Planning & Building

  • Email
  • Print

SDAPP - Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process

The SDAPP framework refers to the consistent inclusion of key environmental performance considerations into the planning permit approvals process in order to achieve more sustainable outcomes for the long-term benefit of the wider community.

The SDAPP framework:

  • Recognises the role of local governments as a statutory authority for planning matters;
  • Provides a framework for consideration of sustainable design elements of planning applications;  and,
  • Offers a consistent method for identifying opportunities for improved environmental building performance.

An integrated design response considers sustainability as a core design driver (in collaboration with other design aspects) and will assist in meeting higher sustainable design standards at lower cost. Engagement of sustainability professionals at concept stage is encouraged.

The SDAPP framework identifies 10 key sustainable design criteria that need to be addressed by applicants. These include:

  • Indoor environment quality
  • Energy efficiency
  • Water resources
  • Storm water management
  • Building materials
  • Transport
  • Waste Management
  • Urban Ecology
  • Innovation
  • Ongoing building and site management

The SDAPP framework acknowledges that the scale of a project has a bearing on the level of information and the types of sustainability initiatives that can be incorporated in a project. To address this, two assessment methodologies have been developed to target different sized projects. These are:

  • Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA)
  • Sustainability Management Plan (SMP)

Expectations for lodgement of sustainable design information are outlined in the diagram below;

Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA)

An SDA is a simple sustainability assessment of a proposed building at the planning stage. The assessment supports the planning application by demonstrating how the proposal addresses the 10 sustainable design criteria.

The applicant is advised to use self assessment tools - STEPS (residential) and SDS (non-residential) to demonstrate that the project meets minimum environmental compliance standards. A STEPS or SDS assessment, combined with a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) statement will generally satisfy council’s information requirements. Typically, an SDA can be prepared by applicants themselves – it should not be necessary to engage a sustainability consultant.

A template for a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) statement can be found here, alternatively an SDA can be completed when logged into the STEPS tool. Simply click ‘create sustainable design assessment (SDA)’ on the left hand side of the page as shown here.

A tool assessment should be conducted for all new dwellings and extensions where the proposed volume of the extension exceeds 50% of the existing dwelling volume. For extensions that do not exceed 50% of the existing dwelling volume no tool assessment is required.

Sustainability Management Plan (SMP)

An SMP provides a detailed sustainability assessment of a proposed design at the planning stage. It addresses the 10 sustainable design criteria and demonstrates that a holistic ESD review has been undertaken during a project’s early design stages.

It also identifies beneficial, easy to implement and best practice initiatives. The nature of larger developments provides the opportunity for increased environmental benefits and the opportunity for major resource savings. Hence, greater rigour in investigation is justified.

For residential applications In relation to these sustainable design criteria, an SMP must;

  • Identify relevant sustainability targets or performance standards;
  • Document the means by which the appropriate target or performance will be achieved;
  • Identify the different areas of responsibility and provide a schedule for implementation, ongoing management, maintenance and monitoring; and 
  • Demonstrate that the design elements, technologies and operational practices that comprise the SMP can be maintained over time.

Preparation of an SMP will generally require the engagement of a sustainability consultant.

Whilst applicants may include a STEPS or SDS assessment to support an SMP, due to the increased opportunity presented and the higher standard expected from larger developments, STEPS or SDS compliance alone may not meet Council expectations. Council acknowledges that other ESD assessment tools are available and where appropriate these tools can be used to benchmark environmental performance and demonstrate how the 10 sustainable design criteria have been addressed.

For more information refer to the SDAPP Programme Fact Sheet, or see this Example SMP.

Proportional Expectations

All submissions under SDAPP are considered in the context of the development and specific permit application. Council will always have proportional expectations for documentation and environmental performance that are reasonable in each context. 

Relationship with Planning & Environment Act 1987

The SDAPP Programme is intended to be fully consistent with the purpose and objectives of planning in Victoria as expressed in the P&E Act. The submission of Sustainable Design Statement or similar as part of SDAPP enables a Council, as responsible authority under its planning scheme, to fulfil its duties as required under Section 60 of the P&E Act, in particular its requirement to consider:

Any significant effects which the responsible authority considers the use or development may have on the environment or which the responsible authority considers the environment may have on the use or development. (60|1|e).

Relationship with State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF)

The SPPF, the area of a planning scheme that is consistent throughout Victoria, is aimed at fostering development in the interests of net community benefit and sustainable development. For more information refer to Clause 11 of any Victorian planning scheme.

Consistency Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) directions

The majority of VCAT decisions relating to ESD are based on Hasan v Moreland City Council (2005), Jolin Nominees v Moreland City Council (2006), and most recently Robert Polizzi v Darebin CC (2009). Through these decisions it was determined that ESD considerations are supported provided they are appropriate. It was stressed that a Council’s expectations must be proportionate and specific overlap with other legislative requirements (such as building regulations) not occur.

The SDAPP Programme has developed to be fully consistent with these directions and continues to be reviewed in light of relevant decisions, standards and precedents.

Relationship to Building Regulations

SDAPP is intended to facilitate environmental performance outcomes that are above the minimum requirements under building regulations, principally the Building Code of Australia (Victoria), with care taken to ensure no inconsistencies with these regulations. 

More Information

Additional information on sustainable design is available on our Advice and Resources page.

For more information Contact Us or use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. Ask for the Sustainable Design Officer. Or contact us via email at sustainabledesign@portphillip.vic.gov.au.