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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE
DESIGN (ESD)

At Abian Design, our dedication lies in assisting you in discovering optimal solutions for your sustainability and environmental requirements. Our proficient team specialises in Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) and offers detailed reports to ensure compliance with Australian legal standards and beyond. We strive to make a positive environmental impact by infusing sustainability and environmental responsibility into every project we undertake.

House in the Woods

Why Abian Design

Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP)

The SDAPP program seeks to generate more sustainable building outputs for the long-term benefit of the larger community by integrating essential environmental performance elements into the planning permit approvals process.

ESD Report │ Australia │ Abian Design Studio

Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD)

The ESD Local Policy formalises the SDAPP Framework. The policies are identical in each Council except for minor differences in the size and scale of development which triggers the policy. In general, ESD reports assess projects against a benchmark in nine environmental categories, 

Environmental categories

  • Management

  • Energy

  • Indoor Environment Quality

  • Water

  • Stormwater

  • Urban Ecology

  • Transport

  • Waste

  • Innovation

Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA)

If you intend to undertake a medium-scale development, it is essential to undergo a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA). The SDA is a straightforward evaluation of the sustainability aspects of a prospective building during the planning phase, showcasing exemplary ESD performance. This assessment serves to bolster your planning application by illustrating how you systematically address the ten crucial categories of sustainable building practices.

General medium developments:

  • 2-9 new residential dwellings, or

  • 100sqm to 1000sqm of non-residential, or

  • 100sqm to 1000sqm of alterations and additions

Sustainable Management Plan (SMP)

If you intend to undertake a large-scale development, it is essential to undergo a Sustainable Management Plan (SMP). The SMP is a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability aspects of a proposed design during the planning phase. This plan meticulously identifies advantageous, easily executable, and best-practice initiatives. Given the scale of larger developments, there is a greater potential for enhanced environmental benefits and substantial resource savings. Engaging a sustainability consultant may be essential to formulate a well-prepared SMP.

General large developments:

  • 10 or more residential dwellings, or

  • 1000sqm or greater of non-residential, or

  • 1000sqm or greater of alterations and additions

We use the recommended tools as the following when preparing SDA or SMP

ESD Report │ Australia │ Abian Design Studio

Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS)

The Victorian Government has implemented BESS, which is the recommended tool under the SDAPP framework. It assists building designers and practitioners in demonstrating that they meet sustainability requirements as part of planning permit applications.

ESD Report │ Australia │ Abian Design Studio

Building Sustainability Index (BASIX)

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has implemented BASIX, which is the recommended tool under the SDAPP framework. It applies to all residential dwelling types and is part of the development application process in NSW. 

Contact us for free consultation

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