measurement of the tenancy office area – compliance to the PCA standard is not required
Calculating the number of samples per floor

The minimum number of samples per floor is to be determined based on the ratio of the area
covered by the rating divided by the number of occupied floors. The number of occupied floors
should exclude ground floor lobbies and floors dedicated to plant rooms and may not equal the
number of floors in the building. If a floor has part plant and part occupied space then it is to be
considered a full floor. The following table is to be used to determine the minimum number of
sampling points for each floor to be assessed.
Area covered by the Sampling points per occupied floor
rating/Occupied floor
<= 500 2
<= 900 3
<= 2,000 4
<= 3,000 5
> 3,000 6
Calculating the number of floors to be sampled

The number of floors to be sampled is determined by the maximum result of two alternative
methods. This is to account for different configurations of buildings that may have a similar overall
rated area but differing floor plates:
A. Based on the total area covered by the rating.
B. Based on the number of occupied floors.
Note: where the number of floors required for sampling is greater than the number of occupied floors
in the building, advice must be sought from the National Administrator.
The following table is used to calculate method A, based on the total rated area:
Area covered by the rating Number of occupied floors to be
sampled
<= 2,000 1
<= 5,000 2
<= 10,000 3
<= 20,000 4
<= 40,000 5
> 40,000 6

© NABERS 2010
The following table is used to calculate method B, based on the number of rated floors:
Occupied Floors Number of occupied floors to be sampled
<= 3 1
<= 8 2
<= 15 3
<= 25 4
<= 35 5
> 35 6
The final minimum number of floors that must be sampled is calculated as the maximum result of
the above two alternatives.
As an example a building with 12 occupied floors and a total area of 15,500m2 will need to have 4
floors rated and have 4 sampling points per floor, while a building of 2 occupied floors with a total
area of 1,800m2 will need to have a minimum of 1 floor sampled with 3 sampling points on that floor.
Selection of sampling locations
The Accredited Assessor, or their authorised sub-contractor, must select the actual floors to be
sampled and the individual locations on each of these floors. The Accredited Assessor must be
sure that any selections made by a sub-contractor comply with the Validation Protocol. The
Validation Protocol is only available to the Accredited Assessor.
It is not permissible to have the customer or their representative make any selections with regards to
the floors being sampled. If this happens either the building cannot be rated or the assessor must
seek approval from the National Administrator.
The floors sampled must be occupied at the time of testing.
For the selection of the floors to be sampled:
- The floors chosen should be selected in the following priority order:
1. The top rated floor
2. The lowest rated floor
3. The floor directly underneath a mid-rise plant room, and if not available
then the floor directly above that plant room.
4. The floor furthest from any central supply fans and main plant. Note that
only one floor is to be selected per building and if there are two equal floors
then it is to be the higher of the two.
5. Randomly selected by the Assessor
6. If there is more than one building in the rated space (for example a campus
with two buildings being rated as a single whole building) then each priority
of the above list should be read for each building in turn. The first building
selected is to be the largest and if identical then the one closest to the
West. For example the top floor of the larger building then the top floor of
the smaller building. Then move to priority two in the larger building if it is
required.

© NABERS 2010
For locations on each sampled floor:

- The Accredited Assessor should obtain office plans to each tenanted floor to be
assessed in order to understand the workstation arrangement or occupant seating.
- Sampling locations on the floors should be in typical open plan office spaces and
should not be in ancillary services provided for tenants such as kitchens, meeting
rooms, printing rooms, boardrooms, child minding areas, gymnasiums, storage areas
or other similar spaces. If the required floor is not a typical floor (e.g. a gym or
complete floor of meeting rooms) then the next lowest floor is to be used unless there
is no rated floor below, in which case it should be the next highest floor.
- It is preferable that sampling locations are not in fully enclosed offices unless there is
no other alternative.
- The first priority for locations on the floor is the perimeter zones. These should be
open plan office space areas as close to the compass points as possible (or in line
with the building orientation) and in proximity to a glazed façade (on the perimeter,
not in the neutral centre zones or in the corners of buildings).
o The first option for the compass points will always be the West then the North, then
the East and finally South.
o If the building has an odd orientation then the first option will be North-West or the
closest to it, then North-East, then South-East and finally South-West.
o If triangular or an unusual shape then the side closest to the West then move
clockwise.
o If circular then the four compass points in the above priority order.
- The second priority for locations on the floors (once reasonable perimeter zones
have been exhausted) is in the centre zone away from windows. These should still
be open plan office spaces.
- If the assessor is unsure of the actual locations of the sampling points then they
should seek advice from the National Administrator.
Specific sampling locations
During the assessment measurement equipment should be sited at the selected sampling locations
using the following general guidelines:
- Representing the primary workstation layout and work activities;
- Spread across the floor as far as possible (i.e. not all in a similar or central area);
- Of minimal disturbance to work activities within the selected area;
- At least 0.5 metres from corners or windows and at least 0.5 metres from walls,
partitions, and other vertical surfaces (e.g. file cabinets);
- For space measurements at a height above the ground approximately equal to the
height of the head of a seated person.
- Space measurements are not to be directly in front of air supply diffusers, induction
units, floor fans, or heaters, or the exhaled breath of the operator, etc.;
- For supply air measurements in Base Building ratings approximately one metre
horizontally and one metre vertically from the diffuser.
- For outdoor (plantroom) readings not more than 3 metres from the air intake point
© NABERS 2010
either inside or outside the building depending on suitable access but preferably from
inside the building. If inside the building these must be on the outside of (before) any
filtration. If there are multiple plant rooms then the one with the most air handling
systems, failing this the one closest to ground level. Where there is multiple plant
rooms per floor the Assessor can select any of the plant rooms as long as it is a good
indicator of the outside air.
- Preferably not in hallways or corridors as defined by having at least one floor to
ceiling wall running its length;
- At least 1 metre from localised sources such as photocopiers, printers, cigarette
smokers, or flowering plants as they can emit pollen) etc.;
- Not within 3 metres of an elevator and not within 2 metres of doors; and
- Not obstructive to occupant egresses from the office area under normal or
emergency situations.
Operational requirements
Where there is a HVAC system in the building this must be operational for the full day during the
assessment for normal operating hours and it should also be operating as it normally would on that
day. There should be no manual overrides or special sequences used. Of particular concern is that
night flush or economy cycles are not forced on to clean out the spaces. It should not be started
earlier or later than typical for that day during that season. The assessor should find records of
starting times and operating parameters to ensure that this is the case.
Measurements of occupied areas should be done with the HVAC system operating for at least one
hour prior to the start of measurements.
Additionally the tenanted office space should be at least two thirds occupied at the time of
assessment. These occupancy requirements should be requested as part of the arrangements for
the assessment and confirmed during the preliminary walk through done at the beginning of the
assessment.
Exceptions
For biological (Microbial) and chemical (TVOC and Formaldehyde) air sampling there is only the
requirement for one sample per sampled floor. However, at least two measurements must be done
per rating to avoid false readings. If only one tenanted floor is part of the assessment then the two
measurements are done on that floor at the first two sampling locations and are to be averaged for
input to the rating result. If there is more than one tenanted floor to be rated then only one sample
for each rated floor is required and these are to be taken at the first sampling location.
Lighting measurements are relatively easy and quick to take and lighting levels can change
dramatically from one area of an office to another (depending on partition layout, proximity to
windows and lighting grids). Therefore for each sampling location described above there needs to
be three sets of light readings taken in close proximity (e.g. less than five metres) to that sampling
point.

© NABERS 2010
4 Rated Area
4.1 Data required

Rated Area
The rated area is calculated in accordance with

section 2 of the NABERS Energy and Water for
offices Validation Protocol.
The Accredited Assessor is responsible for assessing the ‘Rated Area’ for a NABERS Indoor
Environment rating. The sub-contractor will not be involved in determining the ‘Rated Area’.

