Buying or building a new home is usually the singular biggest purchase of your life – and it’s critical to get it right. Building a home that is poorly designed for you land, or undertaking renovations that do not take aspect into consideration can end up costing you thousands in additional energy costs over the life of the home.

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) was introduced in 2004 and is the NSW government’s scheme that regulates the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of all residential buildings in the state. The objective is to achieve a 40% reduction in water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to the average pre-BASIX build.

By identifying relevant sustainability features that can be incorporated into a building’s design – such as rainwater tanks, AAA-rated showerheads and taps, solar water heaters, and wall/ceiling insulation – BASIX delivers equitable and effective water and greenhouse gas reductions across NSW.

An integrated part of the planning system, BASIX is implemented under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and applies to all residential dwellings as part of the development application process in NSW. A BASIX assessment will measure your proposed development against BASIX targets that are based on the NSW home benchmark average.

There are two options to meet BASIX compliance for thermal comfort: the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Method and the Simulation Method. Your specific house design, including the number of windows and the size of the home, will generally determine the best method for assessment.

Frys Energywise can assist in both forms of assessment. However, we have found that in the majority of cases, undertaking the Simulation Method generally works out to be the most cost effective option.

BASIX DIY Method

Using the BASIX glazing calculator, the DIY Method often offers very little flexibility and typically requires the installation of improved window glazing, which can add a lot of cost.

BASIX Simulated Method

With the Simulated Method, an accredited thermal assessor uses approved software to model the house, allowing for a lot more flexibility. This method allows for the inclusion of added insulation, ventilation and shading devices, which usually removes the need for improved glazing – delivering a much more cost effective outcome.

The accredited thermal assessors at Frys Energywise are experts in delivering outcomes that save money, improve comfort within the home, and ultimately contribute to the sustainability of our communities.

For more information on BASIX visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au

Send through your plans for an obligation free quote. Usually, the cost of engaging an accredited assessor to complete a Simulation Method of assessment is less than the cost of installing one improved window.