Everything You Wanted to Know About BASIX Certificate

1. Everything You Wanted to Know About BASIX Certificate The Building Sustainability Index is also known as BASIX. It is assessed via a simple online sustainability tool that helps in achieving efficient, equal water and greenhouse gas reduction all across NSW. In simple terms, it is a series of evaluations that are conducted to get a 6-star energy efficiency rating for your home. The great news is that BASIX not only results in getting better outcomes for the environment but also ensures long-term financial savings for you, the homeowner. In New South Wales alone, a Development Application for all new dwellings, renovations where the work is valued at $50,000 or more. Alternatively, if you have a swimming pool of 40,000 litres or more, then a ​BASIX certificate​ is mandatory. Why go for a BASIX Certificate? The BASIX scheme was introduced in the year 2004 to make the buildings in Australia more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The ultimate aim was to reduce the resource usage of the building by 40%. This calculation was followed for similarly sized houses. The BASIX online tool assists in preparing the ​BASIX certificate​, which is submitted to the relevant consent authority like PCA for a development application or a complying development

2. certificate. It is mandatory to fulfil the commitments and get any development consent application before starting the construction process. The building certifiers will scrutinise whether all the objectives and requirements in a BASIX Certificate are achieved. Is BASIX compulsory? Since the year 2004, it has become mandatory for any new home developed in NSW to undergo a BASIX assessment to measure it for sustainability against set targets based on the NSW home benchmark average. What is the exact timing for conducting BASIX, and who does the assessment? Irrespective of whether you are building on your own land or opting for a house and land package, you need to get a BASIX assessment conducted once your house plans are finalised. The ​BASIX certificate is a part of the development application paperwork that is submitted to the council for approval. What All Things are Assessed? During the assessment, all the things about energy and water-saving are taken into consideration in your home’s design. These things include: Water: 1. Determine the water-saving ratings that your bedroom and kitchen fittings & fixtures have? 2. Have you kept an alternative water supply option like rainwater or stormwater tank? 3. Does your house contain a greywater or wastewater recycling system? 4. Is there a swimming pool or spa in your home? 5. Have you kept low water-use plants in your landscaping? Energy: 1. Is your house built on a concrete slab or raised above the ground? 2. Are the house’s roof and ceilings flat or pitched? 3. Are the windows glazed? 4. Does the house design take into consideration the minimum R1.5 wall insulation and R3.5 ceiling insulation?

3. Additional Things That Needs to be Kept in Mind The ultimate goal of BASIX is to reduce energy bills and enhance the thermal comfort of your new home in the most natural way as possible. The design and orientation of the house on the block will have its affect on how much you can achieve. For example, your plan might be to include making maximum use of the sun to ensure that natural light gets into the house. You would also like to capture its heat through solar panelling for your power requirements. Irrespective of the decision you make, it is crucial to carefully scrutinise the requirements and the additional costs that you might incur depending on the house you wish to build. Contact Us Company Name: ​Eco Certificates Address: ​Suite 413, 33 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, NSW 2153 , Australia Phone:​ 1300 162436 Email id: ​info@ecocertificates.com.au Website:​​ecocertificates.com.au