© NABERS 2010
5 Thermal Comfort
5.1 Data required, definitions, and interpretations

Tenancy Base Building Whole Building
Mechanical and Mixed Mode:
No measurements are Measure of comfort conditions in Same as Base Building but
taken. the space as compared to lease also includes Occupant
requirements for space Satisfaction Survey as a
temperature, or if unavailable the measure of the impact on the
However information on space compared to specified occupants.
occupant satisfaction with temperature limits for the climate
the thermal comfort of the zone. Also considers relative
office space can be humidity and air movement in
obtained from the occupant the space.
satisfaction survey.
Naturally Ventilated:
Measure of comfort conditions as
measured by the space
temperature as compared to
internationally recognised
standards based on the outside
temperature. Also considers air
movement in the space.
Note that Base Building ratings are treated the same as Whole Building ratings but mechanical and
mixed mode systems are treated differently to naturally ventilated buildings so only the relevant
interpretation clauses below must be followed. Buildings that have a lease condition specifying
comfort conditions during operating hours are treated differently to those without such a clause. The
reason for these differences is that the result is determined based on responsibility and reasonable
control.
Sampling Requirements for Temperature
The frequency of sampling is critical to the results of the temperature measure. The higher the
frequency (more often) the space temperature is sampled the more confidence is placed in the
results and therefore a higher score is possible. The options available are weekly, monthly,
quarterly, and once only. The intent is that weekly and monthly data would be available from
permanently fixed data logging such as from a building management system. The quarterly data
may be available from regular maintenance routines of recording space temperature manually. The
once only readings would be done by the Accredited Assessor or their authorised sub-contractor.
The intention is to encourage regular recording and monitoring of internal conditions to improve the
management of conditions and also to encourage more reliable data collection over a longer time
period.

© NABERS 2010
In order to be able to use a specific sampling frequency, all data must comply with that frequency for
the entire rating period and no data points are to be estimated or calculated. For that reason daily
data is not allowed since it is expected that a complete year of daily data is unreasonable both in
terms of storage capacity and reliability of data.
It is possible, and recommended, to record daily data so that if some data points are missing the
weekly sampling interval is still valid. If the data was collected once a week and one data point was
missing, then the sampling frequency would be changed to monthly with the resulting loss of
confidence and lower available score.
If consistent sampling data is not available for the entire rating period then a once only audit must be
conducted. For example weekly data must be for the 52 weeks of the rating period, if one of those
weeks is missing then monthly data will be acceptable but if there is not 12 months of monthly data
then an audit will need to be done. Similarly if there are not 4 quarterly data points included in the
quarterly data then an audit will need to be done.
Data points must always comply with the relevant sections of this Validation Protocol for example
the number of floors to be recorded, samples per floor, location of samples, accuracy of recording
instruments, and time frame of the samples. This is irrespective of the method or frequency of the
sampling.
Where more data exists than is necessary (for example daily data for a weekly sampling rate) the
more frequent data is to be averaged to the requirement of the Validation Protocol spreadsheet.
You might find that this averaging of the more frequent data will assist in obtaining a good rating
since peaks will be averaged out. However, the rating will be naturally disadvantaged by using the
less frequent data since less confidence is placed in the result. You must use all of the data as
available and not select a sampling frequency to give an advantage or disadvantage to the results.
You must use what is available as it is available.
In the case where there are more points than are required, for example in a BMS where there may
be many more locations than required, only the locations that comply with this protocol are to be
used. For example if one reading is faulty it is not possible to substitute a reading from a similar
location on a different floor.
Mechanical and Mixed Mode Buildings:
A building with mechanical air conditioning has heating, cooling, and air provided by systems
installed into the building. The only method of outside air entering the building is via the mechanical
ducts and forced ventilation by fans. If the mechanical system was turned off there would
essentially be no air movement possible.
A mixed mode building has varying degrees of the above mechanical systems but also allows for
natural ventilation by operable windows or louvers. These may be operated by the user or
automatically but provide outside air directly to the space. The percentage of mechanical to natural
ventilation may vary significantly but buildings with this ability for mechanical systems are treated as
mixed mode. Because these mixed mode buildings do have the ability to control conditions beyond
the natural ambient conditions they are treated in the same way as mechanical buildings. It is
acknowledged that this may be difficult to determine and that not all mixed mode buildings are
similar. If the Assessor is unsure about the nature of the systems in a building then the Assessor
should assume that they are mixed mode. If this determination is thought to penalise a building that
is seen to be predominantly naturally ventilated then the Assessor should seek advice from the
National Administrator.

© NABERS 2010
Naturally Ventilated Buildings:

A building where there is no mechanical cooling and no forced ventilation is considered to be a
naturally ventilated building. Sometimes these buildings may have mechanical heating by radiant
panels or similar, and may even have ceiling fans in some cases but they are still considered
naturally ventilated since the outside air is not forced into the building and it is not separately
conditioned before entering the occupied spaces.
Some buildings may have a combination of spaces with different ventilation types in each area. For
example an office building may have the lower two floors totally naturally ventilated with an atrium
and mezzanine style of open office floors, while the higher floors may be more conventional and
totally mechanical. In this instance there are two options open to the Assessor and the Client.
Either the entire building can be rated as a mixed mode space and therefore equivalent to a
mechanical system, or there can be two separate ratings performed and each space would be
treated separately. There will be one rating for the naturally ventilated space and another separate
rating for the mechanical spaces. Note that the second option of two ratings will create problems if it
is a combined rating and other services such as energy and water cannot be sub-metered
adequately. Extreme care should be taken before recommending this option.
Lease specified conditions:
The first priority for a base building providing conditioned air is to provide conditions to the
occupants as required by those occupants. This is mutually agreed and recorded in a lease as a
legal obligation. Therefore the first priority for rating thermal comfort for a mechanical or mixed
mode building is to test if it complies with the lease conditions for comfort conditions during occupied
hours. The data recorded in the rating spreadsheet is to be the allowable summer maximum and
winter minimum. For example if the lease states conditions are to be 22°C ± 1°C then the two
temperatures recorded are to be 22+1 or 23°C and 22-1 or 21°C.
It is possible that the nominated floors that form the Indoor Environment assessment may have
different lease conditions or a combination of lease conditions or no lease conditions. In this case
each of the nominated floors is treated on an individual basis in the rating spreadsheet with the
score for thermal comfort the median value calculated from these separate scores.
Naturally ventilated buildings however are less able to control their environment once constructed
and are therefore measured against recognised standards of acceptable conditions in a naturally
ventilated office space.

© NABERS 2010
5.2 Mechanical and Mixed Mode Buildings

Note: The following process flow charts are intended as a guide to the general method of producing
a rating. They do not show every decision to be made or all rules to follow. They are not to be used
as a guide to interpretation. If there is any uncertainty over interpretation or procedures then the
written word will always take precedence.
Figure 5-1 Process to determine the temperature for mechanical and mixed mode buildings in
Base Building and Whole Building ratings
Determine temperature
measurements
Are there BMS records for Yes Use either weekly or

space temperature of a monthly calculations
suitable standard depending on the data
available? resolution.
No
Are there independent and Yes Use either quarterly or

regular spot readings of a once only calculations
No
Take temperature readings

yourself and use once only
calculations.
Take relative humidity

readings yourself and
apply to the calculations.
Take spot air movement

readings and apply to the
calculations.

© NABERS 2010
For each rating and sampling location as determined in section 3.3, using instruments and methods
as determined in section 11:
• Ensure that the location of the space temperature sensor is as specified, with the exception
that BMS sensors may be wall mounted in the occupied space but cannot be in the return
air path such as in the ceiling spaces or a return air duct. Supply air readings cannot be
used. You must keep records of the locations as marked up on a map.
• BMS readings must be checked for accuracy as specified in section 11, with written
confirmation of the results.
• BMS readings can only be used for weekly or monthly calculations.
• Any manual readings whether by an independent body or yourself must come from an
instrument as specified in section 11. Written evidence must be able to be produced to
confirm this measurement standard.
• The calculations used are determined by the data resolution of the internal space
temperature readings. If there is missed data for any period then the missing data cannot
be estimated or approximated but the resolution must be changed to the next lowest (e.g.
from weekly to monthly) with all of the higher resolution data averaged for inclusion into the
lower resolution calculations. For example: If daily data is available this should be used
with the averaged values for each week being used as weekly data. If some daily data is
missing a rating can still proceed as weekly. However, if a whole week of data is missing
then the entire rating must be moved to monthly calculations and the daily data used as the
basis for the average value for the month.
• In the absence of acceptable BMS data then once only measurement data is to be done.
• Relative humidity data is a once only measurement data in accordance with
section 11.
• Air movement data is a once only measurement data in accordance with section 11.
Accuracy requirements for mechanical and mixed mode thermal comfort ratings
Accuracy is based on the data resolution as detailed above and the accuracy of the recording
instrument. Compliance with this section and section 11 is deemed to satisfy accuracy
requirements.
Any assumptions, estimations or interpretations are to be detailed in the final assessment.

