BASIX

What is BASIX and how does it work?

If you are building a house or looking at building a house, you will probably have heard of the term BASIX, but what is it and what does it mean? In simple terms, BASIX is the NSW Government’s way of making sure that new houses are more energy and water efficient. BASIX uses information such as site location, house size, type of building materials and fittings for hot water, cooling and heating.

BASIX is an online program that assesses a building’s design to see how it meets energy and water reduction targets. Every development application for a new home must be submitted to your Council with a BASIX Certificate.

Who needs a BASIX assessment?

All new properties in NSW need a BASIX assessment, but because the BASIX tool is simple to use, the assessment can be done either by the property owner or architect / building designer.

BASIX recommends submitting plans early in the design phase, and the online process usually takes about an hour to complete. If your building designer completes the assessment for you, make sure they discuss the BASIX commitments with you first. The government has designed BASIX to be flexible, so if you don't like one option, there will be an alternative that achieves energy and water efficiency.

For more information go to the BASIX website to use the BASIX assessment tool or for more information call BASIX on 1300 650 908.