It was once a pipedream to built an energy-efficient home that would benefit the environment and would also be a long-term financial saving for the house owner. However, with the implementation of BASIX (Building sustainability index) across New South Wales, Australia, a house is assessed against many factors like energy usage reduction, greenhouse gas reduction, and others. If the house is able to meet the expectations, it is given ratings out of 6-star.aph text here.
It has become a mandate for residential development across NSW, to have an approval of BASIX. It is a compulsion that is imposed after 2004, upon every new house built or renovated to undergo BASIX assessment. These houses are assessed against the benchmark figures set for that particular area.
So, if you have a question when would this assessment happens, then here is your answer to it.
Once you have your house plan ready either for a new house built-up or for renovation, you need to submit the development application papers to the council and wait for their approval over the same. However, small restructuring of value less than $50,000 are exempted from the certificate assessment. The BASIX certificate aims to regulate the energy efficiency of a building, and the online tool rates a residential development in terms of water efficiency, thermal comfort, and energy consumption of that particular area. You can hire an agency that will help you to get through the assessment procedures. ext here.
The next obvious question which you all might have is what all factors are assessed for achieving the BASIX certification?
The main aim of BASIX assessment is to reduce greenhouse emissions by almost 40% and thereby create a healthy residential living. So the typical items that will be assessed in the process include the following:
Water:
- The assessors will check the bathroom and the kitchen fittings and fixtures installed and also check the water-saving ratings of the same.
- Does the house have alternative water supply, such as rainwater or stormwater tank?
- It would be beneficial if your house has a greywater or wastewater recycling system.
- Is there a swimming pool or a spa at the residential location?
- Does your landscape area have low-water-usage plants?
Energy:
- Is the building raised above the ground or is built on a concrete slab is also taken into consideration.
- What are the walls of the building made up of?
- Does the building have a roof or flat ceilings, or is it pitched?
- Do you have sheets of roof layers?
- Do you have glazing on the windows?
- Have you included R1.5 and R3.5 ceiling insulation?
If the BASIX certificate assessment is performed well, the house residents will benefit from lower energy bills, and the overall thermal comfort of the house shall improve. Hence, every element of the home design plays a major role in concluding how you will achieve the BASIX certification. Just ensure that you take mindful steps that will help you achieve a good BASIX ranking efficiently.