© NABERS 2010
5.3 Naturally Ventilated buildings

Note: The following process flow charts are intended as a guide to the general method of producing
a rating. They do not show every decision to be made or all rules to follow. They are not to be used
as a guide to interpretation. If there is any uncertainty over interpretation or procedures then the
written word will always take precedence.

© NABERS 2010
Figure 5-2 Process to determine the temperature for naturally ventilated buildings in Base
Building and Whole Building ratings
Determine temperature
measurements
Are there BMS records for Yes Use either weekly or

space temperature of a monthly calculations
No
Are there independent and Yes Use either quarterly or

regular spot readings of a once only calculations
No
Take temperature readings

yourself and use once only
calculations.
Are there BMS records for Yes Apply these to the

outdoor temperature of a temperature calculations
suitable standard? as detailed above.
No
Are there independent and Yes Apply these to the

regular spot readings for temperature calculations
outdoor temperature of a as detailed above.
suitable standard?
No
Take outdoor temperature

readings yourself and
apply to the calculations.
Take spot air movement

readings and apply to the
calculations.

© NABERS 2010
• Ensure that the location of the space temperature sensor is as specified, with the exception
that BMS sensors may be wall mounted in the occupied space but cannot be in the return
air path such as in the ceiling spaces or a return air duct. Supply air readings cannot be
used. You must keep records of the locations as marked up on a map.
• BMS readings must be checked for accuracy as specified in section 11, with written
confirmation of the results.
• BMS readings can only be used for weekly or monthly calculations.
• Any manual readings whether by an independent body or yourself must come from an
instrument as specified in section 11. Written evidence must be able to be produced to
confirm this measurement standard.
• The calculations used are determined by the data resolution of the internal space
temperature readings. If there is missed data for any period then the missing data cannot
be estimated or approximated but the resolution must be changed to the next lowest (e.g.
from weekly to monthly) with all of the higher resolution data averaged for inclusion into the
lower resolution calculations. For example: If daily data is available this should be used
with the averaged values for each week being used as weekly data. If some daily data is
missing a rating can still proceed as weekly. However, if a whole week of data is missing
then the entire rating must be moved to monthly calculations and the daily data used as the
basis for the average value for the month.
• Once the calculation frequency is determined as above, then the outdoor temperature data
can be applied to the calculations. If the outdoor temperature data is of a lower frequency
than the space temperature data, then the outdoor temperature data can be spread across
a wider range. Note that for naturally ventilated buildings the resolution can only be
changed by one level. For example if space temperature data is weekly then the outdoor
temperature data can not be less frequent than monthly. It is allowable to alter the space
temperature frequency to match the outdoor temperature frequency (plus one level) to
make a rating possible. You must use the highest resolution data available as long as it
complies with these requirements.
• In the absence of acceptable BMS data then once only measurement data is to be done in
accordance with section 11.
• Air movement data is a once only measurement data in accordance with section 11.
Accuracy requirements for naturally ventilated thermal comfort ratings

instrument. Compliance with this section and section 11 is deemed to satisfy accuracy
requirements.

© NABERS 2010
5.4 Measurement Outputs – Thermal Comfort

The Thermal Comfort data derived from the measurements conducted by the appointed sub-
contractor must provide the following outputs in their relevant units. This data is then entered into
the rating spreadsheet by the Accredited Assessors. The rating spreadsheet is only available to
Accredited Assessors, not sub-contractors or the public.
Measurement Outputs for Mechanical and Mixed Mode Buildings
1. Table broken down by floor and sample number displaying the indoor temperature (in
Celsius) measured at each of the previously agreed sample locations for two different time
periods – AM and PM - as described in Section 3.3.
2. Table broken down by floor and sample number displaying the relative humidity (in percent
%) measured at each of the previously agreed sample locations for two different time periods
– AM and PM - as described in Section 3.3.
3. Table broken down by floor and sample number displaying spot air movement readings (in
metres per second m/s) measured at each of the previously agreed sample locations as
described in Section 3.3.
The Accredited Assessor and the sub-contractor must agree on the location and number of samples
as described in Section 3.3 prior to performing any measurement.
Measurement Outputs for Naturally Ventilated Buildings

1. Table broken down by floor and sample number displaying the indoor temperature (in
Celsius) measured at each of the previously agreed sample locations for two different time
periods – AM and PM - as described in Section 3.3.
2. Table displaying the outdoor temperature (in Celsius) measured at the previously agreed
sample locations for two different time periods – AM and PM - as described in Section 3.3.
3. Table broken down by floor and sample number displaying the relative humidity (in
percent %) measured at each of the previously agreed sample locations for two different
time periods – AM and PM - as described in Section 3.3.
4. Table broken down by floor and sample number displaying spot air movement readings (in
metres per second m/s) measured at each of the previously agreed sample locations as
described in Section 3.3.
The Accredited Assessor and the sub-contractor must agree on the location and number of samples
as described in Section 3.3 prior to performing any measurement.
As an example a building with 12 rated floors and a rated area of 15,500m2 will need to have 4
floors rated and have 4 sampling points per floor, while a building of 2 rated floors with a rated area
of 1,800m2 will need to have a minimum of 1 floor rated and have 3 sampling points on that floor.
So, for the example above where a building will need 4 floors used for data collection, having 4
sampling points per floor, the sub-contractor will need to supply the Accredited Assessor with a table
similar the one shown below.

© NABERS 2010
Temperature C Humidity % Air speed m/s

AM
Sample 1
PM
AM
Sample 2
PM
Floor 01
AM
Sample 3
PM
AM
Sample 4
PM
AM
Sample 1
PM
AM
Sample 2
PM
Floor 02
AM
Sample 3
PM
AM
Sample 4
PM
AM
Sample 1
PM
AM
Sample 2
PM
Floor 03
AM
Sample 3
PM
AM
Sample 4
PM
AM
Sample 1
PM
AM
Sample 2
PM
Floor 04
AM
Sample 3
PM
AM
Sample 4
PM
The sub-contactor may use a similar approach to report on Air Quality, Acoustic Comfort and
Lighting parameters as detailed is the sections to follow. The Accredited Assessor and the sub-
contractor must agree on the required parameters to be reported prior to taken any measurements.

