Introduced by the NSW Government, BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index, ensures homes are designed to use less potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for house and units. BASIX is one of the most robust sustainable planning measures in Australia, delivering equitable and effective water and greenhouse gas reductions across NSW.

How does BASIX work?

BASIX is an online program that is free and accessible to anyone. The user (usually the building designer) enters data relating to the house or unit design - such as location, size, building materials etc - into the BASIX tool. BASIX analyses this data and determines how it scores against the Energy and Water targets. The design must pass specific targets (which vary according to location and building type) before the user can print the BASIX Certificate.

The BASIX Certificate

This lists all the commitments the user has agreed to, and the Certifying Authority will check these at various stages of construction. The BASIX Certificate must be attached to the development application before it can be processed.

Providing options

BASIX is free, flexible and easy to use, allowing users to determine how they will meet targets from a wide range of options such as rainwater tanks, water-saving fixtures, improved insulation, passive solar orientation, natural lighting and native plants for gardens.

More information See www.basix.nsw.gov.au for mor information.