At Collins W Collins, our Design Team are well-versed in BASIX and we have an in-house Building Sustainability Assessor accredited with HERA (#10058), who is on hand to provide assistance and advice for all projects. We provide BASIX Certificates and NatHERS Certificates for our projects and for designs completed by other architects and building designers. Get in touch with us for services on the Mid North Coast—including Port Macquarie, Taree, Forster, Kempsey, South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Wauchope, Laurieton and Old Bar.
A BASIX Certificate is required for all new and altered* residential developments in NSW and forms part of the development application process in NSW.
BASIX, or the Building Sustainability Index, is a NSW Government initiative designed to encourage sustainable residential development within NSW. The aim of BASIX is to reduce greenhouse gases and water consumption in new and renovated residential developments and encourage the construction of residential developments with good thermal comfort performance.
Our Team and/or accredited in-house Assessor will complete a preliminary BASIX assessment of your project and will provide advice on what is required to achieve compliance with each section: water conservation, thermal comfort performance and energy efficiency.
* Applicable to alterations that cost $50,000 or more.
A NatHERS Certificate is required for certain new residential developments that do not fit within the criteria of the Thermal Comfort DIY option in BASIX.
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, aka NatHERS, is star rating system that rates the thermal comfort performance of a residential design – the higher the star rating, the higher the thermal comfort performance, which equates to a more energy efficient dwelling.
The thermal comfort performance of a dwelling is determined by assessing the dwelling’s location and orientation, construction materials, roof design, window size, style and orientation, placement of living and bedrooms, overshadowing by neighbouring developments and/or trees, cross ventilation and shading.
A BASIX Certificate is required for all new and altered residential developments that cost $50,000 or more in NSW. It forms part of the application process in NSW.
A NatHERS (National House Energy Rating Scheme) rating is a performance-based rating system that measures the energy efficiency of your home’s design, focusing on factors like insulation, ventilation, and thermal performance. It assesses how well your home will maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year without relying heavily on heating or cooling systems. A higher NatHERS rating means better energy efficiency, which can lead to lower energy costs and a more sustainable home. Meeting the required NatHERS rating also helps ensure compliance with building regulations and contributes to a more comfortable living environment year-round.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) and NatHERS (National House Energy Rating Scheme) are both sustainability rating systems, but they focus on different aspects of a home’s performance.
BASIX is a broader assessment that evaluates a home’s overall sustainability, including water and energy efficiency, as well as thermal comfort. It looks at factors like insulation, water usage, and energy consumption, and ensures that your home meets minimum environmental standards set by the government.
NatHERS, on the other hand, specifically focuses on a home’s energy efficiency, particularly its ability to maintain comfortable temperatures without relying heavily on heating and cooling systems. It rates homes based on factors such as design, orientation, and insulation.
Both systems are important for ensuring your home is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, but BASIX covers a wider range of sustainability measures, while NatHERS is focused on thermal performance and energy use.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) affects your home construction by setting mandatory sustainability standards that must be met before your project can be approved. It focuses on water conservation, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort. To comply with BASIX, your home design must incorporate specific features, such as high- quality insulation, water-efficient fixtures, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These measures help reduce the environmental impact of your home while also lowering energy and water bills. BASIX is a key consideration in the planning phase, ensuring your home meets both regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
A NatHERS (National House Energy Rating Scheme) rating directly impacts the energy efficiency of your home by assessing how well your home maintains comfortable temperatures throughout the year without relying heavily on artificial heating or cooling. The rating considers factors like the design, orientation, insulation, and ventilation of your home. A higher NatHERS rating means your home is better at naturally regulating temperature, which reduces the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling systems. This leads to lower energy consumption, reduced utility costs, and a more sustainable, comfortable living environment.
