The Building Sustainability Index certificate came into implementation in 2004 by the New South Wales government as an initiative to ensure that residential developments are sustainable. The initiative was under the efforts suggested by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. As of now, any new residential dwelling must obtain the BASIX certificate during the development application process.
What is a BASIX Report?
BASIX reports come with a certificate which states that new residential dwellings are sustainable to reduce water consumption and greenhouse gases. The initial target to create the BASIX Report was to meet a target of about 25% reductions in greenhouse gases and at least 40% reductions in water consumption. It does not only help to protect the environment, homeowners can reduce their energy bills to a great extent by this initiative.
What does a BASIX report involve?
A BASIX report includes many criteria and is issued with a certificate assessment. Some of the criteria are:
- The orientation of the building
- The size of the building
- The Building location
- The construction category
- The landscaping surrounding the building
- The type and size of windows in the building
- The appliances being used in the building
In addition to that, it might also have the thermal comfort levels to lower the energy requirements of the dwelling to cool or heat it.
What targets are in a BASIX Report?
There are many considerations made while determining the BASIX targets including the specific climate areas of the region, soil types, rainfall levels, evaporation rates and others. The BASIX target for any region is the benchmark of greenhouse gases and water savings in comparison to the figures suggested by the government.
The standard government performance targets are:
- A 40% reduction in water consumption
- A 40% reduction in greenhouse gases
- A 40% reduction in required energy for thermal comfort
How are the targets in a BASIX Report Measured?
To determine the benchmarks set by the government in a BASIX Report, first of all, you need to consider the energy and water levels. The target for greenhouse gas emission and water consumption for a single person is measured against the numbers provided by the residential sector?
How does it function during the Development Process?
The first and foremost requirement is to get a BASIX Certificate. Once you have it, you need to submit it along with the development application. If you want to make any changes in the application, this is the time. Otherwise, you will need to redo the certificate afterwards.
Once the application is approved by the authorities, you can go forward with the project. You need to ensure that you stick to the pledges on the certificate.
You need to obtain a construction certificate before you begin your development project. It must be filed with the BASIX certificate.
The last step is the completion receipt which is all about getting a final inspection of your project site. You will get a BASIX report about completion finally.
