OzKit Homes Newsletter
The following information has been taken from: www.basix.nsw.gov.au
New Building Guidelines for Kit Homes
About BASIX
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 accessible to anyone. Oz Kit Homes enters data relating to the kit home - 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 flexible and easy to use, allowing Oz Kit Homes 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.
Examples of sustainable housing features:
- Rainwater tanks, plumbed to toilet, garden and/or laundry
- Efficient (3A-5A) showerheads, toilets, tap fittings
- Use of indigenous garden species
- Grey water system where appropriate
- Solar, heat pump or high efficiency gas hot water systems
- Efficient pool heating and pumps
- Good solar orientation
- Cross ventilation
- Insulation
- External shading
- Performance glazing for large glazed areas and/or poorly oriented areas
- Ceiling fans, evaporative coolers or high efficiency air conditioning
- Energy efficiency lighting
- Alternative energy systems such as photovoltaic