If you’re moving into a new home or looking to begin the moving process, you may have come across the term “BASIX.”
If you’re wondering what BASIX is, don’t worry, we’ve got all the information you need about what it is, why it’s essential, and how you’ll benefit from it.
Let’s discuss the key points and factors you need to know.
What is BASIX?
In 2004 the NSW government created BASIX, or Building Sustainability Index, to ensure that all residential buildings are water and energy efficient. The aim of BASIX is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aim for sustainable living in all dwellings.
It ensures buildings pursue environmentally-friendly solutions following the targets and requirements. These targets and requirements help to create a greener space.
The BASIX requirements apply to:
- New residential dwellings.
- Dwellings with additions or alterations that cost $50,000 or more.
- Swimming pools that use 40,000 litres of water or more.
Before it can receive a BASIX certificate, a building will undergo an assessment to ensure it meets all the sustainable living targets.
What’s a BASIX certificate?
A BASIX certificate means the dwellings or other building projects have met the needs of the BASIX assessment and all the checklist points covered.
Here’s what the online assessment tool will be looking for:
- Water efficiency- The BASIX tool looks at water usage and rates it by looking at the fixtures such as shower heads, toilets, and sinks. Depending on the water-saving measures in place, the tool will give a score, so features like rainwater tanks and on-site recycled water systems will help pass the assessment.
- Energy efficiency- Fixed appliances like hot water systems, lighting, and other elements that produce energy in a building are reviewed and will receive a score depending on their energy outputs.
- Thermal comfort- The BASIX assessment tool considers the climate of the building, size, ventilation, and building form. It caps heating and cooling loads based on the energy required for the building to keep it at a comfortable temperature.
Review these aspects in your home and make relative changes to boost the likelihood of getting a BASIX certificate. For example, you could install double glazing or roof ventilation, such as our RapidRidge solution, to help increase your home’s energy efficiency.
The certificate is evidence that a housing project has met the targets set by the NSW government. You can store this with your other vital housing documents.
Why is BASIX important?
BASIX is important as it ensures that new buildings are built in an eco-friendly manner and supports sustainable building practices. Being a legal requirement, meeting the water, thermal, and energy targets will help to create a better, more sustainable future for the construction industry and society more generally.
Since its creation in 2004, 12.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 340 billion litres of drinking water have been saved by more than 500,000 BASIX-compliant homes.
How do homeowners benefit?
BASIX benefits not just the environment but homeowners too. Here are some key benefits:
Cost savings
BASIX can help homeowners save money on their utility bills in the long run as the homes are built with water and energy-saving features. The buildings require less heating and cooling, and conserved water consumption can help reduce energy bill costs over time.
Improved comfort and living conditions
Thermal comfort has a beneficial impact on the living conditions of a home. BASIX ensures homes have comfortable indoor temperatures, benefiting homeowners year-round.
Enhanced property value
Homes built around BASIX requirements have added value, which is more attractive to new buyers. Sustainable features like water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient appliances, and good insulation are appealing and can lead to a potentially higher sale.
Contribution to environmental sustainability
Homeowners with BASIX-approved homes play an active role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources. Homeowners contribute to a more sustainable future and a lower carbon footprint.
Increased awareness
BASIX encourages homeowners to make informed decisions about sustainable living practices and the environmental impact of their homes. Increased awareness can lead to better choices about water and energy consumption and better actions for the future.
How can roofing products help to meet BASIX requirements?
To meet the BASIX requirements, you can increase your chances and get a certificate in different ways. Roofing is a good place to start, as it can play a significant role in meeting the objectives.
Here are some ways roofing can help:
Energy efficiency
Roofing materials can play a large role in the energy efficiency of a building. Insulation installed in a roof can help to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building, limiting the need for heating and cooling and improving energy efficiency.
Reflective roofing products, like solar panels, can limit the heat absorbed by the sun. Reflecting the energy from the sun will also require less energy consumption by reducing the need for a building’s cooling load.
Water efficiency
Roofing products can play a part in reducing the water efficiency of a home. For example, you can install rainwater collection systems on a roof and collect rainwater that you can use in your home. You can use the collected water for irrigation or toilet flushing, which can help to improve water efficiency.
Thermal comfort
Thermal comfort is a BASIX requirement, and indoor temperatures are maintained by insulation and ventilation products. A regulated temperature means less reliance on heating and cooling systems, contributing to a sustainable future. If heat transfer is limited, homes will be comfortable to live in all year round.
Products for roof ventilation like Rapidridge can limit heat transfer and offer a natural cooling passage across the whole roof. Not only are temperatures reduced, but moisture build-up is also prevented, creating a more comfortable and healthy living space.
The NSW government’s sustainability targets are in place to create a more eco-friendly way of living with less environmental impact that will also benefit homeowners. For more information about the assessment tool, take a look at the BASIX official website.
Roofing products play a significant role in contributing to BASIX targets and requirements. At Evobuild, we have a range of products and solutions that support an eco-friendly lifestyle and a sustainable future. For any queries about a more sustainable roof, read our recent blog about “top roof vents in the Australian market” or contact us for more.