BASIX

BASIX Benchmarks:
To determine water and energy targets, the average benchmark for per person consumption of potable water and greenhouse gas emissions within the NSW residential sector is calculated.

• Water – the NSW benchmark per person is 90,340 litres per year.
• Energy – the NSW benchmark per person is 3,292 kg of CO2-e per year.

BASIX Targets:
The performance targets set by the NSW Government include:

• up to a 40% reduction in potable water consumption
• up to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and
• minimum performance levels of thermal comfort.

The BASIX certificate benchmarks of water and energy are both measured on a per capita basis, including:

• Water – the average NSW consumption of potable water from the residential sector.
• Energy – the annual average NSW greenhouse emissions from the residential sector.

The development application stage of every new residential dwelling built in NSW of $50,000 or more require a BASIX certificate. Residential dwellings include:

• Single dwellings
• Dual-occupancy dwellings
• Townhouses
• Villas
• Low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise multi unit developments
• Boarding houses
• Guesthouses
• Hostels
• Lodging houses
• Backpacker accommodation
• Multi-unit developments
• Swimming pools and/or outdoor spa with water capacity greater than or equal to 40,000 litres or 40 kilolitres.

Additionally, alterations and add-ons to existing dwellings which cost greater than $50,000 also require a BASIX certificate.

Aggregated energy efficiency ratings cannot be used for the assessment of a project containing more than one dwelling as each component of the development must pass a minimum level of energy and water efficiency.

As such, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation (EP&A) state that an additional BASIX certificate is required if the proposed project involves the alteration, enlargement or extension of a BASIX building containing more than one dwelling.

To assess the BASIX certificate, you can use the online Assessment Tool which will determine the sustainability of your development application. The assessment tool analyses data of the proposed dwelling’s design against the NSW Government’s water and energy targets. A BASIX certificate is issued upon meeting the BASIX target requirements and paying a fee.

BASIX cost includes the required costs of the BASIX certificate as well as the cost of assessment. The cost of the assessment varies depending on the size and difficulty of the project.

If your project does not require simulation:
The cost can range from $200-$350, inclusive of GST and government disbursements which vary depending on the size of the project.

If your project requires simulation:
Usually an hourly fee of $100 is charged depending on the number of hours required to complete a project. Single dwellings take approximately 4 hours to complete and therefore cost approximately $400. This is in addition to the cost of the BASIX certificate and government disbursements.

In order to change your BASIX certificate commitments after the construction or complying development certificate has been issued, you will need to revise your BASIX certificate in addition to applying for new construction or complying development certificates. To get a quote for a BASIX certificate on your project please click here