What Will The New Building Sustainability Scheme Bring in 2023?

1. What Will The New Building Sustainability Scheme Bring in 2023? The Net Zero strategy adopted by the NSW Government has fueled the reformation of legislative instruments pertaining to building sustainability. The new amendment will promote the construction of energy-efficient, sustainable, cost-effective and lower-emission residential and commercial structures. The higher sustainability standard aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 150,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to planting 485,000 trees. The State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022 (SEPP) will replace State Environmental Planning Policy (Building Sustainability Index: BASIX) 2004 (BASIX SEPP). The BASIX Certificate will involve higher sustainability standards. Residential BASIX development As mentioned previously, the energy-efficiency standards and thermal performance requirements in the BASIX report and certificate will increase. However, there are certain exceptions, such as:

2. ● ● Residential structures developed in the North coast climatic zone and Small residential apartments up to 5 storeys. With the amendment's implementation, the NatHERS thermal performance rating requirement will increase from an average of 5.5-6 stars to 7 stars. The greenhouse gas reduction requirement has also increased between 7-11%. However, the reduction standard will vary depending on the location of your residential project and the proposed development type. These sustainability standards are consistent with the NCC or National Construction Code 2022. There's no change in BASIX water standards. Apart from that, the amendment also introduces a materials index calculator into the BASIX certificate. This calculation will reflect the embodied emissions-- the carbon footprint generated by the construction materials used in the building. The calculation will also factor in the greenhouse gas emissions from the extraction, transportation and manufacturing of raw materials used in constructing the residential structure. While future benchmarks are indicated, no embodied emissions standard requirement will currently be imposed on the SEPP's commencement. Whether you are planning to get your BASIX certificate or require NatHERS assessment, it is recommended that you collaborate with professional building consultants for the best outcomes. The aim of this new SEPP is to: ● ● ● ● ● Reduce energy and potable water consumption and save quickly depleting resources. Minimise greenhouse gas emissions from residential energy use Monitor the embodied emissions of construction materials Promote alternative energy usage, such as the installation of solar panels. Support and deliver development that is comfortable in summer and winter. Introducing new sustainability provisions for non-residential projects The new sustainability provisions for non-residential development include: ● Measuring, tracking and reporting embodied emissions for all types of developments

3. ● Specific energy standards concerning large commercial development. The energy performance needs to be verified after the building is occupied and offsets adopted for residual emissions. A minimum water-usage standard requirement for large commercial development Support specific developments to become 'all electric' or capable of converting renewable energy sources to operate without fossil fuels by 2035. ● ● Hire professionally qualified building consultants to ensure your commercial structure meets all the sustainability standards and requirements and achieves the desired NABERS energy rating. Updating the greenhouse gas emission factor of grid electricity The greenhouse gas emission factor represents the quantity of emissions generated and transmitted from a single unit of grid electricity to residential buildings. The factor is expressed in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent, commonly denoted as kg CO2-e. Currently, BASIX uses an emission factor of 1.062 kg CO2-e for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. The good news is that the NSW electricity grid has become greener since many buildings are currently employing and depending on renewable energy sources. The proposed new energy standard will also recognise the updated greenhouse emission factor of grid electricity. Other updates in the BASIX certificate energy section After collecting responses from stakeholders, the BASIX certificate also encompasses the following changes in the energy section: ● Implementing the NatHERS whole-of-home calculation to comply with the national requirements planned in the NCC. Assuming energy-efficient lighting installation (such as LEDs) in residential structures. Modifying the default efficiency settings of household appliances, such as fridges and dishwashers. Eliminating star rating selections of fridges and washing machines in apartments to ensure that designers focus on dancing building façade and fixed energy systems to satisfy energy standards in BASIX report and certificate. Minimise waste when occupants move into new apartments with their personal fridges and washing machines. Occupants can continue to select star ratings of dishwashers and clothes dryers. ● ● ● ● ●

4. For apartment buildings: ● Revision of lift inputs and calculations to integrate lift banks and express zones. A tempered air supply option will be available for ventilating lift lobbies and corridors. This is an upgrade to the current supply that includes only exhaust and air conditioning options. The revision of calculations to evaluate energy consumption from central heat pump hot water systems fitted with gas boosters to improve consistency with other available options. ● Embodied emissions Many BASIX users, including developers adopting higher basic standards, tested the proposed embodied emissions calculations before its formal implementation. The experience revealed a complicated relationship between the thermal performance standards for the BASIX certificate and embodied emissions. Therefore, the limit on embedded emissions of construction materials has been eliminated in the updated sustainability regulations commencing on 1st October 2023. A limit (or standard) will be considered in the future only after collecting comprehensive data. Building a sustainable future Sustainable Buildings (SEPP) encompasses upgrades in sustainability standards that will ensure comfortable buildings for living and working. Thermal performance measures ensure the residential and commercial structures will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter through passive methods. Consequently, homes and offices will be more economical to run. These changes have great benefits for the environment as well. The new standards also help to align with the NSW Net Zero Plan: Stage 1 and also the national Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings.

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