Building Sustainability Index
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. 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.
ABOUT ABSA
ABSA is an approved Assessor Accrediting Organisation (AAO) for the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
Plans of all new homes (and significant renovations) built in Australia are required to meet minimum energy efficiency standards, as outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA). At present, plans of all new homes must achieve 5-stars (on a scale of 1 to 10) and by the end of 2012, most States and Territories will require plans to show 6-stars or above.
The HERS scheme has been designed to meet both the requirements of regulators and certifiers nationally and has been federally endorsed.
ABOUT GREENSMART
HIA provides leadership in the recognition of environmentally responsible residential building and land development through its GreenSmart program.
GreenSmart was established by HIA in 1999 to promote practical, affordable and durable environmental solutions for residential design and construction.