How to become a Waterwise Building
This Program acknowledges the efforts of building owners and their ongoing commitment to water efficiency, to achieve improvements in water use. Find out if you’re eligible and how to join the Program.
Want to know more about the Program and its benefits? Visit Waterwise Building Program.
To be eligible to participate in the program, a building must have a NABERS office water rating (applies to buildings >2,000 square metres). Program parameters will be annually reviewed by the program administrators and may be expanded without notice.
You also need to meet the following criteria:
1. Submit a valid NABERS Office Water Rating report (this will include water use data and benchmark information)
2. Complete an endorsement application and if applicable/desired, apply for Gold Recognition category.
3. Once endorsed, each year you will be asked to complete a re-endorsement application to retain your endorsement and recognition level.
Gold waterwise buildings will be invited to submit an application for recognition as Platinum Waterwise Building of the Year.
Recognition categories
| Recognition level | Water cooled benchmark | NABERs water rating | Other cooled benchmark* | NABERS water rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endorsed (industry baseline) | 0.61 – 0.75 | 3.5 – 4.0 | 0.48 – 0.61 | 4.0 – 4.5 |
| Gold** |
< 0.61 + certification or criteria |
> 4.0 | < 0.48 | > 4.5 |
| Platinum** | Must meet relevant Gold criteria above, plus nominate to be considered for Platinum Waterwise Building of the Year. | |||
*Other cooled can include natural ventilation, hydronic, ground loop, geo-thermal and central system.
**To be eligible to receive Gold or Platinum levels of recognition a current NABERS water rating is required. This allows us to independently validate the results of high performing buildings before they are recognised.
Water use performance
To calculate your water use performance, divide your annual water use (based on reading year – contact us if you need the data) by your NLA. This gives your water use performance in kilolitres per square metre per year.
Tip: Use your submeter data to subtract water use from other facilities, such as food or retail outlets, in your calculations.