ESD Assessment

Each Council has a specific planning scheme that provides a framework and policies on land use and development.

Incorporating Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) into new development is now a requirement under the Planning Scheme for most Councils. The overarching objective is that development should achieve best practice in ESD from the design stage through to construction and operation.

The policy provides objectives and application requirements for residential, mixed use and non-residential development. It recognises the importance of considering ESD at the time of planning approval for new development.

A planning permit application will generally require information across the areas of energy efficiency, water efficiency and management, indoor thermal comfort stormwater management, sustainable transport use, waste management and sustainable landscaping. Council’s commonly group these elements under the “Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process” (SDAPP) framework.

The required information is proportionate to the scale and complexity of the proposed development. A Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) is a document that sets out the ESD features of a proposed development.

Our experienced consultants will assist you with the preparation of an SDA for your project. Giving you recommendations for the ESD features that suit your development and satisfy planning permit conditions.

Are you aware that an energy rating assessment will be required for the planning permit? Ask us about our bundled price for a combined SDA and Energy Rating Assessment.

“I have been working with the team at V-Star Energy for the last 3 years and it is always a pleasure to work with them. Their turn around time is quick and they always work with the designer for a practical solution to enhance the design outcome.”

Thomas Lui, Architect, Livable Housing Australia Assessor