Sustainable Design Assessment

When is an SDA required?

An SDA is requested for all developments that do not meet the large-scale criteria

What is an SDA?

An SDA is a simple sustainability assessment of a proposed building at the planning stage that is submitted with your planning permit application. By using free web-based tools, such as STEPS and SDS, you can easily demonstrate that your project meets minimum environmental compliance standards. Generally, an SDA can be prepared by applicants themselves, it should not be necessary to engage an ESD consultant.

Submitting an SDA

An SDA can be submitted by including the printout of a STEPS (residential) and/or SDS (non-residential) report with your planning application. These tools are free and easy to use.

Here are some example reports prepared using STEPS (residential) (PDF 301Kb) and SDS (non-residential). (DOC 352Kb)Alternatively, you can choose to prepare your own report.

Whichever option you choose, ensure that all ESD initiatives addressed are clearly demonstrated and annotated on your architectural drawings.

The SDA will be endorsed and become part of any planning permit granted.

SDAPP factsheet for small to medium applications (DOC 1Mb)

Quick guide to sustainable design (PDF 2Mb) - a one page 'cheat sheet' of passive design principles.