Basix

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) requirements apply to all residential dwelling types and are part of the development application process in NSW. BASIX is one of the strongest sustainable planning measures to be undertaken in Australia.

In NSW, there are BASIX requirements for water and energy usage and thermal comfort performance that apply to:

• all new residential dwellings.

• alterations and additions to dwellings that cost $50,000 or more.

• swimming pools of 40,000 litres or more.

To approve such developments, the consent authority (usually your local council) requires evidence that the development plans meets the BASIX requirements.

BASIX is a NSW Government initiative that ensures new homes are designed and built to use less potable water and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

BASIX is a flexible tool which allows the user to select from a range of options in order to meet the energy and water reduction targets.

Each development application for a residential dwelling must be submitted with a BASIX Certificate. A certificate is issued once a BASIX assessment has been satisfactorily completed, using an online tool.

The building applicant (e.g. architect, builder, owner builder) is responsible for completing the assessment, ensuring the BASIX commitments are clearly marked on the plans, and submitting the BASIX Certificate with the development application.

BASIX Certificate

A BASIX Certificate identifies the sustainability features required to be incorporated in the building design. These features may include sustainable design elements such as recycled water, rainwater tanks, AAA-rated showerheads and taps, native landscaping, heat pump or solar water heaters, gas space heaters, roof eaves/awnings and wall/ceiling insulation.

The applicant is required to submit the BASIX Certificate with the development application or complying development certificate application.  The plans and specifications must also identify the BASIX commitments which will be checked by a professional building certifier during construction. Where submitted plans or specifications are inconsistent with the relevant BASIX Certificate, Council requires applicants to submit consistent applications before progressing  the assessment process, either by amending plans/specifications or by submitting a new BASIX Certificate with commitments that match the rest of the application.