Question 1

How do I lodge a BASIX Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: Lodge your BASIX Certificate by submitting it alongside your DA or CDC through your local council or private certifier.

Full answer: Once your BASIX assessment is complete, a certificate is issued via the NSW Planning Portal. You must submit this certificate together with your architectural drawings and planning documents to the relevant local council or your private certifier when lodging your Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Make sure the certificate is current, that the submitted plans match the data in your assessment, and that all commitments listed in the certificate are carried out through construction.

Why this matters: Failing to lodge a valid BASIX Certificate will delay or even prevent your project receiving planning approval. It also exposes you to compliance risk if your design changes without updating the certificate.

How Certified Energy can help: We manage the end-to-end BASIX process — from assessment and modelling, through to issuing the certificate and advising on any necessary revisions. We deliver a BASIX Certificate ready for submission and assist you if design amendments require a re-issue.

Related Regulations: NSW Environmental Planning Instruments, NSW Planning Portal processes, BASIX assessment tool rules

Question 2

What information is required to get a BASIX Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: You need site plans, construction drawings, and details on materials, appliances, landscaping and systems.

Full answer: To perform a BASIX assessment we require a site plan, elevations, floor plans, and specifications of building materials, insulation, windows, glazing, hot water system, lighting, appliances, and landscaping. The project’s orientation, local climate zone and other contextual factors must also be included. This data is input into the BASIX tool and used to verify whether your design meets the water, energy and thermal comfort benchmarks. If adjustments are needed, compromises among design features, materials or systems may be made to satisfy the targets.

Why this matters: Missing or inaccurate information can lead to a failed BASIX assessment or delays while clarifications are requested. With correct data up front, the process is smoother and faster.

How Certified Energy can help: Our team works closely with your architect or draftsperson to collect and refine all necessary information. We ensure completeness and accuracy before lodging to avoid rejections or back-and-forth queries.

Related Regulations: BASIX input guidelines, NSW Planning Portal data checklist, Environmental Planning Regulation

Question 3

How long does it take to obtain a BASIX Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: For most standard single dwelling projects, a BASIX Certificate can be issued within one business day; more complex projects may take longer.

Full answer: The turnaround time depends on the complexity of the design, clarity of provided documentation and number of adjustments required. Simpler single dwellings with full and accurate information often pass the BASIX tool checks quickly and are issued within one business day. Multifamily, multi-storey, or intricate developments require more modelling, review and iteration, which can extend the timeframe. Delays may also arise if the initial submission does not meet the targets and design revisions are needed.

Why this matters: Knowing how long it takes helps you plan your DA or CDC submission timeline and avoid surprises. Unexpected delays may push out your project schedule or add cost.

How Certified Energy can help: We prioritise efficient workflow and quality control. We flag potential compliance issues early, propose optimisations, and aim for the fastest possible turnaround without compromising accuracy.

Related Regulations: NSW Planning Portal BASIX tool timeframes, project lodgement schedules

Question 4

What happens after my BASIX Certificate is issued?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: You include the BASIX Certificate in your DA or CDC submission and later comply with its commitments during construction.

Full answer: Once the certificate is issued, you lodge it along with your development or construction submission. The council or certifier will review your design and may cross-check that your building plans align with the certificate’s data. During construction, you must implement all the commitments made in your certificate (for example energy efficiency measures, water saving devices, insulation, glazing, etc). If design changes occur post-issuance, the certificate may need to be revised and reissued to maintain compliance.

Why this matters: Non-adherence to BASIX commitments can result in rejection at inspection stages, penalties or delays in obtaining your occupation or final certification. Ensuring consistency between certificate, plans and actual construction is vital for compliance.

How Certified Energy can help: We guide you through integrating BASIX commitments into your construction documentation. If design changes happen, we can update the certificate and liaise with your certifier to maintain compliance.

Related Regulations: BASIX compliance auditing, NSW planning and construction regulations, certifier inspection requirements

Question 5

What if design changes after I’ve lodged the BASIX Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: If significant changes are made you may need to revise and reissue your BASIX Certificate to maintain compliance.

Full answer: Minor amendments that do not affect the core energy, water or thermal criteria may not require a new certificate, but any change to geometry, materials, glazing, services or building systems often alters performance outcomes. In such cases, the BASIX assessment must be rerun with the updated design and a new certificate issued. Failure to do so may lead to non-compliance with your DA/CDC or challenges during inspections.

Why this matters: Uncontrolled design changes without revising the BASIX Certificate create a mismatch between what was certified and what is built, risking refusal at final inspections or regulatory enforcement.

How Certified Energy can help: We help you assess whether your changes require a certificate update and reissue it swiftly when needed. We also ensure your construction documentation and plans remain consistent with approved BASIX data.

Related Regulations: NSW Planning Portal BASIX amendment rules, Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, council and certifier policy on variations

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