Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Consultants
SALT’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) consultants deliver sustainability solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, public, and mixed-use developments. With over 30 years of combined experience, we work alongside developers, architects, planners, and project teams from concept through to construction and certification.
Early ESD integration helps improve overall project performance through tailored recommendations covering energy efficiency, integrated water management, sustainable material selection, waste minimisation, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable transport.
Our range of professional services covers all aspects of environmental sustainability within the built environment, enabling us to improve environmental outcomes while adding value to every project we deliver.
What Does an ESD Consultant Do?
An environmentally sustainable design (ESD) consultant helps integrate sustainability into the planning, design, and delivery of buildings and developments.
Through relevant strategies for energy efficiency, water management, sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality, waste minimisation, and sustainable transport, ESD consultants help projects meet planning and National Construction Code (NCC) requirements while improving long-term environmental and operational performance.
Our ESD Consulting Services
Our range of ESD consulting services covers the full spectrum of sustainability requirements, guiding planning, design, and compliance requirements.
Sustainability Strategies and Guidelines
Sustainable Design in the Planning Process
Most planning jurisdictions in Australia require some consideration of sustainable design in the planning application process. Many Councils require a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) or Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) report to be prepared by an experienced ESD consultant to demonstrate how the proposal will achieve energy and water efficiency, stormwater management, a healthy indoor environment, ecological sustainability and selection of low emissions materials. The sustainability credentials of a proposed development are often assessed through a rating system such as BESS (Victoria only), Green Star, Enviro Development and NABERS.
Our team has experience in preparing SMP and SDA reports for all types of developments and can assist with formal sustainability ratings where required using the latest ESD ratings tools.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Reports
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) ensures that stormwater is responsibly managed and that best practice water quality objectives are met.
SALT uses a variety of stormwater assessment tools including STORM and InSite Water to determine the stormwater management and treatment solutions necessary for a proposed site to achieve the required water quality treatment standards. The assessment process considers the site area, location, building use, treatment types and sizes and surface treatments to produce a report to support permit applications.
Green Travel Plans
Many Councils require a Green Travel Plan to be submitted at the planning / development application stage to demonstrate how a project will encourage use of sustainable transport methods such as cycling, walking, public transport and car share schemes. Through effective sustainable transport planning many environmental, social and health benefits can be achieved.
Our experienced traffic engineering team can also advise on providing for future Electric Vehicle integration to meet planning scheme requirements
Green Star
Green Star is an internationally recognised rating system founded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) .
Green Star buildings use up to 66% less energy and 51% less water that average buildings and have been demonstrated to achieve long term economic benefits for investors, tenants and occupants.
The SALT team of Green Star Accredited Professionals have experience in delivering Green Star certification on a variety of projects and can help to guide you through the assessment and certification process.
Contact us for more details of how Green Star can benefit your project.
Daylight Assessment and Modelling
Daylight modelling is often required to demonstrate that the required levels of natural light are achieved in multi-unit residential and commercial developments.
SALT provides all levels of assessment from simple daylight calculations through to complex modelling of multi-level buildings using the latest daylight simulation software.
Thermal Comfort Analysis
The thermal comfort of a building is important for the overall health, wellbeing and productivity of building occupants. A well-designed building with appropriate thermal control will ensure that an occupant neither feels too hot or too cold.
SALT assists building designers produce a comfortable building with lower heating and cooling energy usage through conducting thermal comfort modelling at the design stage. We can advise on suitable glazing and shading systems, natural ventilation requirements and building insulation to moderate the internal temperature of a building and improve thermal comfort outcomes for occupants.
Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS)
The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is a sustainability assessment tool used in Victoria for demonstrating the sustainable performance of a proposed development at the planning stage. It was developed by the Victorian Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) in order to assist developers and builders to ensure that sustainable design requirements are met at the planning stage.
The BESS tool evaluates a building against several criteria covering energy and water efficiency, indoor environment quality (ventilation, daylight access, shading, etc.), sustainable transport and waste management. A BESS report is typically required to be submitted along with an SMP or SDA report for a planning application.
SALT understands each Council’s ESD requirements and can guide applicants to achieve the necessary sustainability requirements. Contact us to find out more.
