Weather refers to the temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloud, sunshine, pressure and wind at a particular place at a point in time. Climate describes patterns of weather that emerge over many years.
BASIX assigns the maximum heating and cooling loads to a dwelling according to the NatHERS climate regions based on postcode. Each region has a set of weather data representative of the climate at that location. The weather data has been chosen to be useful for thermal simulation with suitable daily and seasonal averages and variability.
Additionally, for the insulation requirements in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) method, the National Construction Code (NCC) Deemed-to-Satisfy climate zones based on Local Government Area are used, with some minor differences. The map is available on the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website. The differences are as follows:
- The Dorrigo region (postcode 2453), being on top of the plateau, is in climate zone 7 (cool temperate) and not climate zone 2 (warm humid/coastal) as indicated.
- For clarity and simplicity, Perisher/Smiggins (postcode 2624), Thredbo (postcode 2625) and Numbla Vale (2628) are in climate zone 8 (Alpine).