The BASIX or Building Sustainability Index is a national system in Australia that focuses on getting all household switching to sustainable energy sources or using environmentally friendly products in their home. Here are some of the benefits of having BASIX in your home.
Benefits of Having a BASIX Certificate
Completing a successful BASIX assessment gives home and business owners access to a BASIX certificate which proves that their property complies with some basic recommendations regarding energy usage and responsible management. Currently, a BASIX certificate is necessary for New South Wales for any property owner wishing to apply for planning permission to expand their home, and there are aims for this to extend to the rest of the country so it's well worth arranging for a BASIX assessment if you anticipate needing to make any changes to your home.
How Can I Gain BASIX points for Lighting?
In terms of lighting, there are a number of ways you can increase your BASIX points which will help you pass the assessment. Here are some of the ways you can boost your lighting points:
• Utilise natural light where you can. BASIX classes natural light as that coming from windows or skylights, but that light must come directly into the room. If you have an open plan home, with a combined kitchen and dining room, for example, you will need natural light in each distinct area to gain points for
using natural light.
• For artificial lighting, at least 80 percent of the home should be lit by efficient lightings, such as LED lights, rather than incandescents or cheap light bulbs which produce more heat than light. The 80 percent total will take into account the lighting in bedrooms and studies, living rooms and dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and toilets, laundry and utility rooms, and hallways.
• You'll get even more points by opting for light fittings that are dedicated to accommodating LED bulbs. Fittings that won't accept incandescents or halogens will boost your points as assessors can be confident you won't swap out the bulbs at a later date, and it ensures that the next owners of the property will essentially be locked into using energy saving light bulbs.
Contact Frys Energywise today for any enquiries and more information about BASIX Assessment and other energy saving services.