Energy Ratings (NatHERS assessment)
Energy Ratings (NatHERS assessment)
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) uses a 10 star rating system to assess the thermal performance of residential dwellings across Australia. A minimum star rating is required for all new houses and apartments (Class 1 and 2 buildings) built in Australia to comply with the National Construction Code (NCC).
NatHERS modelling software is used to assess the thermal performance of a proposed dwelling. The building’s predicted heating and cooling energy requirements are determined through modelling and a star rating indicates the energy efficiency of the dwelling. Improved thermal performance can be achieved through selection of appropriate glazing and insulation to suit the local climate.
SALT can advise on selection of glazing and insulation to achieve the NatHERS star ratings required under the NCC and our accredited assessors can prepare certified ratings using NatHERS approved modelling software for the building permit.
Section J Reports (DTS and JV3)
Section J Reports (DTS and JV3)
A Section J report is typically required to achieve construction approval through a construction/building certificate. Section J of the national construction code (NCC) deals with the energy efficiency requirements of commercial buildings of Class 2-9.
The SALT team can assist clients in demonstrating Section J compliance either through the Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) method or alternatively by using the JV3 reference building verification method.
The DTS method assesses compliance against the energy efficiency requirements relevant to the building class and climate zone for the following:
Part J1 – Building Fabric
Part J2 – Glazing
Part J3 – Building Sealing
Part J5 – Air conditioning and Ventilation Systems
Part J6 –Artificial Lighting and Power
Part J7 – Hot Water Supply, Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Plant
Part J8 – Maintenance and Monitoring Facilities
JV3 Assessment is an alternative method of demonstrating compliance with Section J, used when a building’s design does not meet the Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC). JV3 can also be used to achieve cost-efficiencies in materials selection as it allows for greater flexibility in the design process.
Contact us to find out more.
ESD Consulting Across Australia
With a strong national presence, SALT provides environmentally sustainable design (ESD) consulting services for projects and developments Australia-wide, including major cities:
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Darwin
Who We Help
We support a range of project types with dedicated ESD strategies aligned to NCC compliance and project-specific planning requirements.
Residential developments
Mixed-use developments
Education facilities
Industrial projects
Public facilities
Large-scale Developments
How We Work
Involving our ESD consultants as early as possible helps ensure the best outcomes. By integrating sustainability from the outset, we can identify opportunities that’ll support a more cost-efficient and smoother approval process.
1
Concept & Strategy
2
Assessments & Modelling
3
Certification
4
Planning Support
5
Construction
Why Choose SALT as Your ESD Consultant
Here’s why clients choose SALT as their ESD consultant:
- 30+ years of combined industry experience delivering sustainable design advice across a range of building and development projects.
- Accredited sustainability professionals, including Green Star Accredited Professionals and NatHERS accredited assessors.
- ISO-accredited across quality, safety, and environment.
- Responsive and timely delivery of reports
FAQs
Do I need a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) or SDA for my planning permit?
The requirements for a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA), or other sustainability documentation depend on your project type, location, and local planning requirements.
The team at SALT can help determine the appropriate level of assessment required for your project and prepare the necessary documentation to ensure compliance with planning requirements.
What's the difference between BESS, Green Star and NatHERS ratings?
BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard), Green Star, and NatHERS are all sustainability assessment tools, but they each serve different purposes.
BESS is commonly used by Victorian councils to assess the sustainability performance of developments during the planning permit process. Green Star is a national rating system that measures the sustainability of buildings across a broad range of environmental and governance criteria. NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) assesses the thermal performance and energy efficiency of residential homes.
The ESD team at SALT can advise which assessment or rating applies to your project and prepare the documentation needed to support planning approvals and sustainability objectives.
When is the best time to engage an ESD consultant on a project?
At the very beginning of the project, typically during the concept or early design stages. This ensures that ESD sustainability strategies can be integrated into the design from the outset. However, ESD consultants can also provide support at any stage of a project.
How much does an ESD assessment or report cost?
The cost of an ESD assessment or report depends on your project’s size, complexity, location, and planning requirements.
We provide tailored quotes based on the scope of work, ensuring you receive the documentation and support needed to meet compliance and sustainability objectives.
Do you work with Councils and planners?
Yes, we regularly work with Councils, architects, planners, and engineering teams across Australia. Our team is experienced in navigating various Council requirements and planning policies.