APPLICATION OF BASIX

BASIX is a new planning requirement that affects anyone building a new home or dual occupancy in NSW. It has been introduced across NSW to improve thermal, energy and water efficiencies in homes. A BASIX Certificate is also required for any new multi-unit dwelling residential developments such as villas, townhouses and low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise developments anywhere in NSW.

 What information do I need to include in the plans I submit to council with a development application?

A development application must match the BASIX Certificate for the same proposal. This requires the development application and its plans to contain the same project name and address, project type, and details of the site area, gross floor area, roof area, number of bedrooms and total area of vegetation as are identified on the BASIX Certificate.

In addition, other commitments on the BASIX Certificate which are fundamental to the design of the proposed development must also be shown on the DA plans. These include commitments relating to things such as the installation of rainwater tanks, location and size of windows and shading devices, and the location and size of heating and cooling systems. The BASIX Certificate will indicate which commitments are required.

MEETING THE BASIX TARGETS

How do I ensure my design meets the BASIX targets?

The BASIX assessment tool is flexible and offers a range of sustainable design choices including:

·         using passive solar design making your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer

·         increasing insulation

·         using eaves and shading

·         installing rainwater tanks for use in gardens, toilet and/or laundry

·         using greywater tanks for garden use

·         using gas or solar hot water systems

·         installing water-saving showerheads, taps and dual-flush toilets

·         improving window glazing

·         using light coloured roof materials to reduce cooling costs

·         installing skylights to bring in natural light

·         using landscaping that requires less water

 How do I pass the Energy section of the BASIX assessment?

A minimum score of 25% for Energy is required by BASIX.

A typical single dwelling design (without a swimming pool) will meet this target if it includes:

·         an efficient hot water system; and

·         design features that make the most of natural heating, cooling, and lighting.

 How do I pass the Thermal Comfort section of BASIX?

To complete the Thermal Comfort section of the BASIX assessment, you can either choose the Simulation method or the Deemed to Comply method.

If you choose Simulation, you will need to engage an Accredited Assessor to conduct a software assessment of your proposed development. Details from your ABSA certificate can then be entered in the BASIX s imulation section of Thermal Comfort.

If you choose Deemed to Comply, then you must enter in the specific data about your proposed development into the BASIX tool. The Deemed to Comply Method is only intended for simple home designs. If your home has special design features that go beyond the limitations of the tool, then you will need to use the Simulation Method.

Tips on improving comfort and saving water and energy

Shading to windows and Eaves over windows for shading

·         External shading is the best way to prevent summer heat gain through windows. Shade 'hot' windows in summer with eaves, awnings, shutters or trees, to reduce heat absorption by up to 80%.

·         Protect your windows - up to 40% of total heat loss from a home occurs through uncovered windows. Close-fitting, heavy drapes or blinds, or double-glazed windows reduce heat loss.

·         Zone your home: being able to close off different areas of your home allows you to heat only those areas in use at any one time.

·         Open up curtains to north-facing windows on sunny winter days to let in the natural warmth.

Reverse cycle air-conditioning systems

·         When purchasing a cooling unit, look for energy rating labels which contain an energy star rating. The more stars shown on the label, the more efficient the unit.

·         The temperature of a cooled room in summer should be in the range of 23-26ºC. Check the temperature after the air conditioner has been operating for 30 minutes.

·         Unit filters should be regularly cleaned for optimum performance.

Compact fluorescent and LED lighting

·         Use compact fluorescent lighting or LED fittings in rooms where the light is on for long periods.

·         Use the lowest wattage light needed to adequately light up an area.

·         Avoid using down lights unless they are CF or LED (a number are needed to light a room, and they can lead to heat loss through the holes in the ceiling and the insulation).

·         Keep lights and fittings clean. Dusty or dirty globes and fittings can reduce light output by up to 50%.

Well ventilated refrigerator space

·         When buying a refrigerator, freezer or dishwasher, choose one with a high star energy rating. The more stars on the label, the more efficient the appliance and less energy it uses.

·         Freezers should operate at -15ºC to -18ºC while fresh food compartments should operate at around 3ºC to 4ºC. Don't set the temperature too low - a change of one degree can affect energy consumption by up to 5%. Check refrigerator and freezer temperatures with an appliance thermometer.

·         Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper out easily, the hinge may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.

Wall insulation

·         Make sure corners of ceilings, walls and floors are properly insulated - this is often where heat leaks are found.

·         Bulk insulation materials have good soundproofing qualities. A building blanket installed directly under metal roofing helps to reduce noise resulting from wind, rain and hail. If soundproofing is desired between rooms, high density insulation can be installed in internal walls.

Floor insulation

·         Draught-proof your home. In winter, your heating costs can increase by up to 25% because of draughts. Check doors, windows, fireplaces, air outlets, vents and skirting boards for gaps and choose from the wide range of draught-proofing products to seal areas.

·         Make sure corners of ceilings, walls and floors are properly insulated - this is often where heat leaks are found.

·         Avoid gaps in the insulation. Even if only 5% of the area is left uninsulated, up to 50% of the potential benefits may be lost.

Ceiling insulation

·         Good insulation should be coupled with effective window shading and ventilation in summer to avoid trapping heat inside the home.

·         Reflective foil installed under the roof (sarking) will reflect large amounts of direct radiation away from the home in summer.

Hot water systems

·         Solar, heat pump or natural gas water heaters are the most energy efficient.

·         Insulate hot water pipes, especially the first two metres leading from the hot water system. Closed cell rubber insulation is recommended.

·         Turn your hot water unit off if you're going away for an extended period. Some units have a 'vacation' setting to make this easier.

Bathroom fixtures

·         Install AAA-rated showerheads, or fit a flow restricting valves to existing shower heads, to reduce the amount of water delivered. These devices can cut water delivery from the shower in half without affecting shower quality.

·         Install water saving devices like dual flush toilets, water saving aerators and flow regulators in your taps. Fix dripping taps. A tap dripping 45 times per minute wastes around 1000 litres of hot water a month, the equivalent of ten bathtubs or over $25 per year!

Rainwater tanks

·         Rainwater can be used for flushing toilets, watering your garden, washing your car or used in your washing machine - and will help reduce your water bills. It also means reduced demand on our drinkable water supply.

Indigenous species

·         Choosing local indigenous species will result in less maintenance and watering.

Typical Documentation Requirements for Archidoc to issue BASIX and ABSA certificates