A Practical Guide To Preparing Your BASIX Certificate

-

 


What Is BASIX? 

The BASIX or Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) was introduced and implemented by the NSW Government to deliver energy-efficient, water-efficient and sustainable homes. 

Till date, BASIX constitutes one of the strongest and most efficient sustainable planning measures for residential buildings to be undertaken in Australia. 

BASIX comes under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. You'll require a BASIX certificate as a part of your development application process in NSW.

BASIX assessment 

The sustainability parameters or indices are accessed using the online BASIX tool. You'll need to upload relevant data of your proposed design on the BASIX portal for assessment against sustainability targets.

If your proposed design fulfils the BASIX sustainability standards, you'll receive the BASIX certificate for further processing of your residential project.

BASIX Outcomes

  • BASIX minimises water and energy consumption in residential dwellings throughout NSW. 
  • These positive environmental outcomes offer long term financial savings for the residents. 
  • Suitable designs also enhance your property value in the market. 
  • BASIX certified homes overall impart a valuable contribution to our community's sustainable and healthy future. 

Professional agencies employ building consultants and experts to help you prepare the BASIX report and obtain your certificate. Therefore, it is recommended to hire professional services for your JV3 assessment, BASIX report, Section J reporting or NABERS rating of your projects.

What Is Included In A BASIX Certificate?

Water efficiency 

 BASIX targets achieving a 40% reduction in potable water consumption compared to a standard house. And a 30% reduction for apartments as compared to a standard apartment. 

Water efficiency is typically achieved through the implementation of 

rated water appliances (showerheads, taps, cisterns), 

rainwater tanks for garden watering and, in certain cases, for laundry and toilets or pools whenever applicable. ​

Thermal comfort 

NatHERS scheme is a mandatory thermal comfort assessment system in NSW. Under this scheme, the sustainability factor of the residential dwelling is rated based on the thermal performance during the scorching summer season and freezing winter season. 

For this assessment, you'll need to consider 

Your proposed building geometry 

Location and orientation of the surrounding building 

Building construction specifics. 

All these data are used for calculating the heating and cooling loads. 

Non-compliance to these thermal comfort standards during construction can result in costly penalties, rectifications and delays in the project completion. ​ 

Energy efficiency 

According to BASIX standards, residential dwellings need to have a 30-40% reduction in energy consumption compared to non-BASIX homes. 

For energy assessment, the energy requirement of electrical appliances ( water heaters, air conditioners, lights, microwaves, etc.) and sometimes solar photo-voltaic systems needs to be specified.

​All these parameters and measurements are combined in one document known as the BASIX certificate.

BASIX certificate functions as a construction specification sheet for architects and builders. And during the completion stages for building certifiers to obtain your Occupation Certificate. ​

All details and commitments highlighted in your BASIX certificate must reflect 100% in actual construction to avoid complications. ​

Location: 413/33 Lexington Dr, Bella Vista NSW 2153, Australia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Practical Insight To natHERS Assessment

-
Image
It has become crucial for every constructor or builder to pay special attention to energy consumption efficiency. They have to make houses that consume the least energy without compromising comfort. This is where the natHERS Assessment certification steps in! What's NatHERS? NatHERS or Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme is a procedure used for measuring a house's thermal efficiency. It determines how much energy will be needed for heating or cooling the home.  Structural details and specifications are used as input to the assessment software to calculate the efficiency. It then calculates and compares the result with the fixed scheme data.  Once done, the software displays the rating in 10-star credits. Following this, about 5.4% of energy consumption was decreased in the household sector.  What do the NatHERS star ratings mean? The higher the NatHERS star rating, the more efficient a concerned property is. For example, a 5-star property will need more energy to cool down
Read more

BASIX Certificate- Is It Really Necessary?

-
Image
  BASIX denotes the Building Sustainability Index, an initiative introduced by the NSW Government to encourage the development of energy and water-efficient homes.  Every development application for building a new residential structure must be submitted to Council with a BASIX Certificate.  Without the BASIX certificate , the council will not accept the development application.  A BASIX Certificate identifies the sustainability features that need to be incorporated in the building development plan.  These features may encompass sustainable design elements like recycled water systems, rainwater tanks, star-rated showerheads and taps, solar water heaters, native landscaping, gas space heaters, roof awnings, and wall or ceiling insulation. How Does BASIX work?  BASIX is an online program that is accessed by any building industry professionals or even the individual building owner.  The user needs to enter all relevant information pertaining to the residential unit design – such as size, l
Read more

5 Important Things You Should Know About BASIX Report

-
Image
  What Is A BASIX Report?  BASIX or Building Sustainability Index was drafted in 2004 by the New South Wales Government to ensure that residential developments (homes and apartments) were sustainable.  This BASIX initiative was actually underlined in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. BASIX reports come with a BASIX certificate that enables the NSW state to have sustainable dwellings that can reduce water consumption and greenhouse gases.  BASIX reports were created to target about 25% minimization in greenhouse gases and 40% in water consumption.  These targets not only help to save the environment but provide economic savings for any homeowner as well. Consequently, a BASIX certified home has a better market value. What Does a BASIX Report Encompass?  A BASIX report comes with an assessment certificate (BASIX certificate) needed during any development application process in New South Wales. The BASIX report entails various criteria, including:  The building orientation 
Read more