If you’ve ventured into the Australian residential development sector, you must have heard the terms “BASIX Report” or “BASIX Standards”.
So what do these terms signify? Most importantly, why is BASIX Assessment so significant for residential buildings? Is BASIX really necessary? Managing the intricacies of a residential project can be overwhelming. We’re here to make your building processes easy.
In this write-up, we’ll discuss various aspects of the BASIX certificate, importance, assessment method, etc.
Stay tuned!
What Does BASIX Define?
BASIX denotes Building Sustainability Index.
Residential buildings should be eco-friendly.
To support this notion the NSW Government introduced BASIX standards. A BASIX certificate ensures that all residential projects are energy and water-efficient.
Implemented in 2004, BASIX promotes environmentally friendly building solutions to create sustainable living. Dwellings need to undergo a BASIX assessment for procuring a BASIX report, followed by a certificate.
You need to submit a BASIX Certificate to the Local Council to approve the project plans before construction starts.
How To Get A BASIX Certificate?
You need to fill out an extensive checklist before the BASIX Assessment.
The required information includes overall project details, energy supply details, hot water system, ventilation plans, etc.
Upon successful completion of the assessment, estimating the sustainability factor of the building, a BASIX Certificate is generated.
You can now submit your BASIX certificate to the appropriate authority along with the other necessary documents.
A BASIX Report and Certificate highlight the vital elements of your residential development, also defined as sustainability commitments.
When Do You Need A BASIX Certificate?
You’ll need to procure a BASIX report followed by a certificate under the following conditions:
Any new residential development
Modification or renovation in the existing residential properties with an expenditure of $50,000 or above.
Swimming pools with a capacity of 40000 litres or more.
Importance Of BASIX Certificate
BASIX Certificate is a legal requirement. You need a BASIX certificate for a development application, Construction Certificate, Occupation Certificate, and a Completion receipt. The council will not accept your development application without the BASIX report.
It promotes eco-friendly solutions and clean living. BASIX compliant homes are cost-efficient and more comfortable. Appropriate ventilation systems, glazing materials, utilisation of solar systems reduce the dependency on artificial energy-consuming heating and cooling systems. Therefore, minimising energy bill expenditure and contribute to substantial savings.
The value of residential projects increases. An energy-efficient home promoting clean living is preferred by both tenants and home buyers. BASIX-certified homes are excellent for the environment.
BASIX homes reduce potable water and energy consumption, thus minimising water wastage and greenhouse gas emissions.
Surprising, isn’t it? Don’t believe us. Let’s look at the facts and figures.
According to the “BASIX Annual Snapshot” published by the NSW Government, BASIX compliant homes saved 281 billion litres of potable water. BASIX implementation also prevented 8.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to planting 29 million trees. All figures are calculated since its inception in 2004.
Hire experienced building consultants to obtain your BASIX certificate without any complexity.