BASIX was introduced with the aim to promote sustainable residential development in NSW. The BASIX guidelines are a component of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
The BASIX certificate entails three sections:
- Energy efficiency
- Water efficiency
- Thermal comfort
The thermal comfort section requires a DIY method or NaTHERS assessment by an accredited accessor for compliance validation.
In this article, we’ll focus on the energy section of the BASIX report.
Energy Efficient Section: BASIX Certificate
The energy efficiency section in the BASIX focuses on reducing greenhouse gas production and carbon footprints on the environment.
BASIX is strictly for residential structures. For commercial spaces, JV3 assessment or the direct DtS method is applicable for complying with BCA Section J.
The New BASIX standards are planned for implementation in 2022. The goal is to promote more comfortable and sustainable home designs, further reduce energy expenses and support the target of net-zero homes by 2050.
The updated standards were introduced as part of the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (a national project aiming to accomplish zero energy and carbon-ready buildings).
Since its implementation in 2004, BASIX has successfully prevented 12.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the environment.
The reforms are forecasted to save another 150,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The energy saved is equivalent to running 31 wind turbines per year, generating electric power for 27,000 households.
The BASIX accessor considers the following energy-efficiency components.
Components Of BASIX Section
The energy section of the BASIX certificate comprises the following components.
- Hot water systems
- Artificial heating and cooling facilities
- Ventilation systems
- Lighting fixtures and density
- Pool structure and spa plant
- Alternative energy sources
- Other energy uses
- Centrally controlled systems
Energy Efficiency Components
Hot Water Systems
BASIX certificate recognises the following types of hot water systems:
- Solar heating systems- flat plate panels or evacuated tube collectors.
- The heat pump
- Gas-based heating system
- Wood combustion (allowed only for single dwellings, not multi-dwellings)
- Electric supply
For single-dwellings, if a ground source heat pump is considered as a primary hot water system, no other heating systems are allowed for installation.
For multi-dwelling projects, central hot water systems can be installed.
In an average NSW household, hot water systems contribute to the largest greenhouse gas emissions. The BASIX energy score evaluates greenhouse gas production.
Artificial Heating And Cooling Systems
BASIX certificate evaluates the energy required for operating the artificial heating and cooling systems for the living room and the bedrooms. Secondary heating is not considered.
The following types of heating and cooling systems are BASIX approved:
- Suitable star-rated gas heater
- Gas-powred hydronic system
- Appropriately star-rated1-phase air or 3-phase air conditioning
- Heat pump hydronic system
- Electric-powered underfloor heating
- Wood heating (accepted only for single dwellings)
- Centrally controlled thermal-regulation systems (accepted only for multi-dwelling developments)
- ceiling fans
- evaporative cooling
- ceiling fans coupled with air-conditioning
Ventilation Facillities
The BASIX accessor follows different methods for single and multiple dwelling ventilation assessments. For a single dwelling ventilation plan, your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry details are required. Common area ventilation provisions are also considered for multi-dwelling, in addition to single dwelling requirements.
Lighting Facilities
The light section of BASIX evaluates the following:
Whether the building design has direct natural light available to bathroom/toilets and kitchen.
Details on artificial lighting systems
To understand the BASIX certificate costs, get in touch with an experienced agency for building consultation.
Swimming Pool and Spa Plant
BASIX report evaluates pools and spa plant energy utilisation through the following factors:
- Heating provisions for the pool or spa plant.
- Timer-controlled or manual controlled pool or spa plant pump and system
- Other design information of pool and spa that lead to additional energy consumption.
Alternative Energy Supply System
An alternative energy system can be defined as a power source that generates electricity without depending on the electricity supply grid. Alternative s sources can be solar power systems, wind generators, water-based power generation, etc.
The alternative energy production system should be situated on the same land as the proposed residential structure.
For commercial developments, all these components are included in NABERS rating, JV3 assessment or DtS verification method.
