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NSW: Here is why we need BASIX homes

By Chloe Huang on Nov 14, 2019 1:00:00 PM

Image of BASIX Home

 

While investing in a BASIX-certified home is not the only step we need to take to make our homes safer from fires, it is a big step to contributing less greenhouse gas emissions as, we know, rising greenhouse gas emissions contribute to warming the planet. In this article, we will examine why BASIX-certified homes is a response to recent bushfires and how these homes might prevent it from happening in the future.

 

NSW: Here is why we need BASIX homes

Photo: Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute - University of Melbourne

Climate change, bushfires

A recent article from The Guardian explained the correlation of greenhouse gas emissions and increased bushfire risk in the best layman’s term possible—complex but clear. The same article mentioned that climate change does not create bushfires, but it can and does make them worse. The article also explained that dryness, humidity, temperature, fuel load, and wind speed contribute to risks in bushfire.

In retrospect

Australia has endured a number of bushfires, for decades.

One of the most devastating bushfires in Victoria and South Australia’s history include the 1983 Ash Wednesday Bushfire. Information from Australian Disaster Resilience’s Knowledge Hub mentions that there were 2000 homes destroyed, 1500 people were injured and 75 were reported to have died from the bushfire. Insurance costs related to the bushfires reached over AUD 176 million.

NSW: Here is why we need BASIX homes

Photo: Phys.org

The following year, in 1984, New South Wales experienced its worst bushfire season. The disaster was so intense it continued the following year, and spanned for a total of over five months. A total of 3.5 million hectares were damaged and there were four fatalities reported.

The southernmost state of Australia, Tasmania, was no exception to the bushfires. 40 fires destroyed 203 homes and reported one casualty. The disaster estimated to have reached AUD 89 million in insurance claims.

BASIX homes: A response

To combat rapid climate change, one of the things we can do is to make sure our households are sustainable, water-efficient, and energy-saving homes. As mentioned in our previous blog, these savings are vital in helping the environment warm at a slower rate, if not to stop it from warming completely.

 

Sources:

The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/11/what-are-the-links-between-climate-change-and-bushfires-explainer

Australian Disaster Resilience Knowledge Hub - https://knowledge.aidr.org.au

 

Chloe Huang

Written by Chloe Huang