BASIX targets form part of the NSW planning system and are used to measure the environmental performance of residential developments across New South Wales.
The targets are designed to improve:
BASIX targets apply to many residential developments, including new homes, alterations and additions, duplexes and multi-dwelling projects.
Understanding how these targets operate early in the design process can help support smoother approvals, reduce redesigns and improve overall building performance outcomes.
BASIX targets are performance requirements established under the NSW Building Sustainability Index (BASIX).
The targets are used to assess whether a proposed residential development achieves the required sustainability outcomes before approval can be issued through the NSW planning system.
Rather than focusing on a single building element, BASIX evaluates how the entire home performs as a system.
This may include consideration of:
The required targets can vary depending on:
Water targets are intended to reduce potable water consumption across residential developments in NSW.
The BASIX assessment may consider:
Different NSW climate zones can influence the required water reduction targets and compliance pathways.
In many projects, early planning around rainwater systems and water-efficient fixtures can significantly improve BASIX outcomes.
Energy targets assess the projected energy performance of the proposed residential development.
This can include analysis of:
Good orientation, shading and building envelope design can often improve BASIX performance without relying solely on additional mechanical systems or high-specification products.
Early-stage design decisions frequently have the greatest influence on long-term energy efficiency outcomes.
Thermal comfort forms a major component of BASIX compliance in NSW.
The assessment evaluates how effectively the home maintains comfortable indoor temperatures throughout different seasons and climate conditions.
Factors influencing thermal comfort targets may include:
For many residential developments, thermal comfort compliance is assessed using NatHERS modelling software.
NatHERS provides a more detailed analysis of how the building is expected to perform under different environmental conditions.
BASIX targets are calculated using assessment tools that compare the proposed residential development against NSW sustainability requirements.
The assessment process may analyse:
The interaction between these elements influences whether the project achieves the required BASIX outcomes.
Because each project is different, BASIX targets are not applied as a fixed checklist and often require project-specific adjustments during the design process.
Several factors can significantly influence BASIX target outcomes, including:
Addressing these issues earlier in the design phase can often improve compliance efficiency and reduce unnecessary redesigns.
BASIX performance is closely connected to overall building design.
Well-considered passive design strategies can often improve:
This may involve coordination between:
Integrating these considerations early in the project can support smoother approvals and stronger long-term building outcomes.
BASIX and NatHERS are closely linked for many residential developments in NSW.
While BASIX establishes the broader sustainability framework, NatHERS modelling is commonly used to assess thermal comfort performance.
NatHERS can provide greater flexibility when balancing:
This can often support more cost-effective and better-performing residential designs.
BASIX targets are sustainability performance requirements relating to water efficiency, energy use and thermal comfort for residential developments in NSW.
Yes. BASIX targets can vary depending on climate zone, dwelling type and project conditions.
Yes. NatHERS modelling is commonly used to assess the thermal comfort component of BASIX compliance.
Yes. Orientation can significantly influence thermal comfort, glazing performance and overall energy efficiency outcomes.
Many alterations and additions in NSW require BASIX assessments where the value of works exceeds planning thresholds.