Delays to BASIX hurting owners’ hip pockets - 12 April 2005

Delays to the introduction of BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index, is preventing building owners from saving money on day-to-day costs and increasing environmental damage, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.

He said calls by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) to further delay the introduction of BASIX in regional areas of NSW were unnecessary stalling tactics.

“Further delays to the introduction of BASIX don’t just postpone the significant energy and water savings that will result from more efficient building design. BASIX will reduce day-to-day costs for building owners and they are the ones missing out because of delays.

“Building design that makes better use of natural sunlight and reduces internal heat transfer will lower air conditioning costs. Design that makes use of ‘grey water’ from washing machines for garden use will lower the cost of piped water.

“There has already been a delay in BASIX start date but any further delay is unnecessary as industry has had more than a year to come to terms with it.”

Mr Cohen said the HIA was using curious logic to argue that BASIX was not applicable in some areas of the state and should therefore be reviewed.

“To argue that because Wagga doesn’t have water restrictions building design should not include water tanks is short-sighted at best.

“Water tanks reduce pressure on clean water supplies as they can be used for watering gardens and even running washing machines and dishwashers.

“If the HIA is arguing that because something is not being forced no effort should be made, then steps should be taken to ensure future voluntary initiatives are bypassed and forced regulation become the first option.”


Further Information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656