Existing homes in NSW account for about 17% of our state’s energy consumption and the government is predicting that 1.8 million new homes will be built in NSW over the next 40 years.
With those figures, it is clear that residential energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways to save energy and save money through lower utility bills.
In July, tougher Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) targets came into effect. The changes are significant, particularly in Sydney, with targets around 30% tougher.
It will shift the way that dwellings are designed and built in NSW, especially for windows, shading, ventilation, materials, insulation and thermal mass.
While this will force an increase in construction costs, by changing the BASIX energy targets, it is predicted that energy bill savings will deliver more than $2.6 billion dollars to the NSW economy – or around $155 per household – every year for the next 30 years.
At Horizon Homes, we’ve always been mindful that clever construction and design can improve the energy efficiency of your home. If you’d like more information on this, please contact us.