According to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), buildings account for more than half of electricity use in the country. Also, around 20% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from the construction process, the materials used, and the energy consumed during a building’s lifecycle.
Building sustainably has never been more important and understanding regulations like BASIX can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll address how BASIX figures in the specific scenario of relocating a home, plus related information to help you ensure your project meets sustainability standards.
Understanding BASIX and When a Certificate is Needed
BASIX is the Building Sustainability Index, a planning measure in NSW designed to ensure homes are built to be more energy-efficient and water-efficient. Think of it as a green building guide to ensure new NSW homes and big renovations are built in a way that’s good for the environment.
If you’re planning to build or renovate, you’ll need a BASIX certificate. It’s basically a stamp of approval saying your project meets these green standards. A BASIX certificate is required for all new residential dwellings and alterations and additions costing $50,000 or more. This certificate ensures that the proposed development meets specific sustainability targets, including energy efficiency, water usage, and thermal comfort.
For more details, read this: The Impact of BASIX on Residential Building Design
Do you need BASIX if you are relocating a house?
NO and YES, depending on the following:
- NO: If you are just relocating a house or if you just place it on the site as is, then you don’t need a BASIX certificate.
- YES: If you carry out alterations and additions to the house after relocation or to make it suit the new site, then you would need a BASIX certificate for the alterations.
We base this on Planning Circular PS 21-016 issued by the Department of Planning and Environment in December 2021. The circular is mostly about houses designed to be transportable but at the bottom of page 3 it mentions the relocation of BASIX affected buildings. See the extract below:
“Relocation of BASIX-affected buildings
When a BASIX-affected building is moved from one site to another site it is exempt from the requirement for a BASIX certificate.”
We would always suggest checking with your certifier or Council to ensure they agree with this interpretation in your particular situation.
A further note to be restated here, which may be relevant in this situation, is that BASIX only applies if the estimate cost of the development is $50,000 or more. This estimated project cost includes the cost of any parts that are not subject to BASIX regulations.
Benefits of the BASIX standards
BASIX compliance is not just a regulatory requirement but also a financially beneficial choice. According to recent data, homes that comply with BASIX requirements can reduce water consumption by up to 40%. It can also save $1,070 per year in energy bills for an average NSW home.
Meeting the BASIX sustainable design standards can also:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Increase your property’s value
- Ensure comfortable indoor temperatures year-round
- Enhance overall community resilience against climate change impacts
- Ensure water security and resilience during drought periods
- Encourage awareness about building sustainability practices among builders, developers, and homeowners
Updates to the BASIX standards
There was an increase to the BASIX standards as of October 1, 2023, aiming to align more closely with and complement the National Construction Code 2022. The changes include:
- The thermal performance standard was increased from an average of 5.5–6 stars to 7 stars on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
- A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 7-11% (depending on location and type of residential development proposed)
These apply to most new homes in NSW, but not those in very hot or cold areas (climate zones 9, 10, and 11) or smaller apartment buildings (up to 5 storeys). Also, if you signed a building contract before October 1, 2023, you might still be able to use the old, less strict standards.
Tips for BASIX development applications
If relocating your home requires BASIX (scenario B above, with alterations or additions), you’ll need to provide a BASIX certificate with your building application. This certificate shows that your project meets certain energy-efficiency and sustainability standards. It needs to be recent, issued within the last three months. If the renovation involves multiple homes, you’ll need a separate certificate for each unit.
Consult with energy efficiency and sustainable building experts
Relocating a house can be a cost-effective and sustainable option. Understanding whether you need a BASIX certificate is essential for homeowners, builders, and building certifiers in NSW.
For more information on how to identify the best strategies for meeting BASIX requirements and optimising the sustainability of the relocated house. Contact Application Solutions. If you need more answers or assistance about BASIX or any building certification requirements, reach out today.
