New BASIX Home Building Standards
If you're a homeowner or planning to build a new home in Figtree Hill, you might have heard about the recent increase in the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) standards by the NSW government. But what exactly is BASIX and what does this change mean for your new home?
BASIX is a comprehensive program introduced by the NSW government to assess and improve the environmental sustainability of new homes in the state. The program was first introduced in 2004 and has been continuously updated to ensure that new homes are built to meet the latest energy and water efficiency standards.
The recent increase in the BASIX standards is aimed at reducing the state's carbon footprint and making new homes even more energy efficient. The changes include new minimum requirements for insulation, windows, hot water systems, and other essential components of a home. There are no changes to the BASIX water standard.
What does this mean for homebuyers and homeowners in NSW?
- New homes will be more energy efficient: With the increased BASIX standards, new homes will have better insulation, more efficient windows, and other features that will help reduce energy consumption. This will not only save you money on your energy bills but also reduce your carbon footprint.
- More comfortable homes: Your home will be naturally cooler in summer, warmer in winter, which means you won’t need to use the heater or air conditioner on as often.
- Fewer carbon emissions: This contributes towards our (NSW Government) goal of net zero homes by 2050
What does this mean for your home at Figtree Hill?
If you are preparing to build your new home at Figtree Hill, your home will need to comply with the increased BASIX standards which come into place on 1 October 2023.
To comply with the new BASIX standards, your home will need to have been through the BASIX assessment process:
- Conduct a BASIX assessment: This assessment involves using an online tool to determine the sustainability and energy efficiency targets for the new home based on factors such as orientation, insulation, water use, and heating and cooling.
- Meet the BASIX targets: Once the assessment has been completed, if required, changes can be made to ensure that the building design and materials meet the sustainability and energy efficiency targets set by the standards.
- Obtain a BASIX certificate: After the new home meets the BASIX targets, you will need to obtain a BASIX certificate which verifies that the building design meets the required standards.
- Include the BASIX certificate in the Development Application (DA): When the DA is submitted for your new home it will need to include the BASIX certificate, which will be reviewed by the local council to ensure that the standards have been met.
The increased BASIX standards by the NSW government are a step in the right direction towards building more sustainable and energy-efficient homes in the state. As a homeowner or potential homebuyer, you can benefit from these changes with a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.
Learn more about BASIX here, or if you have any questions, contact the Figtree Hill sales team.