We offer a wide range of services to our clients through our ecologically friendly design consultation. We recognise the significance of implementing environmental sustainability initiatives into new building constructions. We have vast expertise in assessing, analysing, and implementing ESD initiatives from the first phases of the building design. Our team is dedicated to provide high-quality guidance, analysis, and evaluation for any project, regardless of size or complexity. Our philosophy is to maximise building environmental sustainability outcomes while also delivering cost-effective building construction solutions.
We prepare comprehensive ESD reports to meet council’s requirement. A significant and increasing number of councils require an ESD report (SDA, SMP& BESS report) with new developments, prior to granting planning permit approval. A Sustainable Management Plan (SMP) and a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) are documents that summarise the sustainable design features of a new residential and non-residential development. These documents are required by some Councils in Victoria at the planning permit stage. It is recommended a SMP is completed by a qualified expert whilst an SDA can also be prepared by the project owner.
Majority of our ESD report include:
- Design Response to 10 Key Sustainability Criteria:
– Indoor Environment Quality
– Energy
– Water Resources
– Stormwater Treatment
– Building Materials
– Transport
– Waste Management
– Urban Ecology
– Innovation/ESD Excellence
– Ongoing Building & Site Management
- BESS Assessment
- STORM Assessment & WSUD mark-up plans
- Recommendations & Advice
- List of sustainable initiatives (e.g. rainwater harvesting, renewable energy system, efficient lighting/appliances/HVAC system).
The main difference between a SMP and a SDA is that a SMP is more detailed than a SDA and is used for large residential and non-residential developments comprising of ten or more residential dwellings, more than 1000m2 of non-residential Gross Floor Area (GFA) or developments over four storeys while A SDA is used for small to medium sized developments comprising of 3-9 residential dwellings or 500m2to 1000m2of non-residential Gross Floor Area (GFA), or alterations 500m2to 1000m2. Both reports require a BESS and Storm assessment.
BESS
The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is an assessment tool created by local governments in Victoria. It assists builders and developers to show how a proposed development demonstrates sustainable design, at the planning permit stage.
STORM
STORM is a sustainable design assessment tool that can be used to assess whether best practice water quality objectives have been achieved for a development site, it is typically used for projects in Victoria as part of a BESS assessment.
Our expert team is available to address any questions or concerns that our clients may have. We are dedicated to assist our clients in comprehending the significance of environmental sustainability and incorporating sustainable practises into their projects. We are here to provide the best advise and services to guarantee that our clients’ projects are successful. Look no further if you want an experienced and skilled team of specialists to assist you and to make your projects meet council’s ESD requirements. Contact us now to see how we can assist you in achieving the best possible outcome for your projects. Let us assist you in making a good impact on the environment as well as your bottom line.
Northern Environmental Design 