Team CE

Team CE

Articles written by the Certified Energy technical team covering NatHERS, BASIX and building performance in Australia.

Recent posts by Team CE

25 min read

Green Star Homes vs BASIX | Key Differences

By Team CE on Jun 8, 2026 1:30:21 PM

NSW Residential Sustainability Comparison

Green Star Homes and BASIX can both influence the sustainability of a new home in New South Wales, but they serve different purposes, apply to different project structures and produce different forms of evidence and recognition.

 

BASIX is a New South Wales residential sustainability assessment used within the planning and development approval pathway. Where it applies, the project must complete the relevant assessment and carry the resulting certificate commitments into the design and construction documentation.

Green Star Homes is a separate voluntary certification framework administered by the Green Building Council of Australia. It is structured for eligible volume home builders delivering repeatable home designs or residential product ranges.

A NSW home may therefore require BASIX regardless of whether Green Star Homes certification is being pursued. The two pathways can be coordinated, but neither replaces the other. For full pathway guidance, visit the Green Star Homes Knowledge Hub and the BASIX assessment page.

Topics: BASIX Residential Sustainability Frameworks Green Star Homes Residential Compliance
7 min read

BASIX Checklist Before You Lodge Your DA or CDC

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 10:23:33 AM

Before lodging a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate in NSW, it is worth checking that the BASIX Certificate matches the plans, specifications and project details being submitted. BASIX is not just a form to attach at the end. It records the water, energy and thermal performance commitments that need to follow the project through approval, construction and final certification.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
9 min read

BASIX at Occupation Certificate Stage

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 10:02:29 AM

BASIX remains important at occupation certificate stage because the project needs to be built in accordance with the commitments shown on the BASIX Certificate. The certificate is not only a planning document. It follows the project through approval, construction and final certification.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
9 min read

BASIX at Construction Certificate Stage

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 9:59:31 AM

BASIX does not stop being relevant once a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate has been lodged. For many NSW residential projects, BASIX becomes especially important again at construction certificate stage because the plans and specifications need to show how the BASIX commitments will actually be delivered.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
9 min read

How Long Is a BASIX Certificate Valid?

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 9:58:00 AM

A BASIX Certificate is valid for 3 months before it is submitted to council or an accredited certifier. This means the certificate should be lodged with the Development Application or Complying Development Certificate application within 3 months of being generated. If it is not lodged within that time, a new certificate will need to be generated and additional fees may apply.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
10 min read

BASIX for Mixed Use Developments in NSW

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 9:56:03 AM

Mixed use developments in NSW can require more than one energy or sustainability compliance pathway. If the project includes residential apartments or dwellings, BASIX will usually apply to the residential component. If the same building also includes retail, office, restaurant, commercial or other non-residential areas, those areas may require a separate NCC energy efficiency pathway such as Section J.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
10 min read

BASIX for Apartments and Residential Flat Buildings in NSW

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 9:51:45 AM

Apartment buildings and residential flat buildings in NSW generally need BASIX as part of the residential approval pathway. These projects can be more complex than single dwellings or townhouse rows because the assessment may need to include many apartments, different dwelling types, common areas, central services, lifts, shared gardens, car parks, pools, spas and building-wide energy and water systems.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
11 min read

BASIX for Townhouses and Multi Dwelling Housing in NSW

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 9:50:11 AM

BASIX for Townhouses and Multi Dwelling Housing in NSW

Townhouses, villas and other multi dwelling housing projects in NSW generally need BASIX as part of the residential approval pathway. These projects can be more complex than a single dwelling because the assessment may need to account for multiple homes, different orientations, shared walls, common areas, central services, private gardens and shared infrastructure.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
10 min read

BASIX for Dual Occupancies in NSW

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 9:48:40 AM

Dual occupancy projects in NSW generally need BASIX as part of the residential approval pathway. A dual occupancy may be attached or detached, and it may involve two dwellings on one lot, future subdivision, shared services or separate dwelling arrangements. Because there is more than one dwelling involved, the BASIX assessment often needs more careful coordination than a single dwelling project.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
11 min read

Rainwater Tanks and BASIX: When Are They Needed?

By Team CE on Jun 7, 2026 9:43:26 AM

Rainwater tanks can be an important part of BASIX water compliance for NSW residential projects. They may help reduce potable water demand by supplying alternative water for uses such as garden irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry or pool top-up, depending on the project and how the tank is connected.

Topics: BASIX NatHERS 7 Star Homes BASIX Certificates NatHERS Existing Homes
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