October 16, 2010 at 9:42 AM

Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) incorporates design principles that aim to reduce the impacts of developments on the environment.

With Melbourne’s population expected to grow to 5 million by 2030, it is no surprise that local Councils are encouraging the incorporation of Environmentally Sustainable Design in new developments.

With the gradual introduction of Environmentally Sustainable Design focused policies into Victorian town planning schemes, environmentally sustainable development will no longer be a choice, but a requirement.
The push for more energy efficient, water conserving buildings has resulted in both requests and requirements on planning  permits from local Councils for developers to give greater emphasis to the Environmentally Sustainable Design credentials of their developments.

Whilst the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has often required the deletion of conditions relating to the imposition of Environmentally Sustainable Design features, the formal incorporation of such environmental policies will ensure that such design measures are implemented.

Environmentally Sustainable Design assessment tools come in a number of forms including incorporated documents, local policy and assessment tools and may include the following.

• Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA)
• Sustainable Tools for Environmental Performance Strategy (STEPS)
• Stormwater rating (STORM)
• Water Sensitive Urban Design
• Green Star

For first time developers or the most seasoned property mogul, Environmentally Sustainable Design can represent a design and financial burden. However, there are a variety of affordable products and design innovations on the market that provide for a viable and a highly marketable design outcome.

Buildings that incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design principles are becoming more desired within the property market as they represent a growing trend towards an eco-friendly lifestyle and they also represent long term cost savings for energy, water, gas and maintenance expenses.

There are a variety of consultants and suppliers that provide services and materials that facilitate the incorporation of Environmentally Sustainable Design features into proposals ranging from small to large scale developments.

8 basic steps to an environmentally friendly development:

1. Orientate the main living areas to the north to allow solar gain in winter
2. Orientate the building to allow for cooling breezes to cool the house in summer
3. Provide shading of the summer sun through the use of eaves, vegetation, blinds or shutters
4. Double glazed windows
5. Solar heating / energy
6. Installation of water tanks
7. Grey water re-use
8. Plan space efficiently

These steps can all be achieved successfully during a well-managed town planning permit application. Not only do these environmental innovations make for a great design and marketable development, but they assist in providing a complete, responsive design to present to Council as an essential element with your planning permit.

Through the incorporation of good planning principles and relationships with qualified professionals, Keen Town Planning can help you successfully incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design principles into your design whilst still meeting your development goals.

Access the expertise required for your planning permit application and building call us on 03 9596 9000 or Contact Us here.