BASIX upgrade essential

Thursday, 18 May 2006 10:00

“Developers are pulling out all the stops to convince the government to halt this essential energy and greenhouse pollution saving measure.  However, the environment and the community need it and we call on the government to cease being the developer’s servant,” the groups said.

“BASIX may impose some additional upfront costs but instead of bleating about this, why don’t the developers find some economies in other parts of the construction and outfit equation, especially for units.  This would be a more responsible contribution to affordable housing.”

"Far from increasing the cost of housing, it will in fact reduce the cost of living over the life cycle of the housing, as residents reap the rewards of lower energy bills over 10-20 years. This is an economic, social and environmental win / win / win. We simply cannot afford to be short sighted about climate change."

“BASIX is a key part of a suite of measures to reduce energy wastage and make a contribution to the alarming problem of climate change.  If the government is worried about affordability it should also increase support for low income families who own or rent, to improve energy efficiency.  The developers are bleating about affordable housing, but the multi unit housing they are constructing verges on the luxury end of the scale.   It’s of little help to those in need.”