Why is BASIX Certification Required for New Homes in NSW?

September 27, 2022

Builders must ensure that their home construction projects will be appealing, durable, and valuable for a long time. To do this, they would incorporate structural materials that can withstand outdoor elements. They would also integrate appliances, furniture, and other things to ensure that the indoor areas will be appealing and functional for occupants and visitors.

These types of properties, however, should not only focus on appeal and durability. They must also integrate materials, systems, and other elements that would make them energy efficient.

Energy efficiency is a key factor that can make home properties last for a long time without worrying about their upkeep costs. It also ensures that these buildings will stay environmentally friendly throughout their building life.

An Overview of BASIX Certification

When it comes to construction projects, builders often rely on the Building Code of Australia or BCA in implementing the needed energy efficiency provisions of properties. But for residential projects in New South Wales, they should opt for the provisions set by the Building and Sustainability Index or BASIX so they can still meet BCA’s energy efficiency requirements. 

BASIX certification alongside Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme or NatHERS assessment is mandatory for all new homes in NSW. 

BASIX is hugely utilised in NSW as it can assess the potential performance of a building against different sustainability indices like thermal comfort, energy, and water use. It is often applied to Class 1 and 2 buildings, Class 4 parts of a building, and Class 10 buildings with a conditioned space. Achieving BASIX certification for homes and these buildings in NSW can effectively diminish greenhouse gas emissions and minimise water use across the said state.

Understanding BASIX Key Targets

As mentioned earlier, BASIX assesses the performance of a building against sustainability indices like thermal comfort, energy, and water use. These indices, also known as BASIX targets, should all be regulated properly so that a new home in NSW can be certified.

Thermal comfort is a BASIX target that considers the climate zone of a property's location. It also covers the form, insulation, glazing, and ventilation of the property. Energy is another BASIX target that can be affected by a property’s energy consumption of fixed appliances. Water, ultimately, is rated by checking the water usage of fixtures and fittings.

Make New Homes BASIX Certified

To ensure that new homes can achieve great thermal comfort, their main living areas should be on the north side to maximise north-faced glazing. Service rooms, alternatively, should be positioned on the west or south side of the building. Walls must then be insulated with R2.0 or R2.5 insulation, while the ceiling must have R3.0 or R3.5 insulation.

As for energy, new homes in NSW can be BASIX certified once they utilise typical 6-star gas instantaneous hot water service, reverse-cycle air conditioning system, gas cooktop, and LED lighting. Water, ultimately, can be regulated by using low-water plants in landscaped areas. Using 5-star tapware, rainwater tanks, WELS-rated showerheads, 4-star toilets and 3-star basin and kitchen taps can also help new homes in NSW to become BASIX certified.

To apply for a BASIX certificate, you can get in touch with our team at Empire Thermal Group. Our team ensures that you can achieve maximum savings and minimum energy usage. We can complete BASIX reports in-house and provide all relevant documents for council lodgement.

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