Sustainability and BASIX Certification

Man signing the documents on office desk

Statements of Environmental Effects (SEE)

We understand the fine print in all development requirements that aim to achieve BASIX Certification. Through our expertise, we’ll guide you through the certification and reporting process.

All Development Applications require Statements of Environmental Effects (SEE), except Designated Development and State Significant Developments, which require Environmental Impact Statements.

The SEE also addresses how a development proposal complies with applicable legislative requirements, such as the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) and any other applicable planning instruments such as State Environmental Planning Policies.

There are so many highly detailed guidelines, and we know all of them like it’s our own native language.

We can easily study the relevant legislation, strip out the jargon and prepare the document to meet all requirements, which boils down to a smooth development process for you.

We are also great at building sound arguments and compiling relevant additional information to demonstrate that your development proposal meets all requirements.

Building Sustainability Index (BASIX)

BASIX is a New South Wales Government requirement for all new residential developments and alterations to existing dwellings valued at more than $50,000.

BASIX Certification aims to reduce household electricity and water use by setting minimum sustainability targets. Buildings are assessed to ensure they are thermal, energy and water-efficient.

In short – new dwellings have to use less water and be more energy-efficient.

The sustainability of the proposed development is compared to BASIX targets based on a benchmark average for NSW. A BASIX Certificate is required as part of the planning process for all Development Applications, including:

new houses
new townhouses and villas
new dual occupancies
new granny flats
new flats and apartments
renovations of $50,000 or more to an existing home
swimming pools and/or spas larger than 40,000 litres
the conversion of an existing non-residential building to a residential building.

Perspective 3D render of building wireframe

NatHERS – thermal energy assessment

As part of the BASIX Certification appraisal process, a NatHERS thermal energy assessment is often used.

This involves running a computer simulation of your development using the latest thermal performance software, modelling the building according to aspect, room layout, orientation, window design, breezes and building construction.

Your building will receive a star rating that shows how well your home maintains a comfortable temperature year-round and the amount of energy needed to maintain it.

There’s no need for you to worry about your star rating because our expert town planning consultants at E Planning can provide you with a range of cost-effective solutions and practical recommendations for either meeting energy requirements or minimising thermal performance.

Once the appropriate assessments have been completed, E Planning will provide a BASIX Certificate and a NatHERS Certificate (where applicable) along with a stamped set of plans to demonstrate that your building meets thermal, energy and water targets. These documents are required as part of council submissions.

The cost of obtaining a BASIX certificate varies, depending on the building, so please contact us for a quote.

Section J Report

Like the BASIX certification for residential buildings, the Section J Report rates the environmental impact of buildings to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy and water consumption.

Do I need a Section J Report?

A Section J report is required by all commercial buildings that fall into classes 2-9, and it is a requirement Australia-wide. Most local councils will require this report to be included with the Development Application.

Our town planning consultants have knowledge and experience of energy efficiency measures, including the mechanical and electrical systems of a building. We also have a solid and up-to-date knowledge of building materials and their thermal properties.

If you need our help to undertake an assessment and complete a section J report for your building, contact our team today.

Our Town Planning Services

Town Planning Services

We help you get Development Application and Complying Development through council. Our town planning services are aimed at large commercial and industrial developments, as well as private homes.

BASIX Certification

Our team of town planning consultants is here to help with BASIX/NatHERS Assessments, BASIX certification and sustainability advice across a range of residential developments.

Social Planning Services

Through our social planning service, we help clients to consider the social impact of urban buildings, and we conduct a range of assessments related to how a building fits into its neighbourhood and its community.

Access Consulting

With our turnkey access consulting solutions, we engage our years of access architecture expertise to help our clients to achieve full compliance and best practice on accessibility to built environments for people with disabilities.

Recent E Planning Projects

Trevor St, Lilyfield

A modern two-storey boarding house in our town planning Lilyfield project presented a range of challenges for the architect and the E Planning team as they navigated the Development Application process.

Spring St, Mount Kiera

No job is too big or too small for the team at E Planners. Why? Because every job presents its own unique challenges, which contribute to the group’s expertise. This is how our town planning expertise for the Mount Kiera project reached success.

Baylis St, Wagga Wagga

Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga, is a site that many would call a ‘developer’s dream’. Sitting in a prime position in town, with frontages to Baylis Street and the Sturt Highway, this flat block was once a service station.

02 7229 4833

0437 804 079

3/55 Pyrmont Bridge Rd
Pyrmont
NSW 2009

1 Tudor Street
Newcastle West
NSW 2302

Level 1,
1 Burelli Street
Wollongong 25

Quick question?

If you have a question about town planning, sustainability, or anything in between, we’re happy to give a clear answer or at least steer you in the right direction. Contact us through the form below or call us anytime.