INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

SO WHAT IS BASIX?

BASIX is the Building Sustainability Index, which is an assessment tool developed by the NSW Government, to ensure that natural resources such as energy and water are conserved. Simply, BASIX is designed to reduce the impacts of new housing on the environment.

The BASIX tool currently assesses the potential performance of proposed new housing against various sustainability indicies, including landscape, stormwater, water, thermal comfort and energy. The results of a BASIX assessment are presented as a 'schedule of commitments', which are detailed within a BASIX Certificate.

As a minimum, a new development must be able to demonstrate the commitments selected will use 40% less mains water, and 25% less energy than conventional buildings of a similar type.

A BASIX Certificate is compulsory for all new homes in New South Wales*, and is required by your local Council for assessment at Development Application Stage. Each BASIX commitment is binding and will be checked at critical stages during the development, by your Council or certified inspector. Developments that fail to meet the BASIX commitments outlined with the Development Application will not be issued with an occupation certificate. In a worst case scenario, this could require the submission of a new Development Application to address the changes.

The applicant for a proposed development is responsible for completing a BASIX Assessment, and submitting the BASIX Certificate to Council. Note that Council staff will not prepare a BASIX Certificate for your development, and that Councils will not assess your Development Application without a BASIX Certificate.

Currently BASIX only affects proposed residential building in New South Wales.

Due to the technical requirements of the BASIX assessment, it is recommended by the NSW Government that a Building Design Professional guide you through the BASIX process.

What is the BASIX phase in timetable?