The proposed BASIX higher standards were on public exhibition from 17 November until 28 February 2022. The exhibition is now closed and the new BASIX standards will commence on 1 October 2023 as part of the new State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings)
Find out more about the new standards on our Increase to BASIX Standards webpage.
Increase to BASIX Standards
The new BASIX standards will help build more comfortable homes, cut energy costs and contribute to our target of net zero homes by 2050.
This is part of the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, a national plan that aims to achieve zero energy and carbon-ready buildings. The plan proposes increases to the energy efficiency provisions in the National Construction Code (NCC) for residential buildings from 2022.
What do our new standards mean:
- Cheaper energy bills. You’ll use less electricity so your bills will be cheaper – saving as much as $980 a year on energy bills.
- More comfortable homes. Your home will be naturally cooler in summer, warmer in winter, which means you won’t be turning the heater or air conditioner on as often
- Fewer carbon emissions. This contributes towards our goal of net zero homes by 2050.
What was exhibited
The proposed changes can be found in the Proposed BASIX Higher Standards document. This document shows a map of the climate zones in NSW.
The proposed thermal performance and energy standards vary according to climate zones.
The tables show the proposed maximum allowable thermal loads and the energy standards for the climate zones.
Technical information about the changes
The proposed BASIX thermal performance and energy standards vary depending on;
- location based on climate
- building type for apartment buildings
Standards for most new residential buildings are proposed to increase across NSW from late 2022. Exceptions include apartment buildings up to 5 storeys and properties in the NSW North Coast climate zone.
The North Coast climate zones where standards won’t be changed are climate zones 9, 10 and 11 defined by the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). They are predominantly on the NSW North Coast but also include Port Stephens and Maitland.