What is NatHERS?

NatHERS certification is required for all new developments with multiple dwellings, however NatHERS can also be used if desired on single dwellings. NatHERS is a national scheme and Energy Ratings are much more thorough, accurate and flexible than the BASIX thermal tool. For this reason, to achieve the best thermal outcome at the lowest construction cost we recommend combining BASIX with NatHERS energy ratings.

What is BASIX?

BASIX, or building sustainability index, is a NSW Government planning measure to reduce household electricity and water use and sets out the the minimum standards for compliance in water, thermal comfort and energy for new and renovated homes.

There are various circumstances where BASIX fails to meet the thermal modelling capabilities of NatHERS. BASIX specifies each component of a house individually whereas NatHERS does not. This makes using BASIX alone difficult as the 'rapid method' of assessment jumps to solutions such as expensive windows or shading devices, impacting costs and aesthetics. For example, BASIX may specify higher performance glazing and all that can be done to avoid this is to reduce the area of glazing. However, NatHERS has the ability to compensate elsewhere e.g. increasing insulation to avoid the expense of high performing windows. This makes the use of both BASIX and NatHERS much more cost effective in terms of construction as well as continual energy expenses.

Do I need a BASIX certificate?

A BASIX certificate is required for the construction of the following:

new houses
new townhouses and villas
new dual occupancies
new granny flats
new flats and apartments
renovations of $50,000 or more to an existing home
swimming pools and/or spas larger than 40,000 litres
the conversion of an existing non-residential building to a residential building.

A BASIX certificate is not required for:

commercial or industrial building works
minor residential building works that meet the criteria for exempt development

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