BASIX & Your 7 Star Energy Rating

To align with the NSW government’s 2050 net zero emissions target, there have been some improvements to the National Construction Code (NCC) that now require a higher Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) standard for your new home. 

WHAT IS BASIX?

In NSW, BASIX is a compulsory scheme to regulate the energy efficiency of residential buildings. The NSW government establishes specific benchmarks that households must achieve in order to qualify for a BASIX certificate. These benchmarks differ across various regions. For example:

• Energy Efficiency: BASIX has defined energy targets for newly constructed homes to lower household greenhouse gas emissions.
• Thermal Comfort and Loads: BASIX evaluates the effectiveness of heating and cooling methods in your home to ensure year-round comfort.
• Water Efficiency: BASIX water targets are designed to curtail water consumption within your residence, leading to both reduced water usage and lower water bills.

WHAT IS THE NCC?

The National Construction Code (NCC) is a performance-based code which sets out the requirements for the construction of buildings.
The NCC has two different mandatory requirements:

• Performance Requirements outline certain criteria which must be met
• General Requirements which cover other aspects of applying the NCC. This includes its interpretation, reference documents, the acceptance of design and construction (including related evidence of suitability/documentation) and the classification of buildings within the NCC.

The NCC has both guidance information and compliance requirement. The Performance Requirements of the NCC being the minimum level that buildings, building elements and plumbing and drainage systems must meet. A building, plumbing or drainage solution will comply with the NCC if it satisfies the Performance Requirements.

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE 2022

From 1st October 2023, the NCC requires new home builds to achieve a 7-star BASIX Certificate. The changes apply to all homes lodged to the after 1st October 2023. As a leading NSW home builder, MOJO Homes will comply with the new and improved energy efficiency BASIX standards when building your new home. This will contribute to more energy and water efficient homes, that are more comfortable for homeowners and save costs on energy bills in the long run. 
 

7 STAR ENERGY RATING WITH MOJO HOMES

It's never been easier to be green with MOJO Homes! With MOJO's 7 Star Standard inclusions across our range of homes:

• Double Glazing to windows and doors throughout
• Ceiling fans to all bedrooms
• R6.0 ceiling insulation (house area only)
• Whirly birds and roof vents

Plus, enjoy more comfort with our design specific inclusions:
Single Storey homes:

• R2.2 insulation to the external walls (excluding garage external walls, as well as laundry, bathrooms and internal garage walls
• R1.3 foil blanket (metal roof)

Double Storey homes:

• R2.2 insulation to the exterior (excluding garage external walls)
• R2.2 insulation throughout all internal walls
• R4.1 subfloor insulation (to the first floor only)
• R1.8 foil blanket (metal roof)
   

TIPS FOR ACHIEVING COMPLIANCE WITH BASIX

To achieve compliance with BASIX targets and the updated NCC 2022 stringency increases, consider the following tips:

THERMAL COMFORT

• Place living areas on the north side for better natural heating.
• Position service rooms on the west/south.
• Use smaller windows to reduce the need for special glazing.
• Optimise glazing: more on the north, less on east/west, minimal on south.
• Avoid fixed windows, as they perform poorly.
• Utilise thermal mass like slab on ground.
• Install 450–900mm eaves for shading.
• Be cautious with large eaves over sliding doors.
• Reduce air leakage with sealed LED lights and self-closing exhaust fans.
• Insulate walls and ceilings adequately.

ENERGY

• Consider energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
• Improve efficiency with showerheads, clotheslines, and natural ventilation.
• Add ceiling fans and check air conditioning performance.
• For significant shortfalls, consider heat pumps or solar hot water systems.

WATER

•  Minimise landscaped areas and use low-water plants.
• Opt for water-efficient fixtures.
• Upgrade to 5-star tapware and showerheads.
• Use rainwater tanks for irrigation and non-potable uses.

MORE BASIX INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

For further information on BASIX, visit the official NSW Government website.