Articles - Certified Energy

Here’s what you need to know about BASIX

Written by Deniro Stocks | Nov 6, 2019 4:00:00 AM

 

BASIX forms part of the New South Wales residential planning and approval system.

The assessment applies to many residential developments across NSW, including:

  • new homes
  • alterations and additions
  • duplex developments
  • multi-dwelling residential projects

BASIX evaluates areas including:

  • water efficiency
  • energy efficiency
  • thermal comfort

 

WHAT IS A BASIX CERTIFICATE?

A BASIX Certificate confirms that a proposed residential project meets the required NSW sustainability benchmarks.

Depending on the project type, BASIX documentation may form part of a:

  • Development Application (DA)
  • Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

The assessment process often works alongside NatHERS thermal modelling and residential building performance analysis.

 

BASIX REQUIREMENTS IN NSW

BASIX requirements can vary depending on:

  • project type
  • climate zone
  • approval pathway
  • glazing performance
  • thermal comfort requirements

Assessments commonly apply to:

  • new dwellings
  • renovations and additions
  • secondary dwellings
  • duplexes
  • townhouse developments
  • residential flat buildings

Early coordination between design, planning and building performance assessments can help reduce redesigns later in the approval process.

 

WATER, ENERGY AND THERMAL PERFORMANCE

BASIX assessments focus on three primary performance areas.

Water Efficiency

Water efficiency targets aim to reduce potable water consumption through elements such as:

  • rainwater harvesting
  • efficient fixtures
  • plumbing strategies
  • water-efficient appliances

Energy Efficiency

Energy performance considers factors including:

  • glazing performance
  • insulation
  • lighting
  • hot water systems
  • appliance efficiency

Thermal Comfort

Thermal comfort assessments evaluate how the home performs across different climate conditions and seasons.

This may include consideration of:

  • orientation
  • shading
  • glazing design
  • ventilation
  • insulation
  • passive solar design

Explore the relationship between BASIX and NatHERS.

 

THERMAL COMFORT AND BUILDING PERFORMANCE

Thermal comfort forms a major part of residential building performance in NSW.

Good early-stage design decisions can significantly influence:

  • heating and cooling demand
  • long-term comfort
  • glazing performance
  • natural light
  • overall energy efficiency

Factors such as orientation, shading and ventilation often play an important role in achieving stronger BASIX outcomes.

BASIX TARGETS AND BENCHMARKS

BASIX benchmarks are based on NSW residential sustainability targets.

The framework aims to improve:

  • residential water efficiency
  • greenhouse gas reduction
  • thermal comfort performance

Performance requirements may vary depending on:

  • building type
  • postcode
  • climate zone
  • project scope

 

PREPARING FOR A BASIX ASSESSMENT

Preparing documentation early can help streamline the approval process and reduce delays during planning or construction stages.

This may involve reviewing:

  • architectural plans
  • glazing schedules
  • insulation selections
  • orientation
  • shading strategies
  • thermal performance pathways

For some projects, adjustments may be required during the design process to improve compliance outcomes.

 

BASIX AND RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

BASIX is not only about compliance documentation.

The assessment process can also support better long-term residential performance outcomes through:

  • improved thermal comfort
  • reduced energy demand
  • lower water consumption
  • more efficient building design

Early collaboration between designers, consultants and building performance assessors can often improve both approval efficiency and long-term occupant comfort.

 

NEED HELP WITH A BASIX CERTIFICATE?

Certified Energy provides BASIX assessments, NatHERS ratings and residential building performance advice for projects across New South Wales.

Services may support:

  • new homes
  • renovations and additions
  • duplexes
  • multi-dwelling developments
  • residential performance assessments

Explore BASIX assessments and residential building performance guidance across NSW.

 

Continue exploring BASIX →