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Latest News AccuRATE V1.1.3.0 The latest version of 2nd Gen BTP Assessment tools has been released. DoP agree to a new Pilot to commence early February 2007. BASIX (DIY) Review ABSA instrumental in securing DoP DIY Sustainability Tool - DoP Review...not independent but a starting point Visit the ABSA Site for further details. DIY found to lower the standard of Residential Building BTP in NSW - varies between 200% to 400% below Simulation Method when compared with NatHERS and far more variation expected to AccuRATE.
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BASIX - Building Sustainability Index EXCUSE ME! Basix a Web Based planning tool was introduced in NSW in 2000 covering all residential buildings including multi unit developments and additions and alterations proposed to residential buildings in NSW. BASIX replaces the BCA with respect to Energy Efficiency requirements under the Building Code - but only in NSW. What a great concept...it is a pity that the NSW Department of Planning [DoP] got it all wrong from the start. They put somebody in control [and replaced them several times] who didn't know to much about sustainability, who decided that they could invent a DA 'planning tool' that was better than the ALL PRINCIPLES that were available from ALL the leading 'CSIRO' and other SCIENTISTS on the planet. And what's more most of the POLITICIANS [Labour PARTY] didn't know any better...so they grabbed the concept and 'went for it'; the only problem is that they got it WRONG!!!!! They couldn't put a 'spin on the concept' because they didn't understand 'it' and what they intended [the concept] to be a CONSERVATION item; proved to be a 'disaster'!!!! The DoP introduced a tick - box which could be used by all applicants wanting to lodge a Development Application and in particular applicants who had no knowledge of building properties could use the BASIX Tool to generate a certificate needed to obtain Local Government approval before any application was lodged. Applicants were ticking boxes such as photovoltaic's - just to get a pass and costing themselves tens's of thousands of dollars. DoP have been reluctant to confirm the use of 2nd GENERATION SIMULATION SOFTWARE 'scientific based software' to increase BUILDING FABRIC PERFORMANCE - software proven to help reduce Greenhouse Gasses [GHG]; and proven to improve thermal efficiency on the basis that their 'tick box' was just as good as software developed by the CSIRO. The DoP 'software' was called BASIX and what a tool...instead of improving Sustainability it has led to the reduction of NSW 'Sustainability Standards 'where the building code' calls for a 5 Star Performance generally in Australia [no if's butt's or may - by's'] NSW through BASIX have a 'Planning requirement' with targets...possibly 2 Stars...if we're lucky. Even in ACT we have a system that produces a better final result than here in NSW! So there you have it a 'Great Concept' gone wrong...due mainly to NSW DoP! What a shame. A great approach...gone wrong? What can be done to overcome this problem? In my opinion do not mistakenly try to save money by completing the BASIX Certificate yourself if you are a mum or dad or somebody with no knowledge of building. Employ an expert with specific knowledge in this important area of building. By mistakenly thinking that you can 'DIY' you will in the long term end up costing yourself more than an expert can save you by making the wrong choices and in the long term you are most likely to make selections that do more harm than good environmentally. If you would like to obtain further information you can contact us by phoning 9894 7214 or by sending an email request using the helpdesk link located at the top of this page. Want More Information?If you require more information about
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