Leaders in Environmentally Sustainable Design
Practical, innovative ESD solutions for developments across Australia, from planning permit through to certification.
Ark Resources is an ESD consultancy providing environmentally sustainable design services across Australia since 1999. Operating from South Melbourne, our team works with developers, architects, builders and town planners on projects across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.
Our projects range from individual dwellings and small commercial fitouts through to large-scale residential towers, mixed-use precincts and government buildings. Our ESD consultants hold accreditations across every major sustainability rating tool used in Australia, including NatHERS, NABERS, Green Star, and BESS.
Over 25 years, Ark Resources has become one of Australia's most trusted ESD consulting practices. Based in South Melbourne, we have delivered ESD documentation for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments across metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria, and in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.
25 years of experience
Delivering ESD consulting across Australia since 1999.
1,500+ projects delivered
Across residential, commercial, mixed-use and precinct scale developments.
All major rating tools
Accredited across NatHERS, NABERS, Green Star, BESS and every major ESD tool used in Australia.
Climate Active certified
Carbon Neutral organisation certified under the Australian Government program.
GBCA member practice
Green Star Accredited Professionals on staff across buildings, homes and interiors.
Fast, reliable turnaround
Permit-critical timelines met. Fixed-fee proposals for every engagement.
Victoria has some of the most active council ESD policies in Australia. The type of documentation required varies by council and development scale. Use the guide below to understand what your project typically needs.
Sustainability Management Plan
Required by most major Victorian councils for medium to large residential and commercial developments as a condition of planning approval.
BESS Assessment
The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard is used by Victorian councils to assess planning applications. A minimum 50% score with an Energy pass is typically required.
WSUD Assessment
Water Sensitive Urban Design assessments using BESS, Blue Factor or MUSIC are required by councils to manage stormwater quality and quantity from new developments.
NatHERS Thermal Rating
All new residential buildings require a minimum 7-star NatHERS thermal performance rating under NCC 2022, plus a whole-of-home energy budget.
NCC Section J Report
Commercial and multi-residential buildings must demonstrate energy efficiency compliance under NCC Section J, via Deemed-to-Satisfy or a JV3 performance pathway.
Green Star Certification
May be required by planning conditions, government clients or development agreements for larger commercial and residential projects.
Accredited NatHERS assessments for all residential building types across Melbourne, using AccuRate and FirstRate5 software. Fast turnaround for permit-critical timelines.
NABERS energy, water and embodied carbon ratings for commercial buildings across Melbourne, including base building and tenancy assessments.
GBCA-accredited Green Star consulting across Buildings, Homes, Interiors and Communities for Melbourne developers and contractors.
Section J Deemed-to-Satisfy and JV3 performance-based energy reports for commercial and multi-residential buildings across Melbourne and Victoria.
Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard assessments for planning permit applications across all Melbourne metropolitan councils.
SMP, SDA and ESDS preparation for planning permit applications across every Melbourne metropolitan council, tailored to each council's specific ESD policy and template.
An ESD consultant (Environmentally Sustainable Design consultant) provides technical advice and documentation to help buildings meet sustainability requirements for planning permits and building code compliance. ESD consultants in Melbourne prepare NatHERS thermal performance ratings, NABERS assessments, Green Star certifications, Section J compliance reports, BESS assessments, and sustainability management plans for planning permit applications.
Most medium to large residential and commercial developments in Melbourne require ESD documentation as a planning permit condition. Requirements vary by council and development type. Common requirements include a Sustainability Management Plan, BESS assessment, NatHERS thermal performance rating, and WSUD assessment. Ark Resources can advise on exactly what your project needs based on your council and development type.
Most Melbourne metropolitan councils require some form of ESD documentation for medium to large developments. Councils with active ESD policies include the City of Melbourne, Yarra, Stonnington, Port Phillip, Boroondara, Glen Eira, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Darebin, Knox, Whitehorse and Bayside, among others. Requirements vary by development type and scale. Ark Resources is familiar with the specific requirements of all major Melbourne metropolitan councils.
As early as possible, ideally at concept design stage. Early ESD advice allows the design team to make decisions that achieve compliance cost-effectively, before documentation is advanced. Late engagement often results in costly redesign or specification changes. Ark Resources offers early-stage ESD advice and feasibility assessments for Melbourne projects at any stage of design.
Yes. While our office is based in South Melbourne, Ark Resources delivers ESD consulting nationally. We have active practices in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, with dedicated teams for NatHERS, NABERS and Green Star work in each jurisdiction. Our Sydney office can be reached on +61 2 8379 8968.
Speak to our team about your project requirements, council conditions, and timeline.