Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Reports
Build better with environmentally sustainable design
At Green Choice Consulting, we help builders, developers, and architects deliver projects that meet modern sustainability standards while achieving practical, buildable outcomes.
Our Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Reports assess how a development performs across key environmental areas, from energy and water efficiency to indoor comfort and waste management, ensuring compliance with council and planning requirements across Australia.
Whether you’re designing a multi-unit residential project, commercial development, or mixed-use building, our consultants provide clear, evidence-based guidance to help you integrate sustainable design principles efficiently and cost-effectively.
Request a quote for an ESD report today or contact our team to discuss how we can support your next sustainable development.
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What is an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Report?
An ESD Report assesses how a proposed development minimises its environmental impact and aligns with sustainable design principles.
These reports are often required by local councils as part of the planning permit process and demonstrate your project’s commitment to environmental sustainability, taking into consideration:
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Waste reduction
- Improved indoor comfort
In some regions, ESD Reports may also be referred to as Sustainable Design Assessments (SDAs) or Sustainable Management Plans (SMPs), depending on project size and complexity.
While terminology and requirements vary between states and councils, the goal is the same: to ensure buildings are designed and constructed with environmental responsibility in mind.
What’s Included in an ESD Report
Each ESD Report prepared by Green Choice Consulting provides a comprehensive analysis across key areas of environmental sustainable design, including:
Energy Efficiency
Evaluating heating, cooling, lighting, and renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and overall building energy use.
Water Conservation
Assessing water-efficient fixtures to minimise water usage, rainwater harvesting systems, and reuse systems.
Waste Management
Strategies to minimise construction and operational waste, and promote recycling.
Sustainable Materials
Encouraging the use of low-impact, durable, and locally sourced materials.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Enhancing natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort for occupants.
Transportation & Access
Supporting sustainable transport options such as cycling, walking, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Urban Ecology & Stormwater Management
Incorporating landscaping, biodiversity, and water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles.
Contact our ESD Specialists
Our ESD consultants ensure every recommendation is practical, cost-effective, and aligned with local planning requirements.
Types of ESD Reports
Different project types require varying levels of sustainability documentation. We prepare all common forms of ESD reporting, ensuring your development meets both planning and performance requirements:
Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA)
For small to medium-scale residential and commercial developments, an SDA outlines how a project meets key environmental objectives such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
These reports are typically submitted at the planning permit stage and demonstrate that the proposed design aligns with council sustainability policies.
An SDA helps identify practical design improvements early in the process, reducing the risk of costly redesigns or compliance delays later on.
Sustainability Management Plan (SMP)
For larger or more complex developments, an SMP provides a comprehensive sustainability strategy with measurable performance outcomes. SMPs assess a wider range of criteria, including:
- Renewable energy integration
- Indoor environmental quality
- Transport impacts
- Stormwater management
These reports are often required for developments over certain size thresholds and form part of council or planning approvals, guiding implementation through construction and ongoing building operation.
BESS Assessments (Victoria only)
In Victoria, most councils require a Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) assessment as part of an SDA or SMP submission.
BESS evaluates how a proposed development performs against best-practice sustainability benchmarks across nine key categories, including energy, water, transport, waste, and indoor comfort.
The tool provides a transparent framework for demonstrating environmental performance and supports smoother council approvals by clearly linking design decisions to measurable sustainability outcomes.
Not sure which report you need? Contact us and we’ll help you confirm your council’s specific ESD documentation requirements.
What Is The Process?
At Green Choice Consulting, we take a collaborative approach to sustainability reporting, combining technical expertise with clear communication and timely delivery. We understand that every project is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your scope, budget, and timeline.
1. Project Review
We assess your plans and determine the relevant sustainability requirements and documentation based on your local council, NCC, and project scale.
2. Performance Modelling
Our team conducts detailed modelling and analysis, including BESS, STORM, WSUD, or thermal modelling (e.g. NatHERS or J1V3) as needed.
3. Recommendations & Design Feedback
Where performance gaps exist, we provide practical design improvements to enhance compliance and efficiency.
4. Report Preparation & Submission
We prepare a professional, council-ready ESD Report that meets compliance standards and includes practical recommendations, ready for planning or building permit submission.
