The key role that the design and construction industry plays in ensuring a sustainable environment for today and into the future is well established and recognised. The Master Builders Association of NSW (MBA) has a long history in working towards establishing practises and policies towards balancing building design and construction, and protecting the environment.

Since early 1998 the MBA has partnered with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) under a Memorandum of Understanding to improve energy efficiency in the design and construction of homes under the Energy Smart Home Builders initiative.

Also in 1998, the MBA produced its Smart Building series of posters, demonstrating ideas for putting into practice on-site environmental management practises. Our poster is still in demand today and provides a useful environmental management tool for small residential builder and contractors.

Since those embryonic years of the mid 1990's, the industry has taken a substantial leap forward in sustainable design and building practises beyond simply energy reduction, waste reduction and sediment control.

The introduction of the New South Wales government's, Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) has effectively set new benchmarks for energy and water reduction in housing. BASIX is a web-based planning tool which establishes minimum energy and potable water reduction targets for the design and development approval of new residential developments.

BASIX is steadily being rolled-out across NSW and will by the end of 2005 be applied to a wide range of residential development. BASIX is also targeted to introduce other additional environmental and social indices (e.g. waste management, transport) which in turn will require designers, developers and builders to embrace total environmental management practises.

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a web-based planning tool to make all new homes comply with water and energy efficiency benchmarks. Click on the link to access the BASIX tool, newsletters, advice and information.

Your Home Technical Manual - Available from Master Builders

Produced in cooperation with leading government agencies and industry organisations, Your Home Technical Guide is an innovating technical manual which provides guidance and solutions in designing comfortable housing while limiting the impact on the environment.

Waste Management

Advice and assistance available to Master Builder members on the development of waste management plans and the recycling and re-use of construction and demolition waste.

Environmental Best Management Practice Guideline for Concreting Contractors

A guideline produced in consultation with leading industry organisations in response to an identified need to establish an industry reference tool to assist the concreting industry in complying with NSW environmental laws. Copies of the guideline are available free from Master Builders.

Erosion and Sediment Control

Advice and assistance to Master Builder members on preventing soil run-off from construction sites and preparing soil and water management plans, incorporating erosion and sediment controls.

Construction & Demolition Recycling Directory - Sydney Metro Area

Lists contact details of where to recycle and purchase aggregates, concrete, brick, asphalt, soil, secondhand building materials and timber. Click here to download.

Construction & Demolition Recycling Directory - Illawarra Region

Lists contact details of where to recycle and purchase aggregates, concrete, brick, asphalt, soil, secondhand building materials and timber in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven regions. Click here to download.

For further information on environmental issues or wishing to purchase or obtain environmental gudelines and posters, please call (02) 8586 3555 or email us on housing@mbansw.asn.au