FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

BASIX stands for Building Sustainability Index. It is an initiative by the New South Wales Government in Australia aimed at ensuring residential buildings meet certain sustainability targets. BASIX is a key part of the development approval process

A BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) certificate indicates that a residential building in New South Wales, Australia, meets the state's sustainability targets for water and energy efficiency, as well as thermal comfort. The certificate is part of the planning approval process and ensures that homes are designed and built to be more environmentally friendly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water.

The key areas assessed in BASIX are:

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Water Efficiency: Measures to reduce water consumption, such as rainwater tanks, water-efficient fixtures, and landscaping with drought-resistant plants.

Energy Efficiency: Measures to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including efficient lighting, insulation, solar panels, and high-performance windows.

Thermal Comfort: Design features that enhance the comfort of the building occupants by maintaining stable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Achieving a BASIX certificate is mandatory for all new residential developments and renovations in New South Wales to ensure sustainable building practices.

BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) requirements are aimed at improving the sustainability of residential buildings in New South Wales, Australia. The requirements are divided into three key areas:

Water Efficiency:

• Installation of water-efficient fixtures and fittings, such as low-flow showerheads, taps, and dual-flush toilets.

• Use of rainwater tanks for outdoor use, toilet flushing, and laundry.

• Incorporation of drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient irrigation systems.

Energy Efficiency:

• Use of energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and heating/cooling systems.

• Installation of insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce energy consumption.

• Incorporation of solar panels or other renewable energy sources

• Design considerations for natural ventilation, daylighting, and passive solar heating.

Thermal Comfort:

• Proper orientation of the building to maximize natural light and heat during winter and minimize it during summer.

• Use of appropriate glazing, shading devices, and thermal mass to maintain stable indoor temperatures.

• Ensuring that the building design reduces reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) requirements are aimed at improving the sustainability of residential buildings in New South Wales, Australia. The requirements are divided into three key areas:

Water Efficiency:

• Installation of water-efficient fixtures and fittings, such as low-flow showerheads, taps, and dual-flush toilets.

• Use of rainwater tanks for outdoor use, toilet flushing, and laundry.

• Incorporation of drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient irrigation systems.

Energy Efficiency:

• Use of energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and heating/cooling systems.

• Installation of insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce energy consumption.

• Incorporation of solar panels or other renewable energy sources

• Design considerations for natural ventilation, daylighting, and passive solar heating.

Thermal Comfort:

• Proper orientation of the building to maximize natural light and heat during winter and minimize it during summer.

• Use of appropriate glazing, shading devices, and thermal mass to maintain stable indoor temperatures.

• Ensuring that the building design reduces reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

BASIX stands for Building Sustainability Index. It is a sustainability assessment tool for residential buildings in NSW.

Contact us today, and let us handle everything from submission to thermal assessment.

The cost of obtaining a BASIX certificate can vary based on several factors, including the complexity and size of the project, as well as whether you choose to have the NaTHERS thermal assessment included.

A BASIX certificate is valid for three months before being submitted to the council or an accredited certifier. Once lodged, it remains valid for the entire duration of the Development Application. It is advisable to complete the BASIX assessment once the design is finalized and ready for submission.

BASIX, an initiative of the NSW government, sets minimum standards for water, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. NatHERS, a national scheme, provides energy ratings that can be used for the thermal comfort component of BASIX through the simulation method.

Yes, under the National Construction Code (NCC), there are minimum requirements for health and safety in the design and construction of new homes in Australia, which include NatHERS standards.

Yes, you can complete a BASIX certificate yourself, but it requires a good understanding of the BASIX assessment process and the associated sustainability requirements. With the increase to a 7 star thermal component, it is extremely hard to get a project to pass without having the plans assessed by an accredited assessor like ourselves.