Visual Impact Assessments (VIA) are an essential component of environmental assessments and are used to evaluate the potential visual impact of proposed projects on the surrounding environment and community. However, VIAs alone are not enough to fully evaluate the potential environmental impact of a project. That's why the integration of VIAs with other environmental assessments is crucial to ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a project's potential impact.
3 min read
VIAs and Integration with Other Assessments
Topics: ESD Architecture Climate Alterations & Additions viewshed visual impact assessment
2 min read
How to Manage Rising Building Costs for new builds and renovations
Why Are Building Costs Rising?
Topics: ESD Glazing Architecture Sustainability Changes Energy Efficiency Insulation Green Star Rating Residential Alterations & Additions
16 min read
BASIX for New Homes vs Alterations and Additions NSW
A BASIX assessment for a new home is not approached in exactly the same way as an assessment for an alteration, extension or second-storey addition. Both project types may need to demonstrate residential water, energy and thermal performance, but the starting point and assessment boundary can be different.
A new home can generally be assessed as one complete proposed dwelling. An alteration or addition begins with an existing building and requires the plans and assessment to distinguish between what is retained, removed, changed and newly constructed.
Understanding that distinction early helps architects, designers, builders and homeowners prepare the right information and avoid conflicting assumptions between the BASIX Certificate and the approval drawings. For a broader overview of the framework, see What Is BASIX? →
