BASIX sets Energy targets to deliver greenhouse gas reductions for the NSW community. BASIX Energy targets vary, depending on the type and location of home you are building. These variations ensure BASIX remains cost-effective and fair to everyone. Find out more about Energy target zones.
How are the energy targets determined?
The Energy targets were rigorously tested on all building types throughout NSW by the Department of Planning & Environment and industry representatives. This ensures that across NSW:
- Each building type will have similar compliance costs
- Each building type will make substantial greenhouse gas reductions
Tips for achieving the energy targets
For detached houses, semi or terrace houses and townhouses:
- Choose a gas instantaneous hot water system and install some energy efficient lighting. If air conditioning is being installed, it will need to be an efficient system.
- If no reticulated gas is available at the location, consider an air-sourced electric heat pump.
- Improve the water efficiency of hot water fixtures such as showerheads and taps to reduce the hot water consumption and hence the energy required from hot water systems.
- Improve the thermal performance from the building shell in the BASIX thermal comfort section, as the heating and cooling loads will impact the energy demand for space heating and cooling.
- Construct fridge ventilation spaces, or install a clothes drying line to reduce the dependence of electric clothes dryers.
For residential flat buildings:
- Install a gas instantaneous hot water system, energy efficient lighting, internal clothes lines, efficient appliances, and lighting and carpark ventilation controls.
- Improve the water efficiency of hot water fixtures such as showerheads and taps to reduce the hot water consumption and hence the energy required from hot water systems.
- Construct fridge ventilation spaces, or install clothes drying lines to reduce the dependence of electric clothes dryers.
If the project still fails to achieve the Energy target after taking the above measures, you may need to consider renewable energy in the form of solar hot water or photovoltaic (PV) systems.
If renewable energy sources are to be installed, consider the following for a more cost-effective outcome:
- Avoid specifying both solar hot water and PV systems, especially for buildings where roof areas are limited.
- Size the PV systems appropriately – if the PV system is oversized, capacity in excess of the estimated electricity demand will not be considered to improve the BASIX energy score.
- If electric hot water systems are to be installed in locations without access to reticulated gas, improve the water efficiency of hot water fixtures to reduce the capacity of PV required to compensate for the associated greenhouse gas emissions.