What is an ESD consultant?

An ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design) consultant advises on the environmental performance of buildings and developments. ESD consultants help clients achieve compliance with energy efficiency regulations, obtain sustainability ratings such as Green Star, NABERS and NatHERS, and deliver buildings that are more efficient, comfortable and sustainable.

When do I need an ESD consultant?

You typically need an ESD consultant when applying for a planning permit, when seeking a building sustainability rating such as Green Star or NABERS, when demonstrating NCC energy efficiency compliance, or when developing an ESD management plan for a residential, commercial or mixed-use project.

What ESD services does Ark Resources offer?

Ark Resources offers a comprehensive range of ESD consulting services including NatHERS thermal performance assessments, Green Star consulting, NABERS ratings, Section J and NCC compliance, BESS and WSUD assessments, energy modelling, renewable energy advice, ESD planning reports, and expert ESD evidence for VCAT and planning panels.

How much does ESD consulting cost?

The cost of ESD consulting varies depending on the scope, scale and complexity of the project. Ark Resources provides tailored fee proposals for each project. Contact us at info@arkresources.com.au or call +61 3 9636 0280 to discuss your specific requirements.

Does Ark Resources work across all of Australia?

Yes. While Ark Resources has offices in South Melbourne (VIC) and Sydney (NSW), our ESD consultants deliver services to clients across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and nationally.

ESD Consulting Services: NatHERS, Green Star, NABERS

ESD Consulting

Innovative & Cost-Effective ESD Solutions

The ESD consulting services we offer are innovative and cost-effective, reflecting the diverse skills and experience of our team, plus the constantly evolving challenges of the building and regulatory environment. As experienced ESD consultants, we help clients across Australia meet compliance obligations, achieve sustainability certifications and deliver better buildings.

Our ESD consulting services support clients at all stages of the property development cycle including: concept design, town planning submission, design development, construction, commissioning, post-occupancy and retrofits, serving developers, architects and builders in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and nationally.

How We Work With You

Ark Resources provides ESD advice at every stage of the property development cycle, from first sketch through to handover and beyond.

01 Concept & Planning: ESD reports, BESS assessments, planning permit submissions

02 Design Development: thermal modelling, daylight analysis, energy simulation, rating tool assessments

03 Construction & Commissioning: NCC compliance, Section J verification, certification submissions

04 Post-Occupancy & Retrofits: NABERS audits, energy performance improvement, carbon reduction strategies

Our Service Areas

Planning, Compliance & Approvals

ESD planning reports, NCC Section J compliance, JV3 verification and council ESD submissions tailored to every project type.

Modelling & Analysis

Thermal performance, daylight, energy simulation and building life cycle assessments using industry-leading tools to inform smarter design.

Renewable Energy

Solar PV, battery storage and EV charging infrastructure integrated with energy efficiency to minimise operational carbon footprint.

Energy Auditing & Retrofits

NABERS-compliant energy audits and retrofit plans for existing buildings to reduce energy use, improve comfort and lower operating costs.

Expert ESD Evidence

Independent expert reports, VCAT appearances, Planning Panels Victoria submissions and technical ESD advocacy for complex matters.

Policy Development & Research

ESD policy frameworks and best-practice guidance for councils, state government and industry bodies, grounded in evidence and regulatory expertise.

Tools & Certifications

Key Rating Tools & Frameworks

Ark Resources holds accreditations across Australia's major rating systems. Our team brings deep specialist knowledge to each of the following tools and certifications.

NABERS

National Australian Built Environment Rating System

Ark Resources delivers the full suite of NABERS certifications for commercial and residential buildings. We hold in-house NABERS Independent Design Review panel membership, providing independent third-party evaluation of energy modelling.

→NABERS Energy
→NABERS Water
→NABERS Indoor Environment
→NABERS Waste
→NABERS Embodied Carbon
→NABERS Energy Performance Indicator
→Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certification

Learn more → Email Us

NatHERS

Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme

Ark Resources has been undertaking NatHERS assessments for more than 20 years, covering Class 1 and Class 2 buildings from individual homes to large-scale apartment developments. Our specialists have contributed to the development of NatHERS processes over many years.

→Class 1 residential (detached homes)
→Class 2 multi-residential (apartments)
→Thermal performance optimisation
→NCC 2022 compliance pathways

Learn more → Email Us

Green Star

Green Building Council of Australia

Ark Resources has been a GBCA member and accredited Green Star professional practice for more than 20 years, delivering certifications across commercial, residential, and interiors projects. Our team has provided technical advice to the GBCA on energy credits.

→Green Star Buildings
→Green Star Interiors
→Green Star Communities
→Green Star Homes

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BESS

Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard

BESS is Victoria's primary ESD assessment tool for planning applications. Ark Resources has extensive experience preparing BESS assessments that satisfy council requirements and support planning permit approvals for residential and mixed-use developments.

→Residential & mixed-use developments
→Planning permit applications
→ESD Management Plans (EMPs)
→Sustainability Management Plans (SMPs)

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WSUD

Water Sensitive Urban Design

Ark Resources' WSUD specialists provide comprehensive water management strategies for developments of all scales, from single dwellings to large mixed-use precincts. We engage constructively with local councils and Melbourne Water to ensure efficient approval pathways.

→MUSIC stormwater modelling
→STORM assessments
→Water quality & stormwater retention
→Integrated water cycle management

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Our Track Record

Trusted by Leading Developers & Organisations

Over 25 years, we have delivered ESD outcomes for developers, architects and builders on some of Australia's most significant projects.

20+

Years in Practice

1500+

Projects Delivered

100%

Carbon Neutral

Our Services

Innovative & Cost-Effective ESD Solutions

How We Work With You

Our Service Areas

Planning, Compliance & Approvals

Modelling & Analysis

Renewable Energy

Energy Auditing & Retrofits

Expert ESD Evidence

Policy Development & Research

Key Rating Tools & Frameworks

Trusted by Leading Developers & Organisations

Our Clients & Collaborators

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