Starting in October 2023, New South Wales has implemented new regulations requiring all new home builds costing over $50,000 to achieve a 7-star energy rating under the state’s Building Sustainability Index (BASIX). This is an increase from the previous 5.5-star requirement. The goal of this initiative is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new residential buildings by an additional 7-11%, aligning with Australia's objective to achieve zero-carbon-ready buildings by 2050​​.

The 7 star energy rating system doesn't have a fixed checklist but considers several factors.

To meet these new standards, homeowners and builders will need to consider various factors in the design and construction of new homes. Key elements may include increased insulation, improved window performance, reducing the amount of glazing to limit heat loss and gain, and choosing the correct orientation to maximize the benefits of passive solar energy. Additionally, selecting the right external colours for the specific climate zone and reducing the area of voids to help control temperature are important considerations. Homes may also need to have more rooms that can be closed off with internal doors to improve energy efficiency​​.

The implementation of these new standards is a step towards a more sustainable future. The shift to higher energy efficiency not only benefits homeowners through lower energy bills and increased comfort but also contributes significantly to the environmental goals of reducing emissions and promoting sustainable living.

As a result of the new 7 star requirements, industry bodies have estimated an additional approximate cost of between 3 and 6 percent. When compared to the previous 5.5 star standard.

When building with Pycon, you can be assured of our commitment in achieving the best possible result for your home energy needs.