Exciting news for the building and construction industry in New South Wales! The state has officially added “Straw Panels” as an approved wall system in BASIX, the energy assessment system used for building approvals.

This is a major milestone for sustainable construction and a huge win for eco-friendly builders and homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

For those who aren’t familiar with BASIX (Building Sustainability Index), it’s a system designed to ensure that new buildings meet certain environmental performance standards in terms of water and energy efficiency. Traditionally, the focus has been on widely used materials like concrete and timber, but the addition of straw panels is a step forward in embracing more sustainable, low-impact materials.

Why Straw Panels?

Straw panels have long been recognised as an excellent, eco-friendly building material, but it’s only recently that they’ve gained mainstream recognition in the industry. These panels are made from compressed straw, which is a renewable, carbon-neutral material. Straw is often a by-product of farming and can be sourced locally, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and manufacturing.

What makes straw panels particularly attractive is their insulating properties. They offer excellent thermal performance, helping to reduce the need for additional heating or cooling in a home. This is perfect for creating energy-efficient buildings, especially in areas like NSW where energy costs can add up over time.

By incorporating straw panels, builders can not only meet BASIX requirements but can also take advantage of the many environmental benefits. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy consumption, and contributing to the overall sustainability of the building industry.

The Challenges: Why Straw Panels Weren’t Recognised Before

For many years, straw panels faced significant challenges in gaining formal recognition within the Australian building code and standards. While the material itself has been known for centuries for its durability and sustainability, it struggled to meet the strict criteria set out by building codes in many regions.

One of the primary issues was that straw panels did not initially align with traditional building material classifications, which often focused on materials like timber, brick, and concrete. The building code lacked provisions for alternative construction materials that could offer the same or better performance, especially when it came to things like insulation, fire safety, and structural integrity. This left straw panels on the sidelines for many builders and homeowners interested in more sustainable options.

Additionally, the lack of standardised testing for straw as a wall system in a regulatory context made it difficult for authorities to approve it as a viable material. Without extensive testing on fire resistance, moisture management, and durability, straw panels struggled to gain the acceptance they deserved, despite their eco-friendly attributes.

A Step Forward: Straw Panels Now Recognized in BASIX

This is where the work of passionate advocates and industry experts has made a huge difference. Thanks to the tireless efforts of individuals like Karen from Viva Homes, John Glassford from Huff N Puff Construction, and many others in the sustainable building industry, straw panels have now been officially added as an approved wall system in BASIX. Their advocacy, along with new research and testing, has paved the way for greater recognition of the benefits of straw as a building material.

The addition of straw panels to BASIX not only recognizes their thermal performance but also validates their potential in improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. This change marks a significant shift in how alternative building materials are viewed within the building code, making it easier for builders to incorporate these sustainable materials into new projects.

It’s because of the long and tireless advocacy, knowledge, and experience that straw panels are now included as an option in BASIX assessments. This opens the door for many more innovative and eco-conscious building solutions to be considered in the future.

What Does This Mean for Builders and Homeowners?

For builders, this is an exciting opportunity to offer more environmentally friendly options to their clients. Whether constructing a new home or renovating an existing one, integrating straw panels into the design will contribute to a more sustainable, energy-efficient structure.

For homeowners, this change provides a wider range of materials to choose from when designing or constructing their dream home. Choosing sustainable options like straw panels means lower energy bills, less environmental impact, and a more comfortable living environment.

Looking Ahead

The inclusion of straw panels in BASIX is just the beginning. As the demand for sustainable building materials grows, we’re likely to see more innovative materials being recognized and incorporated into building standards across Australia. This is a step in the right direction toward greener, more sustainable building practices.

The addition of straw panels in BASIX is a win for the environment and the building industry. We look forward to seeing how this will influence future construction projects in NSW and beyond. As always, let’s continue to push the boundaries of sustainability and innovation in building!

Panel Building Details: The Key Features of Viva Panels

As part of the new wave of sustainable building solutions, Viva Panels offer an excellent choice for builders and homeowners looking to incorporate straw panel systems into their projects.

Here are some key features of Viva Panels:

• Wall Thickness & Height Options: Starting at 260mm and going up to 400mm thick, with standard heights up to 3.2 metres. Higher walls can be built in two sections.
• Foundations: Install on slabs or bearer and joist floor systems.
• Window Design: Panels are designed to fit your preferred window sizes and heights.
• Roof Compatibility: Compatible with various roof systems.
• Eaves: Optimal eave size (450-600mm) for wall protection, considering solar gain.
• Electrical Integration: Conduits and power outlet “wall boxes” are provided for easy electrical setup.
• Finish Choices: Internally, the panels can be supplied pre-rendered or ready for your choice of wall lining.
• Two-Story Application: Suitable for two-story buildings.
• Built-In Engineering: Panels have structural integrity; engineer’s certificate included.
• Bushfire Ready: With external renders, we achieve a minimum of BAL29 rating (with ratings up to Flame Zone under specific circumstances).
• Excellent Insulation: Panels offer an insulation value of R3.7 to R6.4.
• Efficient Installation: With crane assistance, walls for a standard size house can be installed in one day.

You can find Viva on our Directory.