How the BASIX standards apply
Information about creating and revising certificates and limited transitional arrangements in place.
Higher BASIX standards came into effect on 1 October 2023, as part of the new Sustainable Buildings State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). The higher BASIX standards will help make homes comfortable year-round with less reliance on heating and cooling technology. The average home meeting the higher standards will save over $1000 per year in energy bills.
How the BASIX standards apply depends on the applicable scenario.
If you generated a BASIX certificate before 1 October and have already submitted it with a development application (DA) or complying development certificate (CDC) application and there are NO changes to the design
For this scenario, you do not need to revise the BASIX certificate.
If you generated a BASIX certificate before 1 October and have already submitted it with a DA or CDC application and there are changes to the design
For this scenario, you need to revise your certificate within the BASIX tool and the pre-1 October standards will apply. The ‘Revise a BASIX certificate’ Quick Reference Guide outlines how to do this. If the changes are major, your consent authority may require you to create a new certificate and the higher standards will apply. If you have any concerns about which standards apply to your project, please contact your consent authority.
If you generated a BASIX certificate before 1 October and have NOT already submitted it with a DA or CDC application and there are NO changes to the design
For this scenario, you must submit the certificate with the DA or lodge it with the CDC application within 3 months of generating the certificate. After this time, you will need to generate another certificate and the higher standards will apply.
If you generated a BASIX certificate before 1 October and have NOT already submitted it with a DA or CDC application and there are changes to the design
For this scenario, you need to revise the certificate, and the higher standards will apply.
If you generate a BASIX certificate on or after 1 October
For this scenario, you must meet the higher BASIX standards, unless you applied and were approved to use the pre-1 October standards. This is a limited transitional arrangement – more information on this is outlined below.
Transitional arrangements for pre-1 October 2023 building contracts for houses and duplexes
We have limited transitional arrangements in place allowing homebuyers who signed a building contract for a new house or duplex before 1 October 2023 to apply to use the pre-1 October 2023 BASIX standards. If approved, these applicants must create the BASIX certificate by 30 June 2024. Find out more in our transitional arrangements fact sheet.
Where to get further help
We have a range of support materials, including quick reference guides, frequently asked questions and detailed guidance material, available to help you use the BASIX tool. You can access these from the BASIX support materials page.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, contact our support team. You can:
- submit an enquiry online, or
- phone ServiceNSW on 1300 650 908 for BASIX and Sustainable Buildings SEPP queries.