A shift is happening in the building industry—the days of using unsustainable materials are gradually coming to an end. The global population is becoming inclined toward environmentally friendly solutions, not just for daily necessities but also for larger investments such as real estate property.
The future is in sustainable materials, and here’s why BASIX is an NSW government initiative that sets the standard for sustainable residential design. The program assesses the environmental impact of a building project and issues a certificate as a recognition of the sustainable building status.
What Is BASIX Report And Section J Report?
BASIX
NSW Government introduced BASIX to promote sustainable residential construction. Residential developments must meet specific energy, water, and thermal comfort targets to receive a BASIX certificate.
BASIX report and certificate are applicable for residential developments, including single dwellings, double-occupancy dwellings, townhouses, villas and row houses, low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise multi-unit developments, hostels, swimming pools and/or outdoor spa pool plants having a capacity of more than or equal to 40,000 litres and renovations costing $50,000 or more.
A BASIX report entails the following:
- Location of the residential development
- Orientation and size of the building
- Construction type of the residential project
- Window size, glazing and kind of the building
- The landscaping surrounding the building
- Appliances planned for usage within the building.
BCA Section J
Section J Report or Part J report, the energy efficiency requirements for commercial and non-residential developments belonging to Class 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9.
The energy efficiency standards and BCA Section J report requirements are defined by Section J (or Part J) of Volume One of the NCC or National Construction Code (previously known as the Building Code of Australia -BCA).
Section J Report includes the following:
- Part J1- Building fabric material details
- Part J2- Glazing information
- Part J3- Building sealing design, construction and material usage
- Part J5- Air-conditioning systems and ventilation facilities
- Part J6- Artificial lighting fixtures and power systems
- Part J7- Hot water supply, swimming pool, sauna and spa pool plant
- Part J8- Access for maintenance work and facilities for monitoring
Sustainable building materials help to attain BASIX standards and achieve compliance with BCA Section J report.
What Makes A Building Material Sustainable?
Sustainable materials are not typically harmful to the environment. It can be recycled or biodegraded easily, so it doesn’t add to the growing piles of trash we see every day.
Ideally, a sustainable material will also be renewable, which means it can be sourced or replenished quickly without causing any harm to nature.
Additionally, sustainable material makes the building more energy-efficient, reduces dependency on artificial heating and cooling appliances.
Several sustainable materials can use in building construction, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Specific materials are suitable for distinct climatic zones. The building developers and architects need to choose the best option for each project.
Examples Of Sustainable Building Materials
Some great examples of sustainable building materials include bamboo, cork, wood, and clay. Bamboo is an excellent choice because it’s resilient and can be cultivated easily. Thus it can replenish quickly.
Cork is also a great option because it’s a natural insulator, helping regulate temperatures in buildings. Wool is fire-resistant and can help control humidity, and clay is an excellent choice for insulation and water retention.
These materials are sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly, making them the perfect choice for the building industry’s future. Given here some best examples-
Bamboo
- It is a versatile and sustainable building material used for furniture and homes. It is a fast-growing plant that can harvest quickly and easily, and it has a long lifespan – up to 200 years!
- Bamboo isn’t wood but a perennial plant having an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, even greater comprehensive strength when compared to concrete and brick.
- It is, therefore, considered suitable for flooring and cabinetry.
- However, bamboo requires regular treatment to prevent pest infestation.
Precast concrete slabs and structures
- Concrete is an excellent material for controlling heat within a structure and is affordable as a construction material.
- The sustainability of precast concrete slabs and structures is higher than many conventional concrete options since the slabs typically require much less energy to produce and assemble.
- Precasting concrete is developed by curing the material in a controlled environment rather than at the construction site with exposure to several unfavourable weather conditions.
- Therefore, precast concrete slabs are resistant to cracks, structural faults, and eventual demolitions.
Strawbale
- It is another sustainable building material that is versatile and affordable.
- It is created from the stalks and leaves of plants
- It can use for insulation, building materials, and textiles.
- Straw is biodegradable and compostable, and it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cork
- Just like bamboo, cork can be grown and cultivated easily. Cork is both resilient and flexible.
- The material reverts to its original structure even after enduring considerable pressure.
- The resistance to wear and break, make it a common construction material for floor tiles.
- It also ensures excellent noise absorption, making it well-suited for insulation sheets.
- The ideal shock absorption property makes it perfect for sub-flooring.
- Being fire-resistant, it is also a good thermal insulator and does not release toxic gases on burning.
How Can Sustainability Standards Have A Positive Effect?
BASIX report and Section J report offers a wealth of benefits to developers, project owners, architects, and contractors. And sustainable building materials can play a crucial role in achieving compliance with these regulations.
- Improved building efficiency and operational cost control
- Improved interior environment for both commercial spaces and residential dwellings.
- The increased market value of the residential and commercial projects.
- High value and Government clients for commercial properties.
- Enhanced market demands
- Ans most importantly, minimal impact on the environment and safeguarding the precious non-renewable resources.
Conclusion
Sustainability is the future of the building industry, and with good reason. There are many benefits to using sustainable materials in construction, including lower energy bills, reduced environmental impact, and improved occupant health and comfort.
Sustainable materials also tend to be more durable and longer-lasting than traditional materials, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.