A SDA is a Report outlining the ESD commitments of a proposed development undertaken at the planning stage. It includes a Published BESS Report, often requiring supporting evidence such as a Preliminary Energy Assessment, and a STORM Report (or agreed stormwater tool).
Generally, a SDA can be prepared by the permit applicant (using the above online tools). The more complex the proposal, the more involved the assessment must be. Qualified professionals (such as an ESD Consultant) should be engaged to assist with more complex assessments.
The SDA supports the planning application by demonstrating how the proposal responds to key sustainable building categories, as listed below.
Note: By clicking on the following ESD category titles you will be redirected to CASBE’s related fact sheet.
Stormwater management and water efficiency measures include:
- Minimising the amount of stormwater that leaves a site, by capturing it in rainwater tanks for storage and/or re-use.
- Reducing pollutant levels in stormwater run-off, by filtering through permeable and natural ground surfaces.
- Using water efficiently and save on water bills, by capturing and re-using on-site for toilets, laundry and gardens as well as installing high WELS rated fittings and fixtures.
Powering buildings can be achieved more efficiently and cost-effectively by:
- Meeting, or exceeding the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements with appropriate heating and cooling and star ratings of appliances.
- Maximising natural ventilation and daylight.
- Providing on-site renewable energy such as solar panels to reduce energy bills.
A healthy indoor environment benefits the wellbeing of building occupants as well as reducing costs by:
- Orientating a building to achieve the best aspect for naturally capturing daylight, breezes and views.
- Installing openable and double-glazed windows and doors with sufficient external shading to adjust to climate.
- Selecting interior materials and finishes that are low in toxic or hazardous compounds.
Prioritising active transport that not only reduces emissions but improves the health and wellbeing of people and the environment by:
- Providing connection to bike paths, parking spaces and end-of-trip facilities.
- Convenient access to public transport and connected footpaths.
- Supplying Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure.
Sourcing local, durable and recycled materials and products that produce less waste, and can be separated and recycled by:
- Committing to recycle at least 70% of all demolition and construction waste.
- Providing on-site waste stream separation and management.
- Utilising durable and re-usable products that require less maintenance and avoids ending up in landfill.
Reducing, or better still removing the use of building materials that are from new, intensive and unethical sources that require excessive mining, processing, manufacturing and transporting creating unnecessary embodied carbon, instead:
- Selecting construction materials with recycled components, have low embodied energy and are sustainably sourced.
- Prioritising natural materials such as timber and bricks.
- If choosing concrete, aluminium or other metals ensure they have a percentage of recycled components.
Protecting and enhancing natural vegetation has many benefits, including:
- Ecological and biodiversity values of providing habitats for animals and native or indigenous plant species.
- Improving air quality and moderating local temperatures and in-turn wellbeing.
- Supports [storm]water management, quality and supply.
Supporting change and continual improvements to existing practices, products or methods through:
- Technical,
- Environmental,
- Social and Cultural innovations.
