Increase to BASIX Standards

By Edward Wu, ESD / Sustainability Engineer

BASIX will see an increase in its thermal comfort and energy commitments, this is in line with the NSW government’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

How the higher BASIX standards will affect you

NSW residential homes will see an overall increase in energy efficiency through the increased energy standard and updated maximum allowable loads within NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme).

BASIX Thermal Comfort

Building Type Current Standards Proposed Higher Standards
Detached or attached houses Heating and cooling caps currently achieve an average of 5.5 to 6 NatHERS star rating. Revised heating and cooling caps for 7 stars
Apartments Heating and cooling caps currently achieve an average of 5.5 to 6 NatHERS star rating. Revised heating and cooling caps for an average of 7 NatHERS stars across the building
Maximum heating and cooling caps for individual apartments Revised heating and cooling caps for a minimum of 6 NatHERS stars for each individual apartment.

BASIX Energy

Building Type Current Energy Standard Proposed New Energy Standards
Detached houses Standards do not vary with a floor area Standards will vary, taking into consideration the number of people that live at the property.

 

e.g., A Sydney home <=110m2 could have an energy target of 68 compared to a home >110m2 which would have an energy target of 72. (Previously 50 for both)

High-rise apartment buildings The same standards apply to apartment buildings 6 storeys and higher. Two separate standards are proposed for high-rise apartment buildings to capture energy consumption associated with shared services specific to high-rise buildings:

–        6 – 20 storeys

–        21 storeys and higher

The increased standard will see an average NatHERS star rating for BASIX increase to 7 stars to be in line with the National Construction Code 2022.

Whilst this translates to a higher upfront construction cost to achieve the average 7-star rating; the benefits have been assessed and determined to outweigh the cost. Homes meeting the proposed higher standard will be more comfortable to live in as they will be passively cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

The lower operational cost of the properties will pay itself off within a decade and continue to save money throughout its lifespan. Best of all, owners of higher-rating homes can feel good about contributing positively to the environment by offsetting carbon. These changes will come into effect on the 1st of October 2023.

Additional Reading:

For more information on any of our ESD/Energy Services please contact info@credwell.com.au or call 02 9281 8555.