BASIX Certificate

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

What is BASIX?

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a NSW government planning requirement that affects anyone building a new house, villa, townhouse or units, anywhere in NSW.

Operating as a web-based tool, BASIX assesses each new house or unit design against specific energy and water reduction targets.

How does BASIX work?

The BASIX tool calculates the house or unit’s energy and water scores based on a range of data, including size, location, design features and fixtures.

The end result is a list of commitments, (which must be reflected on the house plans), showing how the design will meet the BASIX targets.  This is called a BASIX Certificate.

BASIX is a flexible tool and there are a wide range of options to choose from, in order to meet these targets.

It is recommended that the building designer works through the BASIX tool during the design process, to ensure a simple and speedy evaluation.

What energy targets must be reached in the Canada Bay Local Government Area

As of the 1 July 2006 BASIX energy targets will vary depending on the type of building you propose and the location of the site you are developing that building on.

Under the BASIX Energy Target Zone Map (go to www.basix.nsw.gov.au to view this map) development in the Canada Bay Local Government Area must achieve an energy target of:

• 40 for a single dwelling, town house or villa,
• 35 for a 3 storey residential building,
• 30 for a 4-5 storey residential building, and
• 20 for buildings 6 storeys or greater.

How to get a BASIX Certificate

Your building designer can do this for you, or you can do it yourself, by:

• Going to www.basix.nsw.gov.au and login to the BASIX tool.
• Enter the design details (you can use the data input checklist to help you).
• The tool will 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 application at Council with the BASIX Certificate. 

Where to go for help

• Call the BASIX Helpline on 1300 650 908
• Use the BASIX on-line tutorials
• Read the information on the BASIX Resources page.

What are the BASIX design options?

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

• insulation
• window glazing
• eaves and window shading
• wastewater for garden use
• light coloured roof materials
• skylights to bring in natural light
• landscaping that requires less water
• passive solar design to make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

BASIX also encourages the use of these fixtures:

• gas or solar hot water systems
• rainwater tanks for use in gardens, toilet and/or laundry
• water-saving shower heads, taps and dual-flush toilets.

Key points to remember

You must include a BASIX Certificate when lodging your development application at Council.

The house or unit plans must show the BASIX commitments.

The data input checklist, available on the website, lists all of the information required by the BASIX tool.

The BASIX website has an on-line tutorial and other resources that will help you complete the assessment. Or ring the BASIX Help Line during business hours: 1300 650 908.

What kind of development requires a BASIX Certificate