SDA or SMA (ESD Reports)

Most local councils in Victoria will require an SDA or ESD report, or Sustainable Management Plan for new developments before granting a town planning permit. Depending on the size of the development proposed, one of the following reports is required:

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• Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) – for small-scale developments

• Sustainable Management Plan (SMA) – for large-scale developments

The definition of small and large-scale developments is defined by the individual councils. Typically, a small development will include 2 to 9 dwellings, while a large development will include ten or more dwellings.

An SDA will demonstrate how your proposed development addresses the 10 sustainable building categories. The 10 key sustainable building categories include,

• Indoor environment quality

• Energy efficiency

• Water efficiency

• Stormwater management

• Transport

• Waste management

• Urban ecology

• Innovation

• Building Materials

• Construction and building management

• BESS report to respond to the keys Sustainability Criteria

• STORM Rating 

• ESD Report

• Architectural plans for town planning submission. The plans must include a site plan, floor plans and elevations.

• A summary of sustainable design features, such as ceiling fans, bicycle racks and light fittings (LED or compact fluorescent).

• On-site renewable energy devices such as water tanks or solar panels.