The Simulation method allows for a wider selection of building materials, shading devices and insulation, often reducing the need for improved glazing and other added building costs.
In the Simulation method, you will need to:
- engage an accredited assessor who will simulate the dwelling with an approved software tool; and
- enter the calculated heating and cooling loads from the Assessor Certificate into BASIX.
To pass the thermal comfort section using this method, the heating and cooling loads must be below the maximum loads (as calculated by BASIX based on your climate zone).
The Simulation method is not available for alterations and additions except in special circumstances. Please refer to the guide on using Simulation for alterations and additions.
Thermal comfort protocol
The BASIX thermal comfort protocol applies to the Simulation method of thermal comfort assessment. It establishes requirements for:
- accreditation of organisations that may accredit assessors to conduct simulations, and the accreditation of assessors by such organisations
- software that can be used by accredited assessors to conduct simulations
- how simulations are to be conducted by accredited assessors.
The BASIX thermal comfort protocol refers extensively to the requirements in the NatHERS technical notes. It also establishes the hierarchy of interpreting the requirements in conjunction with the NatHERS technical notes. Where there are differences between the protocol and the NatHERS technical notes, protocol requirements prevail.
The current thermal comfort protocol (dated 27/11/2020).
Thermal comfort protocol (dated 01/05/2016) – applicable to BASIX certificates lodged before July 2017.
Note: The 27/11/2020 revision to the thermal comfort protocol allows ceiling fans to be included in thermal simulations.