BASIX Certificate

What is a BASIX Certificate?

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) aims to deliver equitable, effective water and greenhouse gas reductions across the state. BASIX is one of the strongest sustainable planning measures to be undertaken in Australia. If you’re building a new home, undertaking renovations of $50,000 or more, or installing a pool or spa of more than 40,000 litres, you will need a BASIX certificate.

WATER

The Water section of BASIX aims to reduce the potable water consumption of all new residential developments. The benchmark is 90,340 litres of water per person per year (or 247 litres per person per day), which was the average potable water consumption of a pre-BASIX home.

The water reduction target ranges from 40% to 0% depending on the climatic zone. The 40% reduction target applies to 90% of new residential development and 98% of high-growth areas. The BASIX targets are determined from data provided by state and federal energy and water utilities, as well as long-term climate data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

WATER CONSUMPTION AND SAVINGS WILL BE ASSESSED ON:

Landscape
Fittings and fixtures
Alternative water sources and how they are used
Pools and outdoor spas
Central systems and common areas
Tip: Reducing the demand for hot water by installing efficient showerheads and taps will also reduce the energy required for water heating and improve your score in the Energy section.

ENERGY

The Energy section of BASIX aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of all new residential dwellings. The benchmark is 3,292 kilograms of carbon dioxide per person per year, which was the average for pre-BASIX homes. The energy target ranges from 10% to 50% reductions from the benchmark, depending on the climatic zone and the building type. The BASIX targets are determined from data provided by state and federal energy and water utilities, as well as long-term climate data from the Bureau of Meteorology. Energy consumption and savings will be assessed on: Hot water systems Heating and cooling Ventilation Lighting Pools and spas Alternative energy sources Other energy uses Central systems.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND SAVINGS

WILL BE ASSESSED ON:
Central systems
Hot water systems
Heating and coolung
Ventilation
Lightning
Pools and spas
Alternative energy sources
Other energy uses

THERMAL COMFORT

THE THERMAL COMFORT SECTION OF BASIX AIMS TO:

Ensure thermal comfort for a dwelling’s occupants, appropriate to the climate and season;

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from artificial cooling and heating through good building design and use of appropriate construction materials;

Reduce the demand for new, or upgraded, energy infrastructure by managing peak demand for energy required for cooling and heating.

The loads from Thermal comfort are combined with the selected heating and cooling appliances in the Energy section to calculate the cooling and heating component of your Energy score. Lower loads will improve your Energy score. In cold or hot climates, you may find this is an effective way of obtaining a Pass in Energy.