Solar panels can help with BASIX energy compliance in NSW because they reduce the net energy impact of a residential project. In BASIX, solar photovoltaic systems are treated as an alternative energy source. When the project has suitable roof space, good solar access and clear documentation, solar PV can support the energy section of the BASIX Certificate.

Hot water systems can have a significant effect on BASIX energy compliance in NSW residential projects. The system you choose can influence the BASIX energy score, the commitments shown on the BASIX Certificate and the way the project is documented for approval and construction.

Insulation is one of the most important parts of BASIX and NatHERS thermal comfort assessment. It affects how quickly heat moves through the building fabric, including walls, roofs, ceilings and floors. Good insulation can help reduce unwanted heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, which can improve heating and cooling loads and support a stronger BASIX outcome.

Building orientation can have a major effect on BASIX and NatHERS results because it changes how the dwelling receives sun, shade, heat and breezes throughout the year. The same house design can perform differently depending on whether its living areas, windows and roof form face north, south, east or west.

Glazing can have a major effect on BASIX compliance because windows influence how much heat a home gains, loses and retains. The size, orientation, frame type, glass type, shading and performance values of windows can all affect heating and cooling loads, which are central to the thermal comfort section of BASIX.

BASIX and Whole of Home are part of the same wider shift in residential energy performance, but they are not the same thing. BASIX remains the NSW sustainability assessment pathway for residential development approvals. Whole of Home is part of the national NCC 2022 move toward assessing the energy use of the entire home, including appliances, solar and batteries.

BASIX and the 7 Star NatHERS standard are closely connected in NSW residential projects because BASIX includes a thermal performance section, and NatHERS is commonly used to assess that thermal performance. For many new homes, this means the design needs to perform well enough thermally before the BASIX Certificate can be finalised for approval.

BASIX and Home Energy Ratings both relate to residential energy performance, but they are used for different purposes. BASIX is the NSW sustainability assessment pathway for residential development approvals. A Home Energy Rating is used to assess the energy performance of an existing home and can help owners, buyers, renters and upgrade programs understand how the home performs and what improvements may be possible.

BASIX and Home Energy Ratings both relate to residential energy performance, but they are used for different purposes. BASIX is the NSW sustainability assessment pathway for residential development approvals. A Home Energy Rating is used to assess the energy performance of an existing home and can help owners, buyers, renters and upgrade programs understand how the home performs and what improvements may be possible.

BASIX and Section J are both connected to building energy and sustainability compliance, but they apply to different project types. BASIX is the NSW pathway for residential development. Section J is part of the National Construction Code and is generally used for commercial and other non-residential building energy efficiency compliance.