2017 BASIX energy target
changes
Frequently Asked Questions
May 2017
Why change the BASIX energy targets?

Existing homes in NSW use around 17% of our state’s total energy consumption. We expect around 1.8
million new homes to be built across NSW over the next 40 years.

The NSW Government’s A Draft Plan to Save NSW Energy and Money recognises that residential energy
efficiency is one of the easiest ways to save energy and save money through lower utility bills. By changing
the BASIX energy targets, energy bill savings will deliver more than $2.6 billion to the NSW economy, or
around $155 per household, every year for the next 30 years.

These changes bring an additional 83 gigawatt hours of energy savings toward the State’s 16,000 GWh
energy savings target by 2020.
What changes to BASIX are proposed?

The BASIX energy targets will change from 1 July 2017, typically by 10 per cent for houses and low-rise
units, and by 5 per cent for mid and high-rises units. The stringency for the thermal comfort heating and
cooling caps will also increase. This will mean efficiency is considered when these homes are designed and
built, locking in a lifetime of bill savings.

A map showing the new energy targets for each regional area of is available here.

A table of the new thermal comfort caps is available here.
When will the changes take effect?

The changes will apply from 1 July 2017.
What about the BASIX water target?

The Government is prioritising energy efficiency measures and will undertake further consultation in
2017/18 on the merit of changing BASIX.

As part of the Plan to Save NSW Energy and Money, the Department and the Office of Environment and
Heritage is consulting with stakeholders on ways to improve BASIX and explore opportunities to further
increase the BASIX targets, particularly with councils in high-growth areas. More information on these
opportunities to further improve BASIX can be found here.
Can I trial the updated BASIX assessment tool prior to launch?

A trial version of the new BASIX tool will be available until 1 July at
https://beta.dev.basix.nsw.gov.au/basixcms/.
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2017 BASIX energy target
changes
Frequently Asked Questions
May 2017

Users who have existing BASIX accounts will find their existing project portfolio copied to the trial version.
They will be able to model those projects using the new targets and thermal comfort caps.

You will not be able to generate a BASIX certificate using the trial version, and changes made to projects,
or any new project files created, will not be reflected or copied over to the regulatory version.
What happens to projects already in progress?

The three-month validity period (from date of issue) for BASIX certificates will not change.

A certificate generated on or after 1 April 2017, in accordance with the BASIX targets current at that time,
can be lodged with the consent authority (council/private certifier) after 1 July 2017, provided it is no later
than three months from date of issue.

Revisions can also be made to validly lodged certificates during the development assessment period or
following granting of consent using the targets current at the time the certificate was generated.
Why is the Rapid method no longer available when completing the Thermal Comfort Index?

Due to the low volume of users using the Rapid method, this method will be unavailable from 1 July 2017.
The DIY and Simulation methods may still be used.
Where can I find out more information?

Visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Call ServiceNSW on 13 77 88.
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