Pro-invest Group, a leader in sustainable hotel operations and development, has reaffirmed its commitment to ESG principles by being the first hotel group to actively embrace NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System), which is set to be the gold standard for sustainable reporting.

With fewer than 200 hotels in Australia out of an estimated 6,000 properties having a NABERS rating, the latest substantiation from NABERS has seen 12 Pro-invest Hotels included, with most scoring between 4.5 stars to 5.5 stars for energy and water savings.

This marks a critical step in the company’s sustainability journey and positions Pro-invest Group as an industry leader in environmental responsibility. As the hospitality industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint, the implementation of NABERS ratings will play a transformative role in achieving Australia’s carbon neutrality targets and fostering long-term resilience.

Government Policy on NABERS a Catalyst for Change

NABERS is Australia’s leading independent, performance-based rating system, measuring a building’s energy, water, and environmental efficiency. This year, the Australian Government introduced a new policy that emphasises sustainability in procurement processes, with the NABERS rating becoming a key criterion for selecting accommodation providers.

Hotels that adopt high NABERS standards are going to be increasingly favoured by federal and state government agencies, which underscores the importance of Pro-invest’s early adoption of the program. If the implementation of NABERS ratings in office spaces is any kind of indication, corporate clients will soon follow suit in demanding NABERS accreditation in their procurement policies.

Pro-invest’s proactive approach positions the group ahead of the curve as demand for certified sustainable hotels continues to rise. This commitment not only sets the group apart, but also influences the broader industry to move towards more sustainable practices.

In addition, high NABERS ratings deliver tangible environmental benefits alongside significant operational savings, which increases the value of any asset that is part of the program. This makes a strong argument for investors, government, corporate and consumers alike.

“We are incredibly proud to champion NABERS as part of our ESG journey,” said Ronald Barrott, Founder & Chairman of Pro-invest Group. “Sustainability is not just a responsibility, but also an opportunity to create lasting value for our guests, our investors, and the planet. Embedding NABERS into our operations ensures we are accountable and transparent in our sustainability commitments, while driving us towards continuous improvements.”

A Proven Track Record: Pro-invest Group’s ESG Commitments

Since its inception, Pro-invest Group has been a pioneer in integrating energy efficiency and sustainable considerations throughout the investment process, asset development, management and guest experience. When Pro-invest launched its first Hospitality Fund in 2016, it was one of the first of its type to integrate energy efficiency into its investment criteria. Their 'One Earth, Countless Experiences,' ethos is fundamental, underscoring the link between sustainable practices, strong governance, and financial returns, with Pro-invest Group’s efforts backed by its strong GRESB Real Estate, scores which have more than doubled between 2017 to 2023.

GRESB is an independent organisation that provides validated ESG performance data and peer benchmarks for investors and managers to improve business intelligence, industry engagement, and decision-making. Pro-invest Group’s Developments scored 90/100, well above the average. Between  2017 and 2024, the Group improved its GRESB Real Estate Standing Investment score from 29 to 72 out of 100, clearly showing its intent to continually improve the ESG standing of all its hotels.

NABERS Ratings

• Sebel Campbell Canberra – 5.5-stars Energy, 4.5-stars Water
• Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank – 5-stars Energy, 5.5-stars Water
• Holiday Inn Express Sunshine Coast – 5-stars Energy, 5.5-stars Water
• Sage Hotel Wollongong - 5-stars Energy, 5-stars Water
• Holiday Inn Express Newcastle – 5-stars Energy, 4.5-stars Water
• Sebel Civic Canberra – 5-stars Energy, 4.5-stars Water
• Holiday Inn Express Adelaide – 4.5-stars Energy, 4.5-stars Water
• Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central – 4.5-stars Energy, 4-stars Water
• Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park - 4.5-stars Energy, 4-stars Water
• Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport – 4.5 stars Energy
• Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins – 4-stars Energy, 4-stars Water
• Kimpton Margot Sydney – 3.5-stars Energy, 3.5-stars Water

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