When people picture an all-electric building, they usually imagine a new house with solar panels and a heat pump. The NABERS 2025/26 Annual Report points somewhere less expected. Thirty-one existing offices and shopping centres have each passed 95% electrification over the past five years. These are working commercial buildings with tenants, shoppers and facilities managers, not showpiece prototypes. If large, complex buildings can move away from gas, the NABERS 2025/26 all-electric results also say something useful for ordinary households deciding on their next appliance, upgrade or renovation.
What the NABERS 2025/26 Report Actually Found
NABERS is the national rating system that measures how efficiently buildings use energy, water and more. Its latest annual report covers a busy year, and the electrification figure is the headline for anyone thinking about homes.
| Key finding | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Buildings with over 95% electrification | 31 existing offices and shopping centres, all reached within five years |
| Ratings certified in 2025/26 | 7,881 across all categories |
| Sustainable Portfolios Index | 67 portfolios from 31 companies, covering 402 office assets, 36 hotels and 6.3 million m² of shopping centre space |
| Ratings over the past decade | More than 9,000 buildings rated and over 55,000 ratings certified |
| Emissions avoided and energy costs saved | 15.2 million tonnes and $2.1 billion |
| First embodied carbon rating | Certified in December 2025 for an industrial facility in Kemps Creek |
One caution is worth stating. A building at 95% electrification is not the same as a home going fully electric, and homes have different loads and budgets. The value for households is in the direction of travel and the technology behind it, not a like-for-like comparison.
Why Commercial Buildings Going Electric Matters to Households
The NABERS Director, Carlos Flores, pointed to the technologies that have become cheaper and easier to find, including rooftop solar, batteries, heat pumps and electric vehicles. These are the same tools households are weighing up. When commercial owners adopt them at scale, it tends to build the local supply of installers, products and experience that homeowners then draw on.
Electrification also changes how people think about buildings and energy. The report stresses that buildings need to electrify, use electricity at smarter times, and keep efficiency front and centre. That last point matters at home. Swapping gas for electric appliances works best when the house is well sealed and insulated first, so the new equipment does not have to work harder than necessary.
Practical Takeaways for Your Own Home
You do not need to rebuild your house to benefit from this trend. Most households can move in steps, often when an appliance reaches the end of its life. A sensible order looks like this:
- Start with efficiency. Draught-proofing, ceiling insulation and good window coverings reduce the load on any heating or cooling system.
- Replace gas appliances as they wear out. A heat pump hot water system, a reverse-cycle air conditioner for heating and an induction cooktop are the usual candidates.
- Think about solar and a battery. The report notes that rooftop solar and efficiency can permanently reduce energy costs, and batteries add more control over when you use power.
- Plan for an electric vehicle. If you might buy one, check that your switchboard and wiring can support a home charger.
- Get quotes from licensed professionals. Costs, rebates and rules differ by state, so confirm current details before committing.
Flexibility: The Next Big Idea Coming Home
Another thread in the report is energy flexibility, which means shifting when electricity is used, stored or shared. NABERS completed a feasibility study on this for commercial buildings in early 2026. It found that moving about a third of peak use to the middle of the day could save an estimated $1.7 billion a year and cut energy-related emissions by 2.78 million tonnes annually.
For households, the idea is familiar on a smaller scale. Running a dishwasher or heating hot water in the middle of the day, when solar output is high, and using a battery in the evening are everyday versions of the same principle. As time-of-use tariffs spread, timing is likely to matter as much as total consumption on your bill.
Where the Industry Goes From Here
NABERS is preparing an update called NABERS Energy 2030, designed to reward all-electric buildings and strong efficiency. The report also mentions new rating work for apartment buildings and student accommodation, which is closer to how many Australians live. Government plans released in 2025 also recognise NABERS as part of the pathway to net zero by 2050. Homeowners should not expect these programs to change their lives overnight, but they signal where building standards and expectations are heading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean homes must go all-electric?
No. The NABERS findings describe commercial buildings that chose to electrify. Household rules and incentives vary by state and territory, so check your local requirements.
Is an all-electric home cheaper to run?
It depends on your tariff, usage, house efficiency and whether you have solar. The report notes that efficiency and rooftop solar can help households permanently reduce energy costs, but individual results vary.
What should I replace first?
Most people start with whatever is closest to the end of its life, commonly hot water or heating. Improving insulation and sealing first usually helps new equipment perform better.
What does 95% electrification mean for a building?
It means the building gets almost all of its energy from electricity rather than gas or other fuels. The 31 offices and centres in the report all passed that mark.
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