MSC Quarterly: BASIX & Your Development

BASIX is a planning tool used in New South Wales (NSW), Australia to ensure new residential buildings meet sustainability targets.

If you’re designing or building a home in NSW, you’ll need a BASIX assessment and certificate before lodging your application with Council or a Certifier.

Project Scale

• Alterations/additions costing $50,000 or more, or adding a pool/spa over 40,000L.

• All new residential dwellings in NSW (houses, apartments, townhouses).

BASIX Targets

It sets minimum performance standards across three key areas:

1. Water Efficiency – Reducing potable water use through efficient fixtures, rainwater tanks, etc.

2. Energy Efficiency – Lowering greenhouse gas emissions through insulation, solar systems, efficient lighting/appliances, etc.

3. Thermal Comfort – Ensuring the design maintains comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal active heating/cooling.

Documentation Requirements

To prepare a compliant BASIX Certificate we are required to input accurate, project-specific information into the NSW Government’s BASIX assessment tool. This checklist helps us collect all the necessary details related to water usage, energy systems, and building materials to ensure your project meets the minimum sustainability requirements.

Water Efficiency Checklist:

Minimum Requirement: Reduce potable water use by 40% compared to the average benchmark home.

Client Information Required:

•  Number of bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, laundry taps

•  Showerhead type (≤ 9 L/min recommended)

•  Toilet type (4-star WELS rated dual flush minimum)

•  Dishwasher and washing machine ratings (4+ star WELS recommended)

•  Rainwater tank (Required in many zones)

  •  Size (e.g. 2,000–5,000L typical)

  •  Roof area connected (min. 100 m² ideal)

  •  Connected to toilets, laundry, or irrigation

•  Greywater reuse? (optional)

Energy Efficiency Checklist:

Minimum Requirement: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to a standard benchmark home.

Client Information Required:

•  Hot water system type:

  • Gas-boosted solar, heat pump, or electric with solar offset preferred

•  Heating/cooling system type and zones

  • High-efficiency split systems or ducted with zoning controls recommended

•  Lighting:

  • Minimum 80% of fixed lights to be high-efficiency (e.g. LED)

•  Solar PV system?

  • Optional, but often required to meet energy targets

•  Pool or spa?

  • If yes:

    •  Heating type (solar preferred)

    •  Pool/spa cover (required if heated)

•  Appliances to be installed:

  • Clothes dryer type (heat pump recommended)

  • Energy efficiency ratings

For further information or enquiries, feel free to contact the team at MSC.