BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a set of requirements stated by the NSW government to ensure all residential buildings are energy and water-efficient.
The overall target is to accomplish a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas production, water consumption, and energy consumption for thermal comfort.
A BASIX certificate is mandatory as part of your development application if you’re:
A BASIX certificate is mandatory as part of your development application if you’re:
- Constructing a new home
- Renovating an existing residential structure cost $50,000 or more
- Installing a spa or pool or spa with a capacity of more than 40,000 litres.
To receive a BASIX certificate, you’ll need to share evidence with the council that your development plans fulfil strict targets in three areas – water, energy, and thermal comfort.
You can obtain a BASIX report and a certificate you need to use the BASIX online tool. BASIX targets were updated in November 2020. The update includes a 10% increase in energy targets, and stricter thermal comfort caps were.
It may sound challenging, but BASIX targets are great for preserving the environment and will help the residents save money in the long run.
Doors and windows can have a significant impact on the BASIX score. Windows are pivotal in determining energy consumption for thermal comfort.
Here are 3 effective ways windows can help you achieve the new BASIX target increases:
- Choose the best glass type
- Correctly position the right type of windows.
- Make provision for cross-ventilation
3 Ways Windows Can Help You Achieve BASIX Certificate
1. Select The Best Type Of Glass
It lets in natural light and fresh air and connects interior living spaces with the outdoors. However, with ordinary glass, the home loses up to 40% of heating energy during winter. It gains up to 87% heat during winters through the windows.
To achieve the new BASIX® targets, you need to ensure the following:
- The window U-value- select glass and frame with a lower U value. With a lower U-value, the window’s resistance and insulation improve.
- Window Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)- SHGC determines how much sunlight enters your window as heat. Low SHGC rated glass windows reduce heat entering the room during summers, whereas high SHGC permits more warmth in winter. Installing these windows in an accurate location is vital to achieving the desired BASIX requirement.
- Glass Visible Transmittance (VT)- VT determines how much light travels through your windows. Select a glass with acceptable VT. The windows will permit adequate natural light during the day, reducing energy consumption and filtering harsh glare.
2. Locate The Right Type Of Windows In The Right Places
For optimum passive solar heating, positioning windows of the right size is essential to invite the sunshine when it’s cold outside and eliminate it when it’s hot.
In temperate and cool temperate climates like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart, positioning high SHGC windows to the north, northeast, or northwest captures maximum sunlight.
Placing low SHGC windows on the west and east walls of the residence can reduce heat in summer. However, it also cuts down the warming sunlight during winter.
It’s a trade-off, where the summer advantages may outweigh the winter problems.
To utilize the best of passive solar heating in winter, install smaller windows in the south, southwest, and southeast with low U factors and high SHGC values.
3. Make provision For Cross-ventilation
Cross ventilation is a natural cooling method that can improve the thermal comfort of your home without burdening the overall energy consumption. The improved energy efficiency will be excellent for the BASIX assessment.
Install small windows in walls facing prevailing winds. Position large windows on the sheltered side of the building. This creates a vacuum effect; the air is sucked through one opening and pushed out the other directly opposite.
