Sustainability & BASIX Requirements: What You Need to Know When Building in NSW

When building a new home in New South Wales, sustainability is more than just a buzzword — it's a legal requirement. The BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) plays a key role in ensuring that all residential developments meet essential standards for energy and water efficiency, supporting a greener future for all.

If you're planning to build, here’s what you need to know about BASIX and how it helps create smarter, more sustainable homes.

What is BASIX?

BASIX is a NSW Government initiative designed to reduce the environmental impact of residential buildings. It's one of the strongest sustainability planning measures in Australia and applies to all new homes and renovations over $50,000.

Before a building application can be submitted, a BASIX Certificate must be obtained. This certificate confirms that the design meets mandatory targets for:

• Water efficiency
• Energy efficiency
• Thermal comfort

These targets are determined based on your specific location, climate zone, and building type.

Why Does BASIX Matter?

BASIX is important because it ensures that new homes are designed with sustainability in mind from the very beginning. This means:

• Lower energy bills for homeowners due to more efficient design and systems
• Reduced water usage, helping preserve valuable resources
• Improved comfort, thanks to smarter materials and thermal performance
• Smaller carbon footprint, contributing to broader climate change efforts

What’s Required to Meet BASIX?

To obtain a BASIX certificate, your design must include features such as:

• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
• Water-saving taps, toilets, and showers
• Rainwater tanks or greywater systems
• High-performance insulation and glazing
• Orientation and shading strategies to reduce heating and cooling needs

The certificate is generated using the online BASIX assessment tool, which calculates your home’s performance based on your inputs. Your builder or designer will usually manage this process on your behalf.

How Code Homes Builds for Sustainability

At Code Homes, we’re committed to building homes that not only meet BASIX requirements but exceed them. Our designs are thoughtfully created with orientation, ventilation, insulation, and energy efficiency in mind.

We work closely with our clients to ensure their new home is future-proof — balancing comfort, affordability, and environmental responsibility.

Ready to Build Smart?

Understanding BASIX is a vital step in the home-building journey. With the right builder, achieving sustainability and compliance doesn’t have to be complicated.

Get in touch with Code Homes to learn how we make building sustainably simple, efficient, and stress-free.