© NABERS 2010
6 Air Quality
6.1 Data required and definitions

Ventilation effectiveness: Ventilation effectiveness: Ventilation effectiveness:
Measure of air changes and Measure of air changes and Measure of air changes and
removal of pollutants by the removal of pollutants by the removal of pollutants by the
difference between the indoor difference between the indoor difference between the indoor
carbon dioxide and outdoor carbon dioxide and outdoor carbon dioxide and outdoor
carbon dioxide readings. carbon dioxide readings. carbon dioxide readings.
Indoor pollutants: Indoor pollutants: Indoor pollutants:
Measure of pollutants in the Measure of pollutants in the Measure of pollutants in the
space by comparing readings space by comparing readings space by comparing readings
of indoor particulate matter of indoor particulate matter of indoor particulate matter
(PM10), formaldehyde, and (PM10) and indoor carbon (PM10), formaldehyde, total
total volatile organic monoxide to international volatile organic compounds,
compounds to international standards. Also compares and indoor carbon monoxide
standards. Also compares indoor airborne microbial to to international standards.
indoor airborne microbial to outdoor airborne microbial Also compares indoor
outdoor airborne microbial levels. airborne microbial to outdoor
levels. airborne microbial levels.
Also includes Occupant Also includes Occupant
Satisfaction Survey as a Satisfaction Survey as a
measure of the impact on the measure of the impact on the
occupants. occupants.
Sampling Requirements
Sampling locations are determined in section 3.3. The types of samples to be taken will depend on
the rating being done.
The individual measure to be taken and the location of the samples are based on the responsibility
for either their generation or removal. Sometimes this is an absolute measure and in other cases it
is the indoor environment relative to the outdoor environment.
Ventilation Effectiveness
The ventilation effectiveness measures the air exchange for the building to identify situations of
‘stale air’. The ventilation effectiveness is measured by the difference between the indoor and
outdoor levels of carbon dioxide. Since carbon dioxide is typically only generated from tenant
activity and is cleared away by the ventilation from the base building systems it is measured in all
rating types. The level of indoor carbon dioxide above the outside air is influenced by both the
occupant density and the ventilation systems. This is a relative measure since it is also influenced
heavily by the outdoor conditions at the time. For a base building rating the measurements are

© NABERS 2010
done near a supply air diffuser to measure the impact from the HVAC system, while for a tenancy
and whole building rating the measurements are taken in the occupied space to measure the impact
of tenant activities.
Indoor Pollutants
The final result for the indoor pollutants is based on a quality synthesis index. This is calculated by
the combination of the ratio of the individual measures to the recommended threshold limits.
Carbon monoxide is used as a measure of the cleanliness of the intake air and is only measured in
the plant room at the outside air intake to the building. It is not so much a measure of the outdoor
air itself, but the location of the intake to ensure it is not too close to roadways, loading docks or
other local sources of pollution. It is only used for base building and whole building ratings since the
tenant will typically have no impact.
Particulate matter is controlled both by the cleanliness of the tenant, equipment installed, and also
the filtering ability of the ventilation systems. It is measured only in the tenanted office spaces but is
used for all rating types. For a base building rating the measurements are done near a supply air
diffuser to measure the impact from the HVAC system, while for a tenancy and whole building rating
the measurements are taken in the occupied space to measure the impact of tenant activities.
Airborne microbials are also controlled both by the behaviour of the tenant and the ventilation
systems. It is measured both in the tenanted office spaces and also the plant rooms and is used for
all rating types. For a base building rating the indoor measurements are done near a supply air
diffuser to measure the impact from the HVAC system, while for a tenancy and whole building rating
the indoor measurements are taken in the occupied space to measure the impact of tenant
activities. The rating result is based on the ratio of indoor to outdoor microbials, not an absolute
value since this is also influenced by outdoor conditions.
Formaldehyde levels are a result of tenant activities and equipment and materials selections. These
are not measured in a base building rating, and are only used for tenancy and whole building
ratings. Measurements are taken in the occupied spaces.
Total volatile organic compounds are a result of tenant activities and equipment and materials
selections. These are not measured in a base building rating, and are only used for tenancy and
whole building ratings. Measurements are taken in the occupied spaces.
Where high readings are recorded, further testing is required to confirm the result.

© NABERS 2010
Air Quality Parameter Rating Types Temporal Conditions Location

Carbon Dioxide Base building, Both of two specified In tenanted office
tenancy and time periods of spaces and plant
whole building. between 9:30am to rooms.
12:30pm and 2pm to
5pm.
Carbon Monoxide Base building and Both of two specified Plant rooms only.
whole building. time periods of
between 9:30am to
12:30pm and 2pm to
5pm.
Particulate Matter Base building, Both of two specified In tenanted office
tenancy and time periods of spaces.
whole building. between 9:30am to
12:30pm and 2pm to
5pm.
Airborne Microbials Base building, Within the period In tenanted office
tenancy and 9:30am to 5pm. spaces and plant
whole building. rooms.
Formaldehyde Tenancy and Within the period In tenanted office
whole building. 9:30am to 5pm. spaces.
Total Volatile Tenancy and Within the period In tenanted office
Organic Compounds whole building. 9:30am to 5pm. spaces.
6.2 Process
• Once only measurement data is to be collected. All sampling locations as per section 3.3
and frequencies as specified above are to be used. You must keep records of the
measurement locations as marked up on floor plans
• If there is missed data for any location then the missing data cannot be estimated or
approximated. All of the data for that particular measure will need to be re-measured. For
example if one airborne microbial reading becomes contaminated then it is not acceptable
to return and replace that one reading, but all airborne microbial readings for that rating
must be done again.
Accuracy requirements for air quality

instrument. Compliance with this section of the Guidance Document and section 11 is deemed to
satisfy accuracy requirements.

© NABERS 2010
7 Acoustic Comfort

Acoustic comfort: Acoustic comfort: Acoustic comfort:
Measure of acoustic comfort Measure of acoustic comfort Measure of acoustic comfort
by recording ambient sound by recording ambient sound by recording ambient sound
in tenanted office spaces andin tenanted office spaces and in tenanted office spaces and
comparing to standards. comparing to standards. comparing to standards.
Tenant noise must be excluded
Satisfaction Survey as a from the measurement. Satisfaction Survey as a
Acoustic comfort is measured for all rating types since this is influenced by both the mechanical
systems and façade insulation in the base building, as well as materials chosen and occupant
behaviour in the tenancy. Sampling locations are determined as per section 3.3. The sampling
locations and frequencies are the same for any type of rating.
Tenancy & Whole Building Ambient Sound
This is the sound level in the occupied space under normal working conditions measured in the “A”
scale or dBA. Care needs to be taken so that during the measurement period intermittent non-
standard spikes do not interfere with the readings. An example of a spike that could lead to a re-
measurement would be a loud group of people joking and laughing, someone shouting for attention,
sirens either internal or external, or something being dropped or broken.
The following is an example of what may be considered to be a normal part of the work environment
and should be included in the final readings: use of office equipment such as printers and
photocopiers, conversations held at normal speech levels person to person or on the phone, typical
street or external noises such as trains or cars going past, and doors opening and closing.
Base Building Ambient Sound

This is the sound level in the space under normal working conditions measured in the “A” scale or
dBA. However, tenant noise must be excluded from a base building acoustic comfort measurement.
The intention is to assess how efficient the building envelope is in isolating external noise and how
noisy or silent base building services are (i.e. air conditioning).
Sampling should be the same as determined as per section 3.3 as to the number of floors and
number of locations. If a vacant floor exists it can substitute for a tenanted floor. The selected floors
do not have to be the same as those chosen for the thermal comfort and air quality measurements.
Measurements to be done once during the day. It would be expected that the effect of the building
© NABERS 2010
services and external noise to be relatively consistent during day. Measurements can be done at
any time on vacant floors. Measurements on tenanted floors should be done in the morning or
afternoon while the HVAC system is operating but with less than 10% of occupants present on the
tenanted floor. Measurements are to be done with the HVAC system operating. This means that the
system must be active and supplying air into the space at the time of the measurements.
The party conducting the measurements must make sure services provided by the base building
(e.g. HVAC system) are operational while sound measurements are being taken.
In the instance where an Accredited Assessor or their appointed audit sub-contractor, is unsure
about the tenant noise exclusion method for a NABERS Indoor Environment base building rating,
they should contact the National Administrator for clarification.
7.2 Process
• Once only measurement data is to be collected. All sampling locations as per section 3.3
and frequencies as specified are to be used. You must keep records of the measurement
locations as marked up on floor plans
• If there is missed data for any location then the missing data cannot be estimated or
approximated. If this is noticed on the day of recordings then this sample can be re-
measured. If this is noticed days after all the samples are done, then the assessor must
return to site and all of the data will need to be re-measured.
Accuracy requirements for acoustic comfort

satisfy accuracy requirements.

