BASIX Certificate - What is it? Why Do I need to have it when building a home or additions/alterations?

If you are building a new home, you need a BASIX Certificate to submit with your Development Application.

From the 1^st July 2005 BASIX applies throughout NSW for:

Houses

Dual Occupancies

Villas

Town Houses

Multi Unit Apartments

From 1^st October 2005 BASIX applies to alterations and additions made to existing homes across NSW.

What is BASIX?

BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) is a new planning tool that affects anyone building a new home or carrying out alterations & additions.

By applying practical measures to the design of a new home, or alterations/additions, BASIX ensures there is the potential to save energy and water – saving you money on your bills and protecting the environment. 

How to Get a BASIX Certificate?

Your building designer can do this for you, or you can do it yourself – it’s simple & free.

Go to www.basix.nsw.gov.au and login to the BASIX assessment tool.

Complete the assessment form by entering the design details of the home.

The tool demonstrates how the proposed design is scoring, according to its potential to save energy and water.

Once the design meets the targets, you can print your BASIX Certificate.

Lodge your proposal at Council with the BASIX Certificate.

BASIX means new homes & any alterations/additions will:

• Save Water
• Save Energy

What does this mean for my house design?

BASIX is a flexible tool that offers a range of design choices including using:

Insulation

Window Glazing

Eaves and window shading

Wastewater for garden use

Light coloured roof materials

Gas or solar hot water systems

Skylights to bring in natural light

Landscaping that requires less water

Rainwater tanks for use in gardens, toilet and/or laundry

Water saving showerheads, taps and dual flush toilets

Passive solar design to make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer

Key Points about BASIX

• To get a BASIX Certificate you must show that your proposed home will be designed and built to save energy and water
• Information required by BASIX includes sites location, dwelling size, floor area, landscaped area and services
• The BASIX commitments shown on the Certificate must be clearly marked on the design plans
• Council staff CAN NOT accept a Development Application without a BASIX Certificate

The BASIX website has an online tutorial and other resources that will help you complete the assessment.  Or ring the BASIX Help Line during business hours: 1300650908.

BASIX is a NSW Government initiative. 

© 2008 Wakool Shire Council
This page: http://www.wakool.local-e.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/41427.html