Households could save up to $980 a year on energy bills and reduce the state's carbon footprint with the introduction of new sustainability standards.
The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a key assessment tool that ensures new homes are comfortable to live in regardless of the temperature, are more energy-efficient, and save water.
Energy bills are expected to reduce significantly as a result of the new BASIX standards, and there will be:
- Savings of up to $190 each year for people living in high-rise apartments
- Savings of up to $850 each year for people living in new Western Sydney houses, and
- Savings of up to $980 a year for people living in new houses in the regions.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the current BASIX standards prevented 12.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas over the past 17 years - equivalent to taking 2.5 million cars off the road.
"These proposed increases in standards will see more energy-efficient homes from Double Bay to Dubbo and beyond, with better design, better insulation, more sunlight and more solar panels," Mr Stokes said.
"We want to lift BASIX standards even higher to drive down emissions further, saving another 150,000 tonnes a year and helping to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050."
The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed BASIX changes by 31 January 2022.
