What is ESD Planning?
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) planning integrates sustainability into the early developmental stages of your project, ensuring your design adheres to environmental standards. Our ESD services help you achieve energy efficiency, resource conservation, and long-term sustainability from concept to completion.
Sustainability Management Plans (SMPs)
An SMP can be required for larger developments, including projects with ten or more residential dwellings or non-residential spaces exceeding 1000m² of Gross Floor Area, or alterations over 1000m². The SMP is a detailed sustainability assessment conducted at the planning stage, addressing 10 Key Sustainable Building Categories, for example: Building Materials; Waste Management (WMP); Urban Ecology; Storm Water Management (WSUD); Innovation; etc. It sets sustainability targets, documents strategies to achieve them, and ensures a comprehensive design review.
Sustainable Design Assessments (SDAs)
An SDA is a simple sustainability assessment sometimes required for medium developments, including one to nine residential dwellings or non-residential spaces between 100m² and 1000m² of Gross Floor Area. It supports a planning application by addressing 10 key sustainable building categories, for example: Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ); Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Construction and Building Management; Transport; etc.
Section J Analysis
Conducting a Section J Analysis using the DTS method at the Planning stage is beneficial because it identifies energy efficiency compliance early in the design process. This ensures the proposed building meets the NCC's energy performance requirements before detailed design and construction, reducing the risk of costly revisions later. It also helps streamline approvals by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, potentially speeding up the planning approval process. Additionally, early identification of efficient materials and systems can lead to cost savings and better environmental outcomes.
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ESD Analysis, ESD Initiatives, and ESD Commitment Report
Utilising ESD services at the planning stage offers significant advantages. Early analysis optimises building design for energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability, reducing costly revisions and lowering long-term operational expenses. Aligning with sustainable design strategies at this stage streamlines compliance, enhances building performance, and supports green certifications, boosting project marketability and long-term value. Early adoption improves development outcomes on many levels, though most importantly, leads to more efficient, sustainable buildings with a reduced environmental impact.
Water Management and WSUD
We offer Water Management and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) strategies to ensure effective stormwater management, reducing environmental impact and improving water conservation.
Waste Management
Waste Management Plans (WMP) are increasingly being requested by councils as part of the planning approval process. Our team assists by ensuring that waste minimisation, effective segregation into recyclable and landfill streams, and clear resource recovery targets are seamlessly integrated into your project strategy.
Strategies and Methodologies
For Section J Analysis, through advanced strategies like thermal comfort analysis, daylight studies, and energy modelling, we ensure your project achieves optimal energy efficiency outcomes. Our expertise in ESD and SDAPP (Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process, which typically includes an SMP or SDA) further ensures that your design is aligned with local planning requirements, facilitating smoother approvals. Our highly skilled consultants use strategies such as BESS and tools like STORM and MUSIC to ensure your project is adhering to best practices.
Proven Results with SUHO
With extensive experience in ESD planning, SUHO has supported countless projects in achieving sustainable design and development goals, including over 345 formal SDAPP jobs. From early-stage assessments to detailed compliance reports, we guide you through every step of the sustainability process.
Get in Touch
Ensure your project is built on sustainable principles with SUHO’s ESD planning services. Contact us today to see how we can tailor our services to meet your project's needs.