A simple definition of Sustainable Development is a building that meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
BASIX is the Australian approach to sustainable development. It is a NSW government initiative compelling owners / developers to consider the environment when planning their building. Broadly it calls for the building to use less, have less impact and be more ‘self-sufficient’.
The main components are: –
- Energy – clean / green or renewable energy source to give the occupant light, ventilation, heating etc;
- Water – use and reuse in buildings and or surrounding land; and
- Thermal Comfort – achieving comfort living environments through use of building forms, orientation, site constraints etc.
As you can see, the clever use of energy is a large part of BASIX. The initial costs may seem high, but they can be reduced with clever planning. You will find a payoff down the track too through reduced power and heating bills, better resale values and cheaper water usage. The BASIX commitment to consider present and future energy use forms part of the development application process and is monitored through the stages of construction.
Because BASIX additions to a project are such fundamental infrastructure (grey water systems, solar energy, insulation etc) it is vital that BASIX planning is undertaken before starting the project. Make sure a BASIX expert is on board before commencement as installation half way through the build is time consuming, expensive and occasionally sub-optimal in terms of the final outcome.
BASIX, which stands for Building Sustainability Index, is a NSW Government initiative that ensures new homes and renovations meet minimum sustainability standards. It’s a mandatory part of the development application process for new residential buildings and certain alterations and additions.BASIX aims to reduce the environmental impact of new homes by focusing on water efficiency, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
What BASIX is:
- Sustainability Assessment Tool:
BASIX is an online tool used to assess the sustainability performance of residential buildings in NSW. - Mandatory Requirement:
It’s a mandatory part of the development application process for new homes and certain renovations in NSW. - Focus on Sustainability:
BASIX focuses on reducing the environmental impact of new homes by promoting water and energy efficiency, and thermal comfort.
What BASIX covers:
- New Residential Buildings:
All new detached and single-attached houses, as well as alterations and additions to existing dwellings that cost $50,000 or more, need to meet BASIX standards. - Water and Energy Efficiency:
BASIX sets standards for water consumption and energy use, encouraging the use of more efficient appliances and building designs. - Thermal Comfort:
BASIX also considers thermal performance, ensuring homes are designed to be comfortable in different weather conditions.
Why BASIX is important:
- Reduced Environmental Impact:
BASIX helps reduce the environmental impact of new homes by promoting water and energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. - Cost Savings:
By promoting efficient designs and materials, BASIX can lead to long-term cost savings for homeowners. - Sustainable Development:
BASIX is a key component of the NSW Government’s commitment to sustainable development.
How BASIX works:
- 1. Assessment:
The BASIX tool assesses the sustainability of building designs by evaluating water, energy, and thermal comfort. - 2. Certificate:
Once the assessment is complete, a BASIX certificate is issued, which confirms that the building meets the required sustainability standards. - 3. Submission:
The BASIX certificate must be submitted with the development application to the council.
