Water
Fixtures, rainwater reuse, landscaping, pools and other measures that influence predicted mains-water consumption.
BASIX CERTIFICATES · NSW
NSW sustainability compliance, made practical.
One coordinated assessment across water, energy, thermal performance and materials—with clear commitments your design and construction teams can work with.
4AREAS
COORDINATED
COORDINATED
NSWPLANNING REQUIREMENT
DAAPPLICATION SUPPORT
CDCAPPLICATION SUPPORT
25+YEARS’ EXPERIENCE
WHAT IS BASIX?
One certificate.
Several moving parts.
BASIX is part of the NSW planning approval process for residential development.
The assessment uses the design and project specifications to measure water use, energy use, thermal performance and, for applicable new homes, the embodied emissions of building materials.
Once the required standards are met, the certificate records the sustainability commitments that must be reflected in the approved plans and delivered during construction.
THE FOUR ASSESSMENT AREAS
Different inputs.
One coordinated outcome.
A change in one area can affect another. We assess the project as a complete system and keep the commitments clear.
Energy
Hot water, heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting, appliances and on-site energy systems.
Thermal performance
How the orientation, glazing, insulation, shading and construction work together to manage heating and cooling demand.
Materials
Reporting the embodied emissions associated with building materials where the project pathway requires it.
WHEN DOES BASIX APPLY?
Know the pathway before the plans are lodged.
BASIX applies across NSW. The exact assessment pathway depends on the project type and scope.
New residential dwellings
Including houses, dual occupancies, townhouses, units, apartments and other single or multi-dwelling residential projects.
Alterations & additions
Residential alterations and additions with an estimated development cost of $50,000 or more.
Pools & spas
New swimming pools and spas with a combined capacity of 40,000 litres or more.
Not sure which pathway applies? Send us the plans and project scope—we’ll help identify what is required.
BASIX+NatHERS
HOW THEY CONNECT
BASIX looks at the whole project. NatHERS models the thermal envelope.
For projects using the simulation method, NatHERS-accredited software is used to complete the thermal performance component of BASIX. The resulting heating and cooling loads then interact with the selected systems in the BASIX energy assessment.
ERA can coordinate both assessments, helping keep the modelling, documentation and final commitments aligned.
THE ERA APPROACH
Clear from assessment
to submission.
- 01
Review the project
We confirm the development type, approval pathway, available documents and assessment requirements.
- 02
Coordinate the inputs
Plans, fixtures, services, construction and thermal modelling are assessed together.
- 03
Resolve the pressure points
If the project does not initially meet a target, we test practical options and explain the trade-offs.
- 04
Issue clear commitments
The final certificate and supporting information are prepared so the requirements can be carried through the plans and build.
WHAT WE NEED
Start with the plans.
Add the project details.
If some selections are still being decided, send what you have. We can identify the missing information and guide the next step.
Architectural plans
Site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, orientation and relevant schedules.
Construction & glazing
Wall, floor and roof systems, insulation, colours, window and door details.
Fixtures & water
Water fixtures, rainwater systems, landscaping and pool or spa details where applicable.
Services & energy
Hot water, heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting, appliances and solar systems where known.
COMMON QUESTIONS
BASIX, explained simply.
When should the BASIX assessment begin?+
Ideally while the design and key selections can still be adjusted. Early coordination gives the team more options and reduces the risk of late changes before lodgement.
Is BASIX only required for new homes?+
No. It also applies to residential alterations and additions valued at $50,000 or more, and pools or spas with a combined capacity of 40,000 litres or more.
Is a NatHERS certificate the same as a BASIX certificate?+
No. NatHERS assesses the thermal performance of the building envelope. BASIX considers a broader set of NSW sustainability requirements and may use NatHERS modelling for its thermal performance section.
What happens if the project does not initially pass?+
We identify what is driving the result and test suitable changes across the design, construction, fixtures and services, with a focus on practical build outcomes.
Do design changes affect the certificate?+
They can. Changes to the plans, glazing, construction, fixtures or services may alter the assessment or commitments. Send revisions through so the certificate remains aligned with the project.
START WITH ERA
Planning a NSW residential project?
Tell us about the project and we’ll confirm the BASIX pathway and information required.