Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

• Cooling Based
• Prescriptive Codes
• Trade Off
• Performance Codes for Refurbishments
• Performance Codes for New Builds

  The performance targets vary according to the location of the building. Primary energy use is calculated using software in KWh for electricity and Mj for gas, and then converted to CO2 emissions using NSW GHG intensity figures for the appropriate fuel source.

• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building
• Mix of different models / Hybrids

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame

  "The BASIX Energy performance target vary, depending on the type and location of the building. These variations ensure BASIX remains cost-effective and fair to everyone. Over 80% of all new homes will have to meet the maximum Energy targets. • The average greenhouse gas reduction for all building types across NSW will be 36%. The BASIX Energy section assesses these main energy uses, including the loads from Thermal Comfort, and is a more meaningful indicator of the dwelling’s overall energy performance."

• Final Energy
• Primary Energy

  Primary energy use, in KWh for electricity and Mj for gas, are calculated in the software and then converted to CO2e using NSW GHG intensity figures for the appropriate fuel source.

• Life Cycle Assessment considered (embedded energy)

  Research is been undertaken at this stage.

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  An area adjusted heating load applies that depend on location of the building, (mJ/m².year).The option "no heating to be installed" will achieve the highest score in BASIX provided that your heating load in Thermal Comfort is sufficiently low and it is realistic for you to have no heating. Installing the highest star rating gas fixed flued heater or highest star rating air conditioner will achieve the next highest score. Gas hydronic systems are also efficient and score well.

• Cooling

  An area adjusted cooling load applies that depends on the location of the building (mJ/m².year). The cooling load can be reduced by: Using performance glazing with a lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This will reduce heat gain from sun striking the glass in summer. This needs to be balanced against the influence in heating load as it will also reduce the winter solar gain.

• Dehumidification
• Ventilation

  Efficient systems are encouraged through the points systems. The designer selects the type of ventilation systems intended for the bathroom, kitchen and laundry and operation controls must be selected for each system.

• Airtightness

  Only BCA requirements, air barrier/sealing etc. No blower door testing requirements.

• Thermal bridging

  Requirements the same as the BCA, mostly detailing and continuous insulation suggestions. No linear value. The relevant provisions of the NCC (BCA) apply. Refer NCC Vol 1P- Appendices - NSW J and BCA Vol 2 - NSW Additions 3.12.1.1

• Hot water

  Effiecient systems are encouraged through the points systems. Options are: Solar(gas boosted), Solar (electric boosted), Electric heat pump, Gas instantaneous, Gas storage, Wood combustion, Electric instantaneous, Electric storage. Specific performance requirements for each type above are displayed in the data input sheet.

• Technical installations
• Lighting

  Efficient lighting systems are encouraged through the points systems. Rooms primarily lit by standard fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps: Select energy efficient light fittings and make the most of natural lighting where possible.

• Appliances
• Design, position & orientation of building

  Positioning of windows to reduce solar gain is encouraged through the points systems. Arrange glazing to have at least some facing north in a living area. Reduce the amount facing directly west or south.

• Heat recovery

  Partially, can be selected within the online index. Cogeneration option available within online selection, often the selection is not made due to cost barriers

• Passive solar
• Passive cooling

  Requirements for colour/solar absorbance of roofing material.

• Natural ventilation

  In areas with a predominant cooling summer breeze, design your home to allow the breeze to flow through living and bedroom areas.

• Solar protection

  Solar protection is encouraged through the points systems. Shading device requirements, many options available, Design eave overhangs, pergolas or other external shading devices to permit winter sun and block summer sun. Choose a light or medium coloured roof to reduce heat gain in summer. Black or very dark roofs can create significant discomfort and high loads on air conditioners.

• Daylighting requirements

  Daylighting is encouraged through the points systems. Window or skylight in kitchen. Number of separate bathrooms/toilets naturally lit by either window or skylight."

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  Rated electrical output of photovoltaic system (peak kW,) solar hot water system requirements. Rebate schemes available for solar and heat pump hot water systems.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  The BASIX commitments can be enforced by the consent authority, which in most cases is the applicable local government authority.
• Third party inspection
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
• Post Occupancy control
  Partially, specific buildings have been assessed to ascertain the level of performance for a statewide research project.

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
• Post occupancy
  Not required.

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
  Partially, BASIX certificate.
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
• Inspection of boilers
  Compliance check inspection only.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  Compliance check inspection only.

Penalties for Non-compliance

• None
• Fine
  Failure to carry out a BASIX commitment is a breach of the development consent and could leave the applicant open to on the spot fines, the council not issuing an occupancy certificate or legal action by the council.
• Imprisonment
• Refusal of permission to occupy
• Refusal of permission to construct
• Demolition

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  As-built efficiency testing requirements.
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
  Partially. thermal simulation software is only required if using the Simulation method for Thermal Comfort. It must be used by an Accredited Assessor. Thermal simulation software such as AccuRate (formerly NatHERS), BERS, and First Rate are simulation programs used to estimate the heating and cooling loads of a dwelling.
• Training of Inspectors
  Building code certification is regulated under the EP&A Act by the Building Professionals Board (BPB). Certifiers (inspectors) employed by local government and private certifiers are both required to be registered with the BPB and are subject to qualification, training and professional development requirements to obtain and maintain accreditation.
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• How far in advance are future targets set?

  Between 0- 20 years
• Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance Note

  Not known at this stage.

Zero Energy Targets

• Are all end uses considered in the target?
• Is there a realistic roadmap towards ZEB
• National Target date for nZEB

  The NSW State plan aims to protect the environment through cleaner air and progress on greenhouse gas reductions (Priority E3). This s includes a target to achieve a 60 percent cut in greenhouse emissions by 2050 and a return to year 2000 greenhouse gas emission levels by 2025.

• Special Requirements for public buildings

Supporting Measures

• Incentives/Rewards to Encourage People to go beyond Minimum Level?
• Involvement of Stakeholders in the Development of Codes
• Level of Training Provided to Stakeholders Following Implementation of Code?
• Provision of Appropriate Information for General Public
• Education Systems to Ensure Capacity
• Codes Free to Access?