The NSW government says that its new BASIX targets will help save $500 million over 50 years through more efficient household energy consumption.

To commence from July 2017, the upgrades will set new targets set in BASIX’s thermal comfort settings for heating and cooling caps as well as an updated energy target zone map.

In the Sydney CBD for example, energy requirements for heating a slab-on-ground house was formerly capped at 40 megajoules per sqm/per year, the new targets will reduce that to 25 MJ.

A new house built in Coffs Harbour with a suspended floor or open subfloor will have a cap of 33.7 MJ per sqm, per year, down from 47.5 as it currently stands.

  • A full list of the new caps is available here.
  • See a map of the proposed changes to energy targets here.

The NSW Government is also considering what further changes should be made to BASIX and what other energy efficiency measures should be adopted. It is seeking feedback on A Draft Plan to Save NSW Energy and Money. In relation to BASIX, the Plan asks:

  • how to improve BASIX through future reviews of the targets
  • if there should be target increases in specific local government or high growth areas 
  • how we might provide clearer information on BASIX certificates to help consumers understand the benefits of energy efficient homes with better design.

 To have your say on the draft plan visit the consultation webpage.