NSW facilitates sustainable design

The Building Sustainability Index, or BASIX, allows councils and developers to assess the potential performance of their development against an agreed set of sustainability benchmarks.

BASIX has two key components – building and context. So far it has focused on the first, which encourages developers to concentrate on sustainability issues that can reasonably be addressed, such as environmentally friendly energy and water efficient systems and appliances, building materials and landscapes.

The context component will be introduced in BASIX’s second phase, which factors in the context of the proposed development. This will include assessing integrated land use, transport, stormwater systems, water supply and energy infrastructure – all of which are beyond the control of the developer.

Users will key information about their proposed development into the simple web-based tool. This will include site location, size of each dwelling and number of dwellings. Once entered, BASIX will show developers how their project rates on the system’s integrated sustainability index.

BASIX is flexible enough to accommodate new data and it will be reviewed regularly to ensure the most current data is used in benchmarking.

There are nine indices by which a development proposal’s potential sustainability performance can be rated. The site aspect recognises the benefits of urban renewal over Greenfield developments and encourages minimal site disturbance while maximizing landscape and biodiversity. The social aspect promotes affordable, accessible and adaptable housing and encourages mixed use development. On the transport front, a reduction in car parking provision is encouraged where there is good public transport. Renewable energy, water recycling, water efficient appliances, stormwater control, and waste minimisation are all promoted together with recycling of building materials and choosing those that minimise indoor air pollution. Naturally ventilated buildings are favoured above mechanical ventilation and lighting systems.

According to Planning NSW, a new dwelling is built every 14 minutes in NSW, putting pressure on water, energy and other natural resources. BASIX will be the first in a new generation of web-based planning tools delivering a unified, statewide approach to sustainability for all new residential projects. It has been developed in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders such as councils, developers, designers, architects, state agencies, and utilities, which include the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, Sydney Water, the Sustainable Energy Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Services, Energy Australia and Resource NSW.

The tool has been met with enthusiasm by Caroline Pidcock, president of the NSW chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, who described it as “simply terrific.” A member of the Sustainability Advisory Council, she added: “The importance of well designed buildings that impact less on the environment cannot be understated. This [tool] will help define and demystify design practices across all areas of building development including water, energy and land use patterns. Buildings will be more comfortable and have less impact on the environment.

“The current initiatives that are being developed to ensure a seamless integration with the current planning approval processes are welcomed. This will ensure that BASIX’s implementation will not require too much additional work. I look forward to it becoming operational as soon as possible – we have been waiting for a tool like this for some time.”

Planning NSW is currently formalising partnerships between government agencies involved with BASIX. It will then be working with industry to refine the draft tool, after which time it will be exhibited online early this year. It is expected to be available for use later in 2003. Katrina Fox.n

To register for the BASIX industry consultation phase, visit www.sustainability.nsw.gov.au