This forum is for sharing knowledge, creating solutions and encouraging the growth of the Sustainable Homes Industry in Australia. Email your questions or topics to info@australianliving.info
Google Analytics Tracking Code
Friday, July 30, 2010
What role could local councils play in encouraging the design of homes that go beyond BASIX scores?
Perhaps the Councils could provide incentives like faster DA approvals. Please share your comments and thoughts.
Yesterday I heard about a western Sydney council who commented to the architect "if you get an accredited assessor to perform a simulation method assessment on the thermal comfort of the house rather than using the BASIX DIY method then we don't have to check it." If Councils want to encourage sustainable design they shouldn't be interested in simply reducing their own workload but should recommend (read "insist") using accredited ABSA assessors to determine the optimal performance of the dwelling. Accredited ABSA assessors are trained, carry PI insurance and follow a Code of Practice. BASIX shouldn't be open to anyone and everyone to perform ratings.
As an incentive, it may encourage accredited assessment to become mandatory.
It will certainly keep the rating of homes consistent.
It also removes the liability to the Architect by having at arms length, a consultant to test and confirm the performance of their design before it is submitted to Council.
It also important to understand when an assessment is carried out, if the requirement is for added R-Value or total R-Value. Most residential work needs an added R-Value, this is not normally easy to find from suppliers.
Yesterday I heard about a western Sydney council who commented to the architect "if you get an accredited assessor to perform a simulation method assessment on the thermal comfort of the house rather than using the BASIX DIY method then we don't have to check it."
ReplyDeleteIf Councils want to encourage sustainable design they shouldn't be interested in simply reducing their own workload but should recommend (read "insist") using accredited ABSA assessors to determine the optimal performance of the dwelling.
Accredited ABSA assessors are trained, carry PI insurance and follow a Code of Practice. BASIX shouldn't be open to anyone and everyone to perform ratings.
Scott Hanson
I agree with that.
ReplyDeleteAs an incentive, it may encourage accredited assessment to become mandatory.
It will certainly keep the rating of homes consistent.
It also removes the liability to the Architect by having at arms length, a consultant to test and confirm the performance of their design before it is submitted to Council.
It also important to understand when an assessment is carried out, if the requirement is for added R-Value or total R-Value. Most residential work needs an added R-Value, this is not normally easy to find from suppliers.
ReplyDelete