2 min read

Here’s what you need to know about BASIX

By Deniro Stocks on Nov 6, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Obtaining a Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) certificate is vital in the development application process in New South Wales and is applicable to all new residential dwelling types. This sustainable, water-efficient, and energy-saving measure is strictly implemented to those who are building a new home.

Topics: BASIX Accreditations Energy Efficiency Residential
2 min read

Building Ethics - Why We Need Them

By Deniro Stocks on Oct 24, 2019 11:00:00 AM

Earlier this year a structural engineer in Darwin was caught out on building design as it deemed to be considered non-compliant with the National Construction Code. The engineer was rightfully suspended of his engineering registration by the Northern Territory's Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DPIL).

Topics: Insider ESD BASIX NatHERS Accreditations Energy Efficiency Opinion Commercial
2 min read

The Evolution of Environmentally Friendly Windows

By Chloe Huang on Oct 11, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Windows have developed over time from single glazing, double glazing, and more recently self-tinting (Suntuitive) glazed windows. The improvement of glass window technology since the 17th century when glass windows started has resulted in improvements around energy consumption, noise reduction, and installation costs.
Topics: BASIX NatHERS Energy Efficiency Windows Thermal Performance Suntuitive Residential
2 min read

Five Ways of Designing a Water Efficient Home

By Deniro Stocks on Oct 1, 2019 11:00:00 AM

With New South Wales currently going through a drought, now is the best time to find out ways of increasing water efficiency for your next residential project. This helps in working towards a BASIX certificate, here are five ways that you can design a water efficient home:

Topics: BASIX Energy Energy Efficiency Materials
9 min read

Is Double Glazing Worth It?

By Chloe Huang on Sep 27, 2018 12:02:11 PM

The Problem with Windows. 

Windows can have a drastic effect on the thermal performance of a building. Up to 40% of a home’s heat can be lost through conduction or radiation at the window, and up to 87% of its heat can enter through solar gain. This unwanted heat flow can be devastating for the energy efficiency of any project.

Topics: Glazing BASIX NatHERS Sustainability Energy Efficiency Thermal Performance Insulated Glass Units Solar
1 min read

Shifting Targets BASIX Updates

By Jamie Bonnefin on Dec 11, 2017 9:31:34 AM

Improving required sustainability targets is essential with the ever evolving field of ESD. As new innovations emerge and more cost effective and ecological beneficial methods become more common place, adding these to exiting rating systems is essential. As seen with the proposed improvements to BASIX set for 2017.

Topics: BASIX Residential
2 min read

Green Roofs: New Materials and BASIX

By Jamie Bonnefin on Nov 4, 2016 4:24:06 PM

Ever growing in popularity, green roofs and green infrastructure are becoming more and more common in architectural practice, used for both their aesthetic value, reclaiming a traditionally underutilised space, as well as for their innate thermal performance qualities improving the thermal comfort of a building whilst also promoting biodiversity.

 

Topics: BASIX Emerging Materials Accreditations Construction Residential
2 min read

Materials and BASIX: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)

By Jamie Bonnefin on Oct 28, 2016 4:20:15 PM

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)

Being conscious about the amount of raw materials used in building products is a key concept when trying to design efficiently, aiming to reduce the overall embodied energy of materials. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete or as it is more commonly known AAC, is an example of a building material that aims to reduce the overall raw material requirements whilst maintaining as many of the original product's structural and functional properties. This is achieved by creating air pockets within the concrete (aeration). These pockets of air have many benefits besides just reducing the amount of materials required to manufacture it.

Topics: Design BASIX Emerging Materials NatHERS Accreditations Construction
3 min read

Who Do You Want Doing Your BASIX Assessment?

By Jamie Bonnefin on Oct 7, 2016 1:05:07 PM

The BASIX assessment and NatHERS process is an ever evolving practice which requires extensive knowledge of available materials, passive heating and cooling strategies and how to design in an ecologically sustainable manner. Although to complete and sign off on the BASIX process one must be a certified assessor. The assessor’s background does not play a large role in determining their competency in assessing a building’s efficiency. Therefore, the question is raised as to who is the most qualified or most knowledgeable to be completing the BASIX assessment?

Topics: Design BASIX NatHERS Star Rating Accreditations
5 min read

Passive Cooling: Ventilation and Vegetation

By Jamie Bonnefin on Sep 2, 2016 2:02:33 PM

One of the most influential factors to consider when studying ecologically sustainable development, is the advantageous affect that passive cooling and heating can have on the efficiency of a home. This involves the careful selection of materials appropriate to the climate in which the building is situated, the thorough consideration of the orientation of the building to allow adequate ventilation and appropriate solar heat gain and various other factors. By considering all of these aspects the efficiency of the building can increase dramatically, whilst also drastically decreasing the cost of heating and cooling the building.

Topics: ESD BASIX Sustainability Accreditations Construction Residential