Design for Performance

CONTENTS

Design for Performance

Design for Performance is the process whereby a developer or owner commits to design, build and commission a new office development or major refurbishment to achieve a specific NABERS UK Energy rating. 

Why use Design for Performance? 

There are many reasons why a project should implement Design for Performance, including:   

  • Increased likelihood of achieving a net zero carbon development in operation by bridging the performance gap between design intent and operations

  • Attraction of blue chip and/or anchor tenants, who often value or have requirements for sustainable buildings 

  • Reduced capital costs by specifying more appropriately sized plant and equipment 

  • Increased likelihood of achieving your desired build quality and operational performance 

  • Marketing and communications opportunities 

  • Respected process involving an expert third-party, Independent Design Review to highlight risks and opportunities
     

The Design for Performance process 

This flow diagram illustrates the Design for Performance process from Committing to a NABERS UK Energy Target Rating through to obtaining a full licence to promote your Design Reviewed Target Rating. Following this step, developers must reach out to a NABERS UK Licensed Assessor listed on NABERS UK register to NABERS UK Energy for Offices and obtain a NABERS UK Rating when the building is operational. 

Please note: customers can obtain a NABERS UK Energy Rating for their operational buildings without having gone through the Design for Performance process.  

 

1. Sign an agreement 

Sign the Design for Performance Agreement and pay the fee. 

  • (please ensure you are using the most recent version of the DfP Agreement available on the website as this is regularly updated!) 

  • We’ll send you a counter-signed Agreement. 

  • You will then be able to promote your target Energy rating using approved wording. 

Please note, if you want to promote your Target Rating, you must sign a DfP Agreement. If you haven’t signed a Design for Performance Agreement but have begun the Design for Performance process, you will not be able to obtain an Independent Design Review Certificate or promote your Target Rating until signing and paying the fees. Please see Schedule 1 of the Design for Performance Agreement for approved wording on marketing material. 

2. Design, document and model  

  • Design the building or space to operate at the target Energy rating nominated in your Design for Performance Agreement. 

  • Prepare the model, simulation report and minimum documentation as detailed in the Guide to Design for Performance. 

  3. Get an Independent Design Review (IDR) report  

  • Contract a member of the Independent Design Review (IDR) Panel to review the project and obtain an IDR report as detailed in the Guide to Design for Performance.  

4. Submit the IDR report  

  • After we’ve approved the report, you’ll have a full licence to promote your target rating. This includes using the NABERS UK Design for Performance certificate and logo.   

5. Get a NABERS Energy rating once the project is in operation  

  • Arrange for a NABERS UK Accredited Assessor to carry out an Energy for Offices rating on the premises to demonstrate whether you’ve met your target Energy rating. This rating will be based on 12 months of real, operational energy usage. You can get in contact with a NABERS UK Licensed assessor for your project here. 

 Is my building eligible for NABERS Design for Performance?   

Your building is eligible if it’s an office development that is either a new build or major refurbishment, and in the Design Stages (up to RIBA Stage 5). 

To find out more about the steps, rights and obligations involved in Design for Performance, email us at nabersuk@cibsecertification.org

Design for Performance register 

The tables below list the design for performance projects that have set a NABERS UK energy target rating, To see the projects that have received their certified Design Review Target Ratings, please go to CIBSE Online Register. 

The projects outlined below are the first in the UK to implement this pioneering approach to office design and delivery, stimulating project supply chains and providing the real-life evidence of how the energy performance gap can be closed. 

Design for Performance register The following developments are Pioneering Design for Performance: 

For Design Review Target Ratings, please go to CIBSE Certification's Online Register to see all Certified DfP Projects that have received their Design Review Target Rating.

Ratings for buildings certified by the previous Administrator will continue to be published here until the ongoing contract novation process has been completed. 

 

How to apply 

Download the Design for Performance Agreement and email your completed and signed form to nabersuk@cibsecertification.org. 

As part of the Design for Performance process you’ll need to engage a member of the Independent Design Review Panel to conduct a review of your design documentation and model. 

If you have technical questions regarding your project’s application to Design for Performance, you can contact an Independent Design Review panellist who will be able to assist you 

Please see the list of members to the Independent Design Review Panel; 

The Example Simulation Report demonstrates the key features of a simulation report compliant with the requirements of a Design for Performance Agreement. As a part of the Independent Design Review process, this report guides those who are producing a Simulation Report for their Independent Design Review. 

See Pricing for CIBSE Certification charges for this service.