nsw and basix what is basix? The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is an interactive assessment tool that will promote sustainable residential designs throughout NSW. Developers, architects and other design professionals will use the tool to ensure that new homes meet the NSW Government's water and energy efficiency targets. what are the targets? From 1 July 2004, homes in NSW will need to be designed and built to use 40% less mains supply water and produce 25% lower greenhouse gas emissions than the state average (this target will rise to 40% from July 2006). Primarily, BASIX will be the tool for achieving these targets and establishing consistent, state wide standards for sustainability. how will it be introduced? BASIX will be introduced in 3 stages: Stage Date Details 1  From 1 July 2004 BASIX will apply to proposals in Sydney for the following types of new residential developments: Single dwelling houses built on a single allotment of land (attached or detached) Two dwelling houses (attached or detached) on a single allotment of land, including strata title dual occupancy Boarding houses, guest houses, hostels, lodging-houses and backpacker accommodation under 300 square metres in area. 2  From 1 October 2004 BASIX will apply to proposals for all types of new residential developments in Sydney. 3  From 1 July 2005 BASIX will apply to proposals for all types of new residential developments in all local government areas throughout NSW. what will it require? Each new residential development proposal must be submitted with a BASIX Certificate. To get a BASIX Certificate, the proposed development must satisfy the requirements of the BASIX assessment. This assessment can be completed by architects and other design professionals or by owner builders using the BASIX tool. The BASIX tool is interactive and can only be run on the Internet. Visit the BASIX website at www.basix.nsw.gov.au for more details.