NABERS Embodied Emissions Materials Form NSW — What It Is and Why Your Development Needs One (2026 Guide)

A NABERS Embodied Emissions Materials Form is now a mandatory requirement for many NSW developments under the Sustainable Buildings SEPP (2022). The report must be submitted at both the Development Application (DA) and Construction Certificate (CC) stages and provides a detailed breakdown of the material quantities used in a project. NABERS uses these verified quantities to calculate the project’s embodied emissions. At MSQS we measure, verify and certify the material quantities required for NABERS embodied emissions reporting.

Why NABERS Embodied Emissions Materials Form Exists

The NSW Government introduced embodied emissions reporting to:

• Improve transparency around construction materials

• Provide councils with consistent sustainability data

• Support long‑term environmental planning

• Ensure developments meet the reporting obligations of the Sustainable Buildings SEPP

This report is not a performance rating. It does not require your project to meet a carbon target. It is purely a mandatory reporting requirement.

What the NABERS Embodied Emissions Materials Form Includes

A compliant NABERS Embodied Emissions Report focuses on material quantity measurement, not carbon calculation.

1. Material Quantity Schedules

Accurate quantities for major construction materials, including:

• Concrete and reinforcement

• Structural steel

• Masonry

• Glazing

• Timber

• Roofing and façade elements

• Other significant building components

These quantities form the basis of NABERS’ embodied emissions calculation.

2. NABERS Material Forms

Completed NABERS templates for DA and CC lodgement, including:

• Material quantity tables

• Construction scope details

• Project information required by councils and certifiers

3. Verification Requirements

For non‑residential projects, NABERS requires material quantities to be verified by:

• A Qualified Quantity Surveyor (QS), or

• A NABERS‑accredited assessor

This ensures accuracy and compliance with the Sustainable Buildings SEPP.

4. Full Scope

The report covers the materials used up to the point of installation, including:

• Manufacturing

• Processing

• Transport to site

• On‑site installation quantities

MSQS focuses on measuring and verifying quantities, not modelling carbon.

When You Need a NABERS Embodied Emissions Report

You must submit the report at two key stages:

1. Development Application (DA) Stage

• Preliminary material quantities

• Early design assumptions

• Required for DA lodgement under the SEPP

2. Construction Certificate (CC) Stage

• Final verified quantities

• Updated schedules based on construction documentation

• Required before construction begins

Both stages must comply with NABERS and SEPP requirements.

How MSQS Supports Your NABERS Compliance

MSQS provides a streamlined, accurate and compliant NABERS reporting service. Our process includes:

✔ Accurate Material Quantity Measurement

Prepared by qualified quantity surveyors using construction drawings, specifications and BIM models where available.

✔ Verified NABERS Material Forms

Completed and ready for DA and CC submission.

✔ Clear, Transparent Documentation

Easy for councils, certifiers and design teams to review.

✔ Fast Turnaround

Most NABERS material quantity reports are completed within 1-2 business days.

✔ Compliance With SEPP Requirements

Ensuring your project meets all mandatory reporting obligations.

✔ Support Across All Project Types

Residential, commercial, mixed‑use, industrial and government projects.

Why Choose MSQS

• Reports prepared by qualified quantity surveyors

• Fully compliant with NABERS and Sustainable Buildings SEPP (2022)

• Fast turnaround for DA and CC submissions

• Clear, accurate and transparent quantity schedules

• Trusted by architects, developers and certifiers across NSW

• Over a decade of experience in NSW compliance reporting

Key Takeaway

A NABERS Embodied Emissions Report is now a key compliance requirement for NSW developments. It provides verified material quantities that NABERS uses to calculate embodied emissions and ensures your project meets the reporting obligations of the Sustainable Buildings SEPP.

MSQS delivers accurate, compliant and timely NABERS material quantity reports — helping you progress your DA and CC submissions with confidence.

Have a commercial project requiring a NABERS Embodied Emissions Report?
Contact the MSQS team today