© NABERS 2010
8 Lighting

Task illuminance: Not required. Task illuminance:
Measure light level at the Measure light level at the
work place and comparing to work place and comparing to
minimum and maximum minimum and maximum
standards. standards.
Uniformity: Uniformity:
Measure of comfort of overall Measure of comfort of overall
lighting scheme by comparing lighting scheme by comparing
of horizontal light level to of horizontal light level to
vertical light level at the work vertical light level at the work
place. place.
Satisfaction Survey as a Satisfaction Survey as a
Lighting is only measured for tenancy and whole building ratings because the base building has no
or little influence on the light levels. The measures to be taken are identical for tenancy and whole
building ratings. Sampling locations are determined in section 3.3.
Task Illuminance
This is a measure of the lighting levels at the workstation of the occupant, recorded in lux. The light
level is measured independently in both the horizontal plane (flat on the desk measuring light falling
on the desk) and the vertical plane (in front of a computer monitor or where a monitor would be
placed if there is none measuring the light hitting the monitor, rather than light being emitted by
monitor). The median of all readings is directly compared against a scale for both horizontal and
vertical readings to ensure that lighting levels are satisfactory. The median of all readings is also
tested to ensure that levels are not too bright.
Uniformity
The uniformity is the ratio of the average of all horizontal readings to the average of all vertical
readings. This is to ensure that the contrast is not too high and is an indicator that shadows will not
be too severe.

© NABERS 2010
8.2 Process
• Ensure that the sampling locations are as specified. You must keep records of the locations
marked up on a map.
• Lighting measurements are relatively easy and quick to take and lighting levels can change
dramatically from one area of an office to another (depending on partition layout, proximity
to windows and lighting grids). Therefore for each sampling location as specified there
needs to be three sets of light readings taken in close proximity (e.g. five to ten metres) to
that sampling point. These three sets of readings are to be at independent workstations or
locations. The selection of these independent locations is to be based on varying light
levels and proximity to windows. They are not to be three readings at the one workstation.
Selection of the location of the three data sets is to consider:
o To be based on the layout of the workstations and readings to be taken in the
normal working area, this would typically be at a computer.
o To have diverse orientations and locations, as far as reasonable. For example one
facing the window and one with the back towards the windows and one with a
partition between the worker and window.
o If there is an obviously bright or dark area that complies with the sampling location
(e.g. not in an enclosed office or kitchen) this is to be included.
• Lighting conditions are not to be altered for the readings. For example blinds are to be left
as found and cannot be opened or closed for the taking of measurements. For this reason
the workstation where the readings are taken should be occupied or should have been
occupied within the past hour.
• All sampling locations as per section 3.3 and frequencies as specified are to be used.
• If there is missed data for any period or any location then the missing data cannot be
estimated or approximated. Both horizontal and vertical readings for the specific location at
the specific time will need to be re-measured. A detailed explanation of why the data was
missing and had to be re-measured and how this was done must be included in the rating
spreadsheet.
Accuracy requirements for lighting

satisfy accuracy requirements. Any assumptions are to be detailed in the final assessment.

© NABERS 2010
9 Office Layout

Office layout: Not required. Office layout:
No measurements are taken. No measurements are taken.
Occupant Satisfaction Survey Occupant Satisfaction Survey
is used as a measure of the is used as a measure of the
impact on the occupants. impact on the occupants.
This measure is an indicator of the physical space in which the occupant must work. Because there
are so many variables and differing influences and it depends so much on the tasks required of the
occupant there are no physical readings but this measure relies solely on the occupant satisfaction
survey.
It is envisioned that a sub-contractor will not be involved in this part of the process.
Accuracy requirements for office layout

Accuracy is based on completion of the survey and compilation of the results. Compliance with this
section of the Guidance Document is deemed to satisfy accuracy requirements.

© NABERS 2010
10 Occupant Satisfaction Survey

Occupant Satisfaction Not required. Occupant Satisfaction
Survey: Survey:
Occupant Satisfaction Survey Occupant Satisfaction Survey
is used as a measure of the is used as a measure of the
impact on the occupants. impact on the occupants.
It is envisioned that a sub-contractor will not be involved in this part of the process.
The occupant satisfaction survey covers a wide range of measures and is a direct indicator of how
these measures impact on the occupants, with the intention that the physical measures are to
confirm or reinforce the surveyed results to give a final rating. This survey must be given to
occupants without any alterations.
This survey must be undertaken by one of the two recognised NABERS providers:
¾ Building Use Studies (BUS) – Usable Buildings, England.
¾ Center for the Built Environment (CBE) – The University of California, Berkeley, USA.
The Accredited Assessor must liaise directly with the survey provider to set up the online Occupant
Satisfaction Survey for the specific Tenancy or Whole Building. Contact the National Administrator
for the contact details of the NABERS recognised survey providers. The assessor must allow at
least two weeks between contacting the survey provider and commencing the survey on site.
Note that Base Building ratings do not require an occupant satisfaction survey.
This measure is an indicator of the impact of the building on the environment of its occupants.
The survey must be conducted in compliance with section 3.1 of this Validation Protocol. The
outcome of the survey is a building scorecard that lists the percent satisfaction for various indoor
environment categories (thermal comfort, air quality, acoustic comfort, lighting quality and office
layout).
For each indoor environment category this percent satisfaction is applied to the total allocated points
of the respective category to determine the actual points attained in that category. For example; if
the survey showed office layout had 50% occupant satisfaction and there are a maximum of 30
points allocated to this category, then the actual points achieved for the occupant satisfaction
contribution to the rating of office layout would be 15.

© NABERS 2010
Indoor Environment Category Maximum Points

Allocated Survey
Thermal Comfort 15 (Whole Building
rating only)
Air Quality 15
Acoustic Comfort 15
Lighting 20
Office Layout 30
The results from the occupant satisfaction survey are transferred to the rating spreadsheet where it
is combined with the physical results to give an overall score for each measure. These overall
scores for each measure are then entered into the web site rating calculator which will give an
overall star rating for the building.
A copy of the results should be submitted as part of the NABERS Indoor Environment rating
application.
Accuracy requirements for occupant satisfaction survey

Accuracy is based on completion of the survey and compilation of the results. Compliance with this
section of the Validation Protocol is deemed to satisfy accuracy requirements.