5. Ongoing Support
If needed, we liaise with councils or planning consultants to clarify requirements or provide additional details.
How Much Does An ESD Report Cost?
The cost of an ESD report starts from $500.00 for residential projects, and from $900.00 for commercial, and will depend on the project size and location. At Green Choice Consulting, we provide upfront guidance on energy efficiency assessment fees.
To obtain a quote, please contact us on 1300 864 944.
Contact Our ESD Consultants
Get in contact today and learn how we can help ensure you meet the ESD requirements for your local council.
Why Choose Green Choice Consulting?
With a reputation for precision, reliability, and industry expertise, Green Choice Consulting is your trusted partner for all ESD and sustainability reporting requirements.
Our accredited team of energy efficiency consultants combines deep technical knowledge of the NCC and council frameworks with practical design insight, helping you achieve compliance while maximising energy performance and cost efficiency.
Whether you’re an architect, builder, developer, or building owner, we collaborate from early design through to final certification to ensure your project meets sustainability goals, without compromising on function, design, or budget.
What sets us apart:
- Accredited Professionals – Our consultants hold accreditations with Design Matters National and are Green Star Accredited Professionals, bringing proven experience in ESD, SDA, SMP, and energy assessments.
- Comprehensive Approach – We integrate BESS, STORM, WSUD, NatHERS, BASIX and Section J into a single, streamlined sustainability framework.
- Practical & Cost-Effective – Our recommendations balance performance, constructability, and budget, ensuring design intent is maintained.
- Council-Ready Documentation – Reports are structured to align with local council expectations, reducing review time and unnecessary delays.
At Green Choice Consulting, we help you streamline compliance, maximise energy efficiency, and future-proof your development.
Ready to get started?
Contact us on 1300 864 944 or submit an enquiry online to discuss your ESD reporting needs.
Contact Our ESD Consultants
Contact us today and learn how we can help ensure you meet the ESD requirements for your local council.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an ESD Report?
An ESD Report demonstrates how a proposed development meets sustainability objectives and council planning requirements under frameworks like SDAPP (Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process).
It shows that environmental principles have been considered early in the design process.
When is an ESD Report required?
Most councils require an ESD Report at the planning permit stage for medium to large developments, including apartments, mixed-use buildings, or commercial projects.
Smaller developments may require a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) instead. The scale of the project determines whether you’ll need an SDA or SMP.
What’s the difference between an ESD Report and an SDA Report?
An SDA Report is typically used for smaller projects, assessing sustainability using tools like BESS and STORM.
An ESD Report, on the other hand, is a more detailed document used for larger or more complex developments, often incorporating advanced modelling such as thermal comfort (NatHERS) or J1V3 energy modelling.
Do I need an ESD Report if my project already has a NatHERS or Section J report?
Possibly. While those reports cover energy efficiency, councils usually require an ESD Report to address additional sustainability categories such as water, waste, transport, and indoor comfort.
What tools are used in preparing an ESD Report?
We commonly use a combination of:
- BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard)
- STORM or WSUD for stormwater performance
- NatHERS for residential thermal performance
- J1V3 modelling for non-residential thermal compliance
These tools help quantify and demonstrate compliance with sustainability benchmarks.
How long does it take to prepare an ESD Report?
Most ESD Reports are completed within 1–2 weeks, depending on project size and the availability of final drawings and specifications.
Can you assist with council feedback or further clarifications?
Yes. We provide post-submission support to address council queries, ensuring your application proceeds efficiently without unnecessary redesigns.
Do you offer both residential and commercial ESD assessments?
Absolutely. We provide sustainability reporting for a wide range of projects – from small multi-unit dwellings and residential developments, to large-scale commercial and mixed-use developments.
What’s the benefit of engaging you early in the design process?
Early collaboration allows us to identify potential design issues and recommend practical improvements before documentation is finalised. This ultimately saves you time, reduces costs, and improves sustainability outcomes.
What do I need to provide?
Generally, we’ll need your architectural plans, project specifications, and site information. Our team can guide you through exactly what’s needed when you request a quote.
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Green Choice Consulting delivers professional, compliant Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Reports for projects across Australia.
Whether you’re at concept design stage or preparing your planning submission, we can help you meet your sustainability obligations efficiently and confidently.
Get in touch today to discuss your project or request a quote.