BASIX
BASIX, or the Building Sustainability Index, is an initiative that was introduced by the NSW Government to ensure homes are designed to use less potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for houses and units.
All Development Applications and applications for a Complying Development Certificate for new residential development or alterations and additions involving residential development with a total estimated cost of works of $50,000 or more must be accompanied by a BASIX certificate. This requirement also applies to applications for swimming pools or spas with a total volume of more than 40,000 litres. A BASIX certificate can be obtained through an online program www.basix.nsw.gov.au that is free and accessible to anyone and enables the user to enter data relating to the proposed house or unit design such as location, size, building materials etc into the BASIX tool. BASIX then analyses this data and determines how it scores against the Energy and Water targets. The design must pass specific targets (which vary according to location and building type) before the user can print the BASIX Certificate.
For further information in relation to the BASIX requirements please visit www.basix.nsw.gov.au.
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