© NABERS 2010
11 Measurement Equipment Specifications and Use

Quantitative Measures
The selection of the measurement technique and equipment has required consideration of a
meaningful and recognized technique, cost effectiveness, ease of use (portability, direct readout or
analytical), output (accuracy, precision), quality assurance (maintenance, calibration) and availability
(purchase or hire).
Australian Standards, ISO, ASHRAE, AIRAH, USEPA, NIOSH/OSHA, and USDOE15 have all been
used as input to determine the quantitative measurement approach for each required indoor
environment parameter.
For each location under assessment including tenanted floors and plant rooms, the real time
measurements with portable equipment will be done at the number of locations specified in section
3.3. The Assessor will select the final locations in compliance with that section and keep a record of
these locations for auditing purposes.
Technical Skills
The NABERS Indoor Environment rating tool requires a level of technical skill above that of some
other rating tools because of the need to take measurements rather than just record results. In order
to ensure the accuracy and consistency of these measurements the person taking them must have
adequate skill and experience.
In order to take these measurements themselves the Accredited Assessor should have a
background in and have experience in conducting building and indoor environment surveys or
assessments or inspections. The likelihood is that the NABERS Accredited Assessor will sub-
contract some or all of the site assessment to a party with experience in indoor environment
assessment. The sub-contractor should be a professional organisation with a background in
science, technical or OH&S discipline and have active experience in indoor environment
assessment and/or measurement. The statement of qualifications of any sub-contractor must be
kept by the assessor for auditing purposes. As a guide, it is anticipated that in almost all cases the
biological and chemical sampling will be undertaken by a sub-contractor while temperature,
humidity, light and sound levels will probably be done by the Accredited Assessor.
Equipment
The selection of real time measurements and air sampling has been based upon ensuring proven,
accurate, and readily available equipment. The equipment may be owned by the assessor or sub-
contractor, but it is anticipated that rental will be the most common approach. Companies are
available that offer rental of appropriate equipment and some are specialist companies in indoor
environment measurement.
The rental organisation should have a program of maintaining and calibrating the equipment to the
standards specified by NABERS. This calibration documentation should be available when taking
possession of the rental items and should be examined to confirm the equipment has been
calibrated and serviced within the required period and to the correct standards. Equipment that has
not met this requirement or appears damaged or in poor condition should not be used for the
assessment measurements. Evidence of equipment compliance at the time of sampling must be
maintained by the Accredited Assessor (e.g. copies of calibration certificates for equipment used in
the rating).
There are instruments available that can perform multiple indoor environment measurements; e.g.
© NABERS 2010
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, temperature and humidity etc can all be measured with a single
device. Devices with in-built logging capabilities and data transfer are available and will make the
ratings more accurate, cost effective and convenient. These multiple point loggers would be the
most convenient types of equipment to use, but this is at the discretion of the Accredited Assessor
or their approved sub-contractor as long as it complies with this protocol.
All measuring instruments and devices are to be calibrated to ISO 17020 requirements and a copy
of a current certificate of calibration is to be retained by the Assessor unless specifically excluded in
this Validation Protocol.
External Laboratory
Biological and chemical air sampling requires post site assessment analysis by a qualified
laboratory. The laboratory should have current NATA accreditation for chemical and/or biological
testing as relevant to the required laboratory analysis. Such organisations can be found through the
NATA web site (www.nata.asn.au). Note: though the laboratory is required to be NATA accredited
this does not infer that they have the actual accreditation for actual required laboratory analysis as
specified by the Validation Protocol.
The accredited laboratory should have existing methods and procedures for the analysis of
chemicals from absorbent tubes and/or the preparation and interpretation of fungi/mould/yeasts and
airborne bacteria on culture. This means the laboratory should not have to develop these methods
specifically for submitted samples but should have pre-existing experience in the analysis to
facilitate quick turnaround times and cost effective reliable analysis. A commercial laboratory should
be able to provide a turn around of the biological or chemical analysis within ten business days.
It is important that the Accredited Assessor contact the laboratory before the site sampling to
familiarise themselves with the laboratory’s requirements. This is to ensure that the samples taken
can be processed by the laboratory and to be aware of the specific requirements of the handling
procedures for the samples including the time between the sample measurement and the delivery to
the laboratory. It is also more than likely that the laboratory will be able to provide you with the raw
materials needed for the samples which will then be returned to them for analysis.
Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
Air temperature is measured as part of the thermal comfort section of the base building and whole
building rating tools. It is measured in the tenanted office area for indoor temperature and in plant
rooms or adjacent to an air intake for outdoor air temperature.
The temperature may be recorded by the BMS if using historical data of a frequency of monthly,
weekly or more often. Any resolution less than this (quarterly or once only) must be done by hand
held instruments.
If a hand held instrument to read air temperature is to be used then one that allows multipoint
logging of the parameters is recommended. Such an instrument should have the following minimum
requirements:
Air Temperature
Range 0-50°C
Accuracy ± 0.5°C
Resolution 0.1°C
The measurement protocol for hand held instruments involves:

© NABERS 2010
• Air temperature at a height of 1.1 metres above the floor shall be recorded as °C;
• The minimum number of sample locations is determined by the general sampling principles
described in section 3.3, but more samples should be used if available;
• Air temperature is measured at least 1 metre from the external perimeter walls;
• The equipment must be allowed to equilibrate in the tenanted office building for at least
thirty minutes prior to any measurements being undertaken.
• Then, measurements are done at each designated location at both of two time periods;
9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm. The equipment is allowed to further equilibrate and
stabilize at each sample location for five minutes and then the average reading over at least
a five minute period is recorded;
• Evidence must be in the form of spreadsheet of recorded data for the period specified, or a
written thermal survey report conducted by an independent party and confirmed as meeting
the same measurement standards.
• An overall median air temperature is calculated from the individual average location values
and recorded for the rating assessment;
The measurement protocol for BMS recorded measurements involves:
• Logs of temperature can be sourced from Building Management Systems or from other
monitoring programs that have occurred over the previous 12-months.
• BMS measurement may come from the BMS supplier’s standard sensors but they must be
confirmed to have an accuracy of better than ± 0.5°C. Independent verification can be in
the form of a signed statement from a reputable professional in an appropriate field verifying
the calibration of the sensors (i.e. by comparing the readings of the BMS sensors with a
NATA calibrated hand-held device), and the accuracy of data collation (i.e. verify that the
readings are being accurately recorded and not manipulated for the benefit of an improved
rating). If there has been no independent verification of the sensors then the Accredited
Assessor must validate the sensors.
The sensors can be tested by checking a random sample of the sensors used as the rating
measuring points against a NATA calibrated thermometer. The reading from the BMS
sensor as shown on the screen of the BMS or as recorded in a log must be within ± 0.5°C
of the NATA calibrated instrument. The instrument must be left for at least 5 minutes to
allow the temperatures to equalise before the test reading is taken. At least 25% of all
indoor sensors and 100% of all outdoor sensors must be checked once during the rating
period and for each sensor that is found to be outside the acceptable range another 3
sensors need to be checked. If a sensor is found to be outside the acceptable range then it
can be taken out of the database of recorded readings so it plays no part in the rating, or a
differential applied to the faulty sensor to make it read the same value as the calibrated
instrument. Records of the calibration of the BMS sensors and actions taken are to be kept
by the Assessor for record keeping and auditing purposes.

© NABERS 2010
• Evidence must be in the form of spreadsheet of logged data (previous twelve months) for
the period specified, or a thermal survey report conducted by an independent party meeting
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity is measured as part of the thermal comfort section of the base building and whole
building rating tools for mechanical and mixed mode buildings. It is measured in the tenanted office
areas only. It is expected that relative humidity will typically be measured by hand held instruments.
Presently BMS logs are not allowed due to issues with their calibration and long term reliability.
A hand held instrument that allows multipoint logging of different parameters is recommended. Such
an instrument should have the following minimum requirements:
Relative Humidity
Range 5-95%RH
Accuracy ± 3%
Resolution 0.1%RH
The measurement protocol for hand held instruments involves:

• Relative humidity at a height of 1.1 metres above the floor shall be recorded as %RH;
described in section 3.3, but more samples should be used if available. These should be
same as the locations used for air temperature;
• Relative humidity is measured at least 1 metre from the external perimeter walls;
• The equipment must be allowed to equilibrate in the tenanted office building for at least
thirty minutes prior to any measurements being undertaken.
• Then, measurements are done at each designated location at both of two time periods;
9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm. The equipment is allowed to further equilibrate and
stabilize at each sample location for five minutes and then the average reading over at least
a five minute period is recorded;
• Evidence must be in the form of spreadsheet of recorded data for the period specified, or a
written thermal survey report conducted by an independent party and confirmed as meeting
• An overall median relative humidity is calculated from the individual average location values
and recorded for the rating assessment;

© NABERS 2010
Air Speed
Air speed can be measured with a portable instrument that allows multipoint logging of the
parameters. Such an instrument should have the following minimum requirements: (Note that the
accuracy requirements for this instrument are critical and may dictate the type of instrument that can
be used.)
Air Speed
Range 0-30m/s
Accuracy ±1%
Resolution 0.001m/s
Air speed is measured as part of the thermal comfort section of the base building and whole building
rating tools. It is measured in the tenanted office area. The measurement protocol involves:
• Air speed at a height of 1.1 metres above the floor shall be recorded in metres per second;
described in section 3.3, but more samples should be used if available. These should be
same as the locations used for air temperature;
• Measurements are done at each designated location at both of two time periods; 9:30am to
12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm. Measurements are done at each designated location by
averaging the reading over at least a five minute period;
• An overall median air speed is calculated from the individual average location values and
recorded for the rating assessment.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is measured as part of the air quality section of the base building and whole
building rating tools. A hand held instrument that records real time levels with the output logged
over time is recommended. Such an instrument should have the following minimum requirements:
Carbon Monoxide
Range 0-200ppm
Accuracy ±3% over the range of 0 to 10ppm
Resolution 0.1ppm
The measurement protocol involves:

• Carbon monoxide concentration shall be in parts per million (ppm);
• For each major HVAC system selected the carbon monoxide level is measured at the
outdoor intake of the corresponding air handling unit (up to a maximum of 4 points). Where
there is no HVAC system in the building the measurement will be done outdoors in the
vicinity of the air ingress points;

© NABERS 2010
• An overall median carbon monoxide level is calculated from the individual average location
values and recorded for the rating assessment.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is measured as part of the air quality section of the base building, tenant and whole
building rating tools. It is measured both indoors and outdoors. A real time carbon dioxide infrared
analyser with output logged over time is a suitable device. Such an instrument should have the
following minimum requirements:
Carbon Dioxide
Range 0-3000ppm
Accuracy ±3% over the range of 0 to 1500ppm
Resolution 1ppm
• Carbon dioxide concentration shall be in parts per million (ppm);
• For both the tenant and whole building rating tools carbon dioxide is measured at a height
of 1.1 metres above the floor. For the base building rating tool the measurement points are
done at one metre horizontally and one metre vertically from a supply diffuser. That is the
sample inlet of the equipment is placed to receive the direct air flow from the supply diffuser.
described in section 3.3, but more samples should be used if available.
• As well, for each major HVAC system selected (up to a maximum of 4) as earlier described
by the general sampling principles the carbon dioxide level is measured at the outdoor
intake of the relevant air handling unit to the tenanted floor. Where there is no HVAC
system in the building the measurement will be done outdoors in the vicinity of the air
ingress points;
• An overall median carbon dioxide level is calculated from the individual average location

© NABERS 2010
Particulate Matter (PM10)

PM10 is measured as part of the air quality section of the base building, tenant and whole building
rating tools. It is measured in the tenanted office area. A real time particle counter with a sensor
based upon 90° light scattering should be used. Such an instrument should have the following
minimum requirements:
PM10
Particulate Size Range 0.01 - 10µm
Measuring Range 0.01 – 100mg/m3
Resolution ±1%

• PM10 as mg/m3 shall be recorded;
• For both the tenant and whole building rating tools PM10 is measured at a height of 1.1
metres above the floor. For the base building rating tool the measurement points are done
at one metre horizontally and one metre vertically from a supply diffuser. That is the sample
inlet of the equipment is placed to receive the direct air flow from the supply diffuser.
• The objective is that for the base building rating tool PM10 as delivered by the HVAC system
without a potential contribution from occupant activities should be recorded. On the other
hand, with both the tenant and whole building rating tools PM10 as a total effect of air supply
and occupant activities is recorded;
12:30pm; and, 2pm to 5pm. Measurements are done at each designated location by
• An overall median PM10 is calculated from the individual average location values and
recorded for the rating assessment.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is measured as part of the air quality section of tenant and whole building rating
tools. It is measured in the tenanted office area. The required methodology is an analytical approach
involving active sampling onto a sorbent cartridge. The methodology follows “ISO16000-3 (2001)
Determination of formaldehyde and other carbonyls - Active sampling method”. Hand held portable
real time equipment is not to be used for formaldehyde measurement.

© NABERS 2010

• Formaldehyde concentration is reported as mg/m3.
• A low noise air sampling pump with a dinitrophenylhydrazine-coated silica gel cartridge (e.g.
SKC 226-119) is located on a stable surface with the inlet of the cartridge at a height of 1.1
metres from the floor. Air should be sampled at a rate of 0.1 to 0.5 Litres per minute over a
four to six hour period during the day (between 9:30am to 5pm).
• The number of sample locations is determined by the general sampling principles described
in section 3.3.
• A NATA accredited laboratory with experience in analysing sorbent cartridges should be
used to determine the formaldehyde concentration. Analysis must involve high performance
liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and having a detection limit or limit of
reporting of <1μg/sorbent tube section or better.
• An overall median formaldehyde concentration is calculated from the individual location
Total Volatile Organic Compounds

Total VOC is measured as part of the air quality section of tenant and whole building rating tools. It
is measured in the tenanted office area.
The required methodology is an analytical approach involving active sampling onto a sorbent
cartridge. To make this measurement as cost effective and readily available as practical the
methodology of “ISO 16200-1 (2000) Workplace air quality sampling and analysis of volatile organic
compounds by solvent desorption/gas chromatography, Part 1: Pumped sampling method” has
been adopted. Hand held portable real time equipment is not to be used for formaldehyde
measurement.
Though a charcoal sorbent is effective for non-polar VOC chemical species (e.g. toluene, xylenes,
benzene and derivatives), it is less effective with relatively polar VOC chemical species (e.g. phenol,
cresol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol). Thus the sampling methodology involves two sorbent tubes at each
location, one for non-polar VOC and the other for polar VOC. The results are combined to obtain
total VOC.
Speciation of the VOCs has not been considered as practical for the rating scheme. Furthermore,
speciation has more of a diagnostic nature than being performance based benchmarking.
• Total VOC concentration is reported as mg/m3;
• The number of sample locations is determined by the general sampling principles described
in section 3.3;
• At each location is placed both a charcoal and XAD-7 sorbent cartridge;
• Individual air samplers are prepared at each location for the separate collection of non-polar
VOC (charcoal cartridge; e.g. SKC 226-01) and polar VOC (XAD-7; e.g. SKC 226-95). A
low noise air sampler pump is located on a stable surface with the inlet of the cartridge at a
height of 1.1 metres above the floor. Air should be sampled at a rate of 0.1 to 0.5 Litres per
minute over a four to six hour period during the day (between 9:30am to 5pm);
• A NATA accredited laboratory with experience in analysing sorbent cartridges should be

© NABERS 2010
used to determine the VOC concentration. Analysis must involve gas chromatography with
flame ionisation detection or gas chromatography with mass selective detection. The
analytical method should have a detection limit or limit of reporting of <10μg/sorbent tube
section or better. It is important to note that the NABERS Indoor Environment tool is not an
OH&S tool nor is it related to an OH&S assessment of a building.
• Non-polar VOC is quantitated as a total by reference to toluene for all chemical species with
a retention time between hexane and hexadecane inclusive. Polar VOC is quantitated as a
total by reference to methanol or ethanol for all chemical species with a retention time
between hexanol and hexadecanol.
• Total VOC at a given location is the sum of the non-polar VOC and polar VOC at the same
location;
• An overall median total VOC concentration is calculated from the individual location values
and recorded for the rating assessment.
Airborne Microbials
Airborne microbials is measured as part of the air quality section of all rating types. It is measured
both in the tenanted office area and plant rooms.
Airborne microbials as a total of airborne viable mould and airborne viable bacteria is determined
using the principle of the inertial impactor as described by “NIOSH 0800 Bioaerosol Sampling
(Indoors)”. Different culture media are required for mould (e.g. malt extract) and bacteria (e.g. blood
agar). The culture media used for mould must contain an inhibitor for bacterial growth.
Speciation of microbials has not been considered in order to reduce the cost of this measurement.
Furthermore speciation has more of a diagnostic nature than being performance based
benchmarking. Airborne microbials is measured as part of the air quality section of the base
building, tenant and whole building rating tools. The measurement protocol involves:
• Airborne microbials is reported as colony forming units per cubic metre (cfu/m3);
• For tenanted office areas the number of sample locations is determined by the general
sampling principles described in section 3.3;
• For both the tenant and whole building rating tools indoor airborne microbials is measured
at a height of 1.1 metres from the floor. For the base building rating tool the measurements
point are done at one metre from a supply diffuser. That is the sample inlet of the equipment
is placed to receive the direct air flow from the supply diffuser.
• The objective is that for the base building rating tool indoor airborne microbials as delivered
by the HVAC system without a potential contribution from occupant activities should be
recorded. On the other hand, with both the tenant and whole building rating tools indoor
airborne microbials as a total effect of air supply and occupant activities is recorded;
• Measurements are done at each designated location once during the time period 9:30am to
5pm. Measurements are done at each designated location over a five minute period using a
28 Litres per minutes air sampling rate;

© NABERS 2010
• A NATA accredited laboratory with experience in analysing culture media for mould and
bacteria is required. Incubation of culture media should be done at 37oC for bacteria and
room temperature for mould. Total airborne microbials at a given location is the sum of the
airborne mould and airborne bacteria at the same location;
• An overall median total airborne microbial is calculated from the individual location values
and recorded for the rating assessment.
Ambient Sound
Ambient sound is measured as part of the acoustic section of the base building, tenant and whole
building rating tools. A level 1 or level 2 sound level meter (also known as dose meter) as described
by AS1259 is used to measure sound levels. The meter should be set to read on the “A” scale to
record in dbA. The following minimum requirements apply:
Sound level
Range 30 – 100 dB
Accuracy ±1dB
Resolution 1dB

• Ambient sound is measured in dB on the A scale;
• In tenanted office areas the sound level is measured at a height of 1.1 metres above the
floor;
• For both the tenant and whole building rating tools the measurements are done at each
designated location at both of two time periods; 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm. With
base building rating the measurements are done once during the day and tenant noise must
be excluded from a base building acoustic comfort measurement;
• An overall median sound level for each type of space is calculated from the individual
location values and recorded for the rating assessment.

