BASIX sets sustainability targets for water and energy as well as minimum performance levels for the thermal comfort of the proposed development.

The targets are expressed as a percentage saving against the NSW benchmark. While the benchmark is constant across NSW, the targets are varied to suit regional climates and can be amended over time to achieve State objectives for water and greenhouse gas savings. Variable targets that recognise differences in local conditions (such as rainfall, soil type, and evaporation rates) and different housing types (from single detached houses to high-rise apartment buildings) ensures equity across NSW without placing an excessive cost burden on dwellings in certain regions.

What are the targets?

For coastal NSW the targets for single dwellings are typically:

• 40% reduction in potable water consumption
• 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

For all NSW regional targets and housing types, view the energy target map and water target map.

BASIX also sets minimum performance levels, or ‘caps’, for the thermal performance and comfort of the dwelling, expressed as the annual amount of energy required to heat and cool the dwelling (MJ/m2/year).

A full list of the heating and cooling caps can be viewed in the Thermal Comfort Protocol