Planning Stage ESD
Sustainability Management Plans
SMP, SDA, and ESDS preparation for planning permits across major Melbourne and Victorian councils
A Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA), or Environmentally Sustainable Design Statement (ESDS) 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 these documents 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 every sustainability category your council requires, including energy efficiency, water management, stormwater, waste, indoor environment quality, transport, urban heat island, and green infrastructure.
What an SMP Covers
- Energy performance targets and NatHERS/Section J compliance pathway
- Water efficiency: AAA-rated fixtures, rainwater harvesting
- Stormwater management: BESS, Blue Factor (previously 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
How We Can Help
SMP Preparation
Full preparation of Sustainability Management Plans tailored to your council's specific ESD policy and template requirements, covering all sustainability categories.
BESS & Green Star Coordination
SMPs prepared and scored in accordance with relevant ESD rating tools to satisfy council's ESD requirements.
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.
WSUD Coordination
Coordination of WSUD requirements including BESS stormwater modelling, Blue Factor (previously STORM) calculations, and MUSIC modelling, integrated with your SMP.
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 expert ESD opinion for planning panel submissions and permit appeals.
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, an SDA, and an ESDS?
An SMP, SDA, and ESDS are essentially the same document. Different councils across Victoria use different names for it depending on their own planning policy and template. The name does not always indicate a meaningful difference in content or scope. Ark Resources can provide professional advice on which document your specific council requires and what it needs to cover.
Which Melbourne councils require one of these documents?
Some developments require one of these documents for medium to large developments, with the document type depending on the scale of the project. Requirements vary by development type and scale. Ark Resources has prepared these documents for developments across Victorian 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 WSUD report?
Possibly, but it depends on your council and development type. NatHERS and WSUD reports address specific building code requirements, while an SMP is a broader planning document that consolidates all ESD commitments for permit purposes. Some developments require an SMP instead of these. Ark Resources can advise on exactly what your project needs.
Our SMP Team
You May Also Need
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.