© NABERS 2010
Task Illuminance
Illuminance is measured as part of the lighting section of the tenant and whole building rating tools.
It is measured in tenanted offices. Light intensity measurements are made with a portable light
meter in accordance with AS1680.1 Appendix B. The equipment must be NATA calibrated. The
device must have been calibrated within the last twelve months. The following minimum
requirements apply:
Illuminance
Range 0 – 2000 lux
Accuracy ±5% over the range 1-1000 lux
Resolution 1 lux

• Measurements are recorded in lux;
• Light readings should not be taken within 10 days of more than 50% of lamps in an area
being replaced.
• The general lighting system should be operated on the day of measurements for at least 2
hours prior to measurements to allow the light output to stabilize. This can be confirmed by
the Assessor during the preliminary walk through inspection on the day of the assessment;
• Measurements are undertaken at workstations in the horizontal plane and vertical plane.
The person who is taking the measurements should sit at the workstation in the normal
manner as the occupant (or have the occupant remain at the desk if this is not inconvenient)
to record the measurement even if this results in a shadow on the lux meter. The horizontal
measurement is done either on the keyboard or between the keyboard and monitor if there
is sufficient space. The vertical plane measurement is done with the lux meter against the
computer monitor (reading the light hitting the monitor or the location where a monitor would
be);
• Lighting measurements are relatively easy and quick to take and lighting levels can change
dramatically from one area of an office to another (depending on partition layout, proximity
to windows and lighting grids). Therefore for each sampling location as specified there
needs to be three sets of light readings taken in close proximity (e.g. five to ten metres) to
that sampling point.
12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm;
• An overall median task illuminance in the horizontal and vertical planes is calculated from
the respective individual location values and recorded for the rating assessment.

© NABERS 2010
Appendix 1: Summary of Data Collection

The following table is a summary only of the different measures and the data that is to be collected.
It is provided for easy reference only. If there is a conflict the written text of the Validation Protocol
and this Guidance Document are always to take precedence.
Sampling requirements are as per section 3.3

© NABERS 2010
NABERS Indoor Environment for offices Data Collection Guidance Document
Parameter Measure Rating Type Other Requirements Sampling Location Data Collection
Thermal Space Temperature Base Building and Morning and afternoon One average reading of at In the occupied space
Comfort: Whole Building reading during two least five minutes duration
specified time periods for at each sampling location
all building types
Tenancy Not required Not required Not required
Outdoor Temperature Base Building and Only required for naturally One average reading of at In the plant room
Whole Building ventilated buildings. least five minutes duration
Morning and afternoon for morning and one for
reading during two afternoon
specified time periods
Relative Humidity Base Building and Only required for One average reading of at In the occupied space
Whole Building mechanical or mixed mode least five minutes duration
buildings. Morning and at each sampling location
afternoon reading during
two specified time periods
Air Speed Base Building and Morning and afternoon One average reading of at In the occupied space
Whole Building reading during two least five minutes duration
specified time periods for at each sampling location
all building types

© NABERS 2010
Air Quality: Carbon Dioxide Base Building Morning and afternoon One average reading of at In the occupied space with
reading during two least five minutes duration readings of supply air, and
specified time periods at each sampling location plant room
and in the plant room
Tenancy and Morning and afternoon One average reading of at In the occupied space
Whole Building reading during two least five minutes duration reading ambient conditions,
specified time periods at each sampling location and plant room
and in the plant room
Carbon Monoxide Base Building and Morning and afternoon One average reading of at In the plant room
Whole Building reading during two least five minutes duration
specified time periods for morning and one for
afternoon
Particulate Matter Base Building Morning and afternoon One average reading of at In the occupied space with
reading during two least five minutes duration readings of supply air
specified time periods at each sampling location
Tenancy and Morning and afternoon One average reading of at In the occupied space
Whole Building reading during two least five minutes duration reading ambient conditions
specified time periods at each sampling location
Airborne Microbials Base Building One reading to be taken One reading on each In the occupied space with
between 9:30am to 5pm sampled floor, with a readings of supply air, and
minimum of two readings in plant room
Tenancy and One reading to be taken One reading on each In the occupied space
Whole Building between 9:30am to 5pm sampled floor, with a reading ambient conditions,
minimum of two readings and in plant room

© NABERS 2010
Air Quality Formaldehyde Whole Building One reading to be taken One reading on each In the occupied space
Continued: and Tenancy between 9:30am to 5pm sampled floor, with a reading ambient conditions
minimum of two readings
Base Building Not required Not required Not required
Total Volatile Organic Compounds Whole Building One reading to be taken One reading on each In the occupied space
and Tenancy between 9:30am to 5pm sampled floor, with a reading ambient conditions
minimum of two readings
Lighting: Horizontal and vertical light levels Whole Building Morning and afternoon Three pairs of readings In the occupied space
and Tenancy reading during two adjacent to each sampling reading ambient conditions
specified time periods location at workstations
Acoustic Noise Whole Building Morning and afternoon One reading at each In the occupied space
Comfort: and Tenancy reading during two sampling location reading ambient conditions
specified time periods
Base Building Once during the day One reading at each In the occupied space
sampling location reading ambient conditions,
excluding tenant noise.
Occupant Thermal Comfort, Air Quality, Whole Building One completed survey per Individual occupants Must be completed before
Satisfaction Lighting, Acoustic Comfort and the rated building physical data collection
Survey: addition of Office Layout
Air Quality, Acoustic Comfort, Tenancy One completed survey per Individual occupants Must be completed before
Lighting and Office Layout rated building physical data collection

© NABERS 2010

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NABERS Indoor Environment for offices

Data Collection Guidance Document

Issue date: August 2010 Page 2 of 53 Version 3.2

Clarified requirements for NATA accredited external laboratory. Revised 3.1

Covers the indoor environment of offices within a space occupied by a

2 Requirements for Completing an Assessment

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2.1 Data required

Number of Floors Number of rated Number of rated Number of rated

Thermal Comfort: Not Applicable

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Indoor Environment Weighting based on importance to occupant health and comfort

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3 Planning the Assessment

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3.1 Occupant Satisfaction Survey

3.2 Quantitative Measurements

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Indoor Environment Rating Types Temporal Conditions Location

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3.3 Sampling Locations

Calculating the area covered by the rating

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Calculating the number of samples per floor

Calculating the number of floors to be sampled

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For locations on each sampled floor:

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4.1 Data required

The rated area is calculated in accordance with

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5.1 Data required, definitions, and interpretations

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Naturally Ventilated Buildings:

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5.2 Mechanical and Mixed Mode Buildings

Are there BMS records for Yes Use either weekly or

Are there independent and Yes Use either quarterly or

Take temperature readings

Take relative humidity

Take spot air movement

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5.3 Naturally Ventilated buildings

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Are there BMS records for Yes Use either weekly or

Are there independent and Yes Use either quarterly or

Take temperature readings

Are there BMS records for Yes Apply these to the

Are there independent and Yes Apply these to the

Take outdoor temperature

Take spot air movement

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Accuracy requirements for naturally ventilated thermal comfort ratings