The Building Sustainability Index (simply known as BASIX) constitutes a vital element of NSW’s development application process. It introduced specific standards and construction protocols to minimise potable water usage, energy consumption, and carbon footprints from new residential structures.
BASIX also standardises thermal performance requirements to ensure that the interior of the residential structures remains cool in hot seasons and warm during the winter without using a large amount of energy.
NSW Government introduced basic certificate on 1st July 2004. Since the conceptualisation and implementation of the BASIX certificate, more than half a million residential dwellings in NSW now comply with BASIX water and energy-saving standards.
Wondering if BASIX actually made an impact? Let’s go through the figures:
- All BASIX certified homes collectively saved approximately 340 billion litres of potable water. This saving is equivalent to 135,000 Olympic swimming pools.
- The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is equivalent to approximately 12.3 million tonnes. Savings in CO2 production is equivalent to planting 40 million trees.
Why did NSW Government Decide To Increase The Existing BASIX Standards?
The current BASIX thermal performance and energy expenditure standards have been implemented and continued since July 2017.
In 2019, the federal, state and territory governments signed an agreement on Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings. This national plan aims to accomplish zero energy and zero carbon footprint buildings.
The national plan proposes to implement cost-effective increases to the energy efficiency standards of the National Construction Code (NCC) for residential constructions from 2022. The NSW Government aspires to achieve net-zero emission targets by 2050 through the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings.
In accordance with the proposed changes to NCC, the NSW is aligning modifications in BASIX thermal performance and energy standards. These modifications are implemented in 2022.
The higher energy standards will also work towards achieving the net-zero target.
What Are The Proposed Changes To BASIX?
Increasing The Energy And Thermal Performance Standards
The standards for energy and thermal performance in the BASIX certificate are increased to stay consistent with the NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan. The proposed standards are introduced after a rigorous cost-benefit analysis.
Also, the newly introduced standards will be reviewed every few years to achieve the goal of the Government’s net-zero objectives and to stay strong on the commitment to the national Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings.
Introducing A New Component Of Embodied Carbon Emission
A new BASIX materials index will be added to measure the embodied carbon emissions of the material used in the construction of each home.
It will be similar to the already exciting three existing BASIX elements. That is, the developer project owner will require to provide certain additional information about the residential project and abide by the pre-determined standards for the embodied carbon emissions.
Ensure that you hire professional services for preparing your BASIX report, NABERS Rating
And Section J report.
Updates In The Online BASIX Tool
To enhance the user experience, simplicity and efficiency, the online BASIX Tool is undergoing renovation for integration with the Planning Portal. As part of this, there will be certain modifications in some BASIX methodologies (e.g. for lifts, lighting and appliances) reflecting the ongoing updates and feedback from the relevant stakeholders.
Introduction Of An Alternative Merit Assessment Pathway
To offer greater flexibility in demonstrating that your residential project has fulfilled the NSW sustainability requirements, the NSW Government also introduced a merit assessment pathway.
With this provision, a recognised professional can complete a sustainability assessment through other accredited modelling software.
As an alternative to a BASIX assessment, assessments done through another accredited application (other than BASIX) can be submitted for obtaining a development application.
What Will Be The Benefits Of Higher BASIX Sustainability Standards?
Cheaper Energy Bills
Residents living in homes fulfilling the proposed higher standards of BASIX Certificate will require reduced energy for regular operations inside the residence.
However, the energy savings will vary from location, type of construction and the class of buildings.
Let’s take a look at the estimated forecast on energy expenditure savings:
- Residents of new high-rise apartments located in suburban Sydney can enjoy annual savings between $91 and $196 on energy bills.
- Residents of private houses in Western Sydney can enjoy annual energy bill savings between $840 and $850 bills in 2022.
- Occupants of large houses located in Wester Sydney can benefit from annual energy savings of around $365.
There can be a substantial difference in savings based on the location. Energy bill savings can contribute to reducing financial stress on households.
More Comfortable And Healthy Living Condition
Residential structures complying with the proposed higher thermal performance standards will naturally remain cooler during the warm season and warmer in the winter months. The dependency on artificial heating and cooling systems (heater or air conditioner) will significantly reduce.
Reduced Carbon Dioxide Emissions
The proposed higher standards will minimise greenhouse gas footprints by another 150,000 tonnes a year, which is almost equal to planting 485,000 trees.
Increased Property Value
The enhanced living standards, reduced energy bills, and ecological benefits significantly increase the property value of your residential projects.
How Can You Meet The New BASIX Standards?
Building consultants, project owners and developers can select various measures to comply with the proposed higher thermal performance and energy standards.
Such measures include:
- Installing better insulation, enhancing the performance of glazing, strategical location of windows, facilities for good airflow, provisions for shading and sunlight to naturally cool and heat living spaces.
- Implementing a better energy-efficient hot water system such as a solar hot water system.
- Selecting photovoltaic panels for supplementing a 5-star gas hot-water system, generally utilised to fulfilling the current energy standards.
- Choosing an energy-efficient artificial heating and cooling system, for example, a 3-star reverse cycle air-conditioning system.
With professional services for BASIX and NABERS rating, you can reduce complications in the documentation and entire processes.
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