7 Star Energy Efficient Homes
What you need to know about the NSW Government’s
7 Star Basix requirements for new home builds:
What is Basix?
BASIX stands for Building Sustainability Index and was introduced in NSW in 2004 as the mandatory standards to achieve reductions in water and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It’s an important part of the development application process and it’s up to your builder to provide a BASIX certificate to outline their methods for meeting the minimum requirements.
In October 2023 the NSW government increased the minimum rating from 5.5 stars to 7 stars in a bid to meet Australia’s goal to achieve zero-carbon-ready buildings by 2050.
This is good news for new home builders as a more energy efficient home means that it will stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer and you’ll save money on your ongoing energy bills.
How we meet the 7 Star requirements
There are many factors to assess when meeting minimum BASIX requirements, and as every build is unique, there is no set checklist as to what features your home should have. However, as we have been meeting the minimum 5.5 star rating for years there are some simple ways we can increase the sustainability index up to 7 stars. As your builder we will work with you to find the best ways to meet those requirements.
Your new home build may include some of these features:
Insulation
Natural gas hot water systems
Sarking
Anti-condensation blanket
Double glazed or Low-E glass windows
Ceiling fans
Rainwater tanks
Other factors such as the orientation of your home also effects the rating, and our team will work with you to determine the best possible position of your home to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
How much will it cost?
At Candor Homes, we have always included BASIX fees as part of our base price. With the addition of extra energy efficient features there is likely to be some additional cost to your build price. However the fees will vary according to your individual needs and will be discussed during your design consultation. It will be just one of the factors to consider when choosing your floorplan and inclusions.
Further information can be found on the NSW Planning Portal.