Planning Stage ESD

Sustainability Management Plans

SMP and EMP preparation for planning permits across major Melbourne and Victorian councils

SMP & EMP Consulting

Sustainability Management Plans for Melbourne Developments

A Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), also called an ESD Management Plan (EMP), is a planning document that demonstrates how your development will meet council ESD requirements. It is a common condition of planning permits for medium to large developments across Melbourne and Victoria.

Ark Resources has been preparing SMPs and EMPs for over 25 years. We are familiar with the specific requirements of all major Melbourne metropolitan councils and can prepare your report quickly and accurately, without back-and-forth with council.

Our SMP reports address energy efficiency, water management, stormwater (BESS/STORM/MUSIC), waste, indoor environment quality, transport, urban heat island, and green infrastructure, covering every sustainability category your council requires.

What an SMP Covers

  • Energy performance targets and NatHERS/Section J compliance pathway
  • Water efficiency: AAA-rated fixtures, rainwater harvesting
  • Stormwater management: BESS, STORM or MUSIC modelling
  • Waste management: bins, chutes, recycling, organic waste
  • Indoor environment quality: ventilation, daylight, thermal comfort
  • Transport: bicycle parking, EV charging, end-of-trip facilities
  • Urban heat island: green roofs, cool roofs, permeable surfaces
  • Green infrastructure: tree canopy, landscaping, green walls
Our SMP Services

How We Can Help

SMP Preparation

Full preparation of Sustainability Management Plans tailored to your council's specific template and sustainability policy requirements.

ESD Management Plans (EMP)

City of Melbourne and Yarra EMPs prepared in accordance with council's ESD Management Plan template, scored against council's rating tool.

Council Pre-Application Advice

Clarification of council ESD requirements before you lodge, saving time and avoiding conditions you're not prepared for at permit stage.

BESS & STORM Coordination

Integration of BESS stormwater modelling and STORM calculations with your SMP to satisfy water-sensitive urban design conditions.

Post-Permit SMP Implementation

Once a permit is issued with an SMP condition, we assist with satisfying the condition and reviewing compliance at construction stage.

Peer Review & Expert Opinion

Independent review of third-party SMPs and EMPs, and expert ESD opinion for planning panel submissions and permit appeals.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP)?
A Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) is a planning document that demonstrates how a development will meet a council's ESD requirements. It typically covers energy efficiency, water management, stormwater, waste, indoor environment quality, and transport. SMPs are required as a planning permit condition by many Victorian councils.
What is the difference between an SMP and an EMP?
SMP and EMP are different names for essentially the same document: a planning-stage report addressing a council's sustainability requirements. Some councils (such as City of Melbourne and Yarra) use the term ESD Management Plan or EMP; others use Sustainability Management Plan or SMP. Ark Resources prepares both, tailored to the specific council's template and requirements.
Which Melbourne councils require an SMP or EMP?
Most major Melbourne councils require an SMP or EMP for medium to large developments. Key councils include City of Melbourne, City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip, City of Stonnington, City of Boroondara, City of Moreland, City of Moonee Valley, and many others. Requirements vary by development type and scale. Ark Resources has prepared SMPs and EMPs for developments across all Melbourne metropolitan councils.
How long does it take to prepare an SMP?
A standard SMP for a residential apartment or commercial development typically takes 5 to 10 business days from receipt of drawings and information. Turnaround depends on the complexity of the project and the specific council's requirements. Ark Resources offers fast-track options for permit-critical timelines; contact us to discuss your deadline.
Do I need an SMP if I already have a NatHERS or BESS report?
Possibly, but it depends on your council and development type. NatHERS and BESS address specific building code requirements, while an SMP is a broader planning document that consolidates all ESD commitments for permit purposes. Many councils require an SMP in addition to NatHERS and BESS. Ark Resources can advise on exactly what your project needs.
Get in Touch

Our SMP Team

Leonie Dixon
Leonie Dixon
GM / Senior ESD Advisor
Email Leonie
Helen Maas
Helen Maas
ESD Advisor
Email Helen
Related Services

You May Also Need

ESD Planning Reports → BESS Assessments → NatHERS Ratings → WSUD → Section J Compliance →
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Need an SMP or EMP?

Ark Resources has been preparing Sustainability Management Plans and ESD Management Plans for over 25 years. Contact us to discuss your project's council requirements and timeline.

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