# Elevating ESD Targets

Version: 1, last updated: 19 May 2025

For nearly two decades, Victorian councils have been working together to advance how Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) is addressed in the planning system.

Through CASBE, these councils maintain a well-established framework, tools and guidance material (including BESS and the Sustainable Design Fact Sheets) to help councils and industry deliver ESD in new developments. This is supported by the local ESD Policies held by a number of CASBE member councils, as well as other sustainability measures in the planning scheme.

On 21 July 2022, 24 councils took the next step in this journey, submitting a planning scheme amendment called ‘Elevating ESD Targets’. The amendment aims to introduce a comprehensive set of updated ESD standards for new buildings, to better protect the natural environment, reduce energy and resource consumption, and support the health and wellbeing of future occupants.

Despite councils still waiting authorisation of the amendment, significant policy reforms have recently emerged, including the Victorian government's mandate for all new housing requiring a planning permit to be all-electric, the state's ESD reforms under amendment VC216, and the National Construction Code's seven-star energy efficiency requirements for housing. These reforms address some of the proposed Elevating ESD Targets standards.

This page lists the proposed objectives and standards from the Elevating ESD Targets planning scheme amendment.

We invite development applicants with projects aiming for exemplary ESD outcomes to demonstrate the proposed standards are achievable and help to set a new benchmark for sustainable development. This invitation is not a new mandatory requirement, but an opportunity for industry to showcase leading examples of sustainability and test some of the proposed standards.

Please contact your council for more information.

# Operational Energy

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To ensure new development achieves net zero carbon emissions from operational energy use.
To support the inclusion of renewable energy generation and ensure a transition to renewable energy sources.
To ensure higher levels of energy efficiency and reduce pressure on energy networks.
To support effective energy load management and storage.
To support development that demonstrates innovation in the delivery of carbon positive emission outcomes.

The following standards were developed to address the above objectives. Some standards are new. Some standards are addressed by the existing sustainability framework maintained by CASBE councils, and some are now addressed by recent state planning policy and other legislative reform. In some instances the original standards published in the amendment have been edited for conciseness.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard A1: All residential developments should achieve an average 7 Star NatHERS rating.
Standard A2: Minimum requirements for onsite renewable energy generation:
- Single dwelling, Two or more dwellings on a lot (multi- dwellings other than apartments): Provide a 3kW minimum capacity solar photovoltaic (PV) system should be installed for each 1-2 bedroom dwelling and an additional 1.0kW per bedroom for each bedroom there-after.
- Apartment development: Provide a solar PV system with a capacity of at least 25W per square metres of the development’s site coverage, OR 1kW per dwelling.
- Office, Retail, Place of Assembly: Provide a solar PV system with a capacity of at least 25W per square metres of the development’s site coverage.
- Industrial & Warehouse: Provide a solar PV system that is sized to meet the energy needs of the building(s) services (lighting, air-conditioning, industrial processes). When no industrial process is proposed, minimum 1.5kW per tenancy plus 1kW for every 150m2 of gross floor area must be provided, OR Where an energy intensive industrial process is likely, maximised based on the available unencumbered roof area.
Standard A3: Use energy hierarchy as follows to achieve net zero emissions from operational energy use.
- Design all electric buildings.
- Design building orientation, envelope and openings to increase energy efficiency.
- Select energy efficient systems, equipment and appliances.
- Generate renewable energy onsite.
- Purchase offsite renewable energy.
Standard A4: Design development to avoid consumption of natural gas or other onsite fossil fuels.
Standard A5: Prioritise passive design to maximise thermal comfort and minimise energy consumption for heating and cooling, as follows:
- Optimise building siting and orientation.
- Optimise building envelope design to access winter warming sun, limit summer solar heat gain and access dominant cooling breezes.
- Manage wall to glazing ratios.
- Provide effective external shading of glazing in habitable rooms from summer solar heat loads through external design which uses elements such as wingwalls, balconies, external shading devices.
- Zone artificially heated and cooled spaces to enable containment.
Standard A6: Minimise energy use including provision of:
- Clotheslines to allow natural drying of clothes and bedlinen.
- Appropriate energy management systems (such as load management) to support use of renewable energy generated onsite.
Standard A7: Maximise renewable energy potential through the following measures:
- Ensure electrical systems are designed to optimise the onsite consumption of generated electricity.
- Optimise roof form, pitch and orientation for photovoltaic arrays and/or solar air or water heating.
- Minimise shading and obstructions.
- Design for appropriate roof structure to accommodate and access equipment.
- Consider spatial requirements for future renewable energy storage or other energy management systems.
Standard A8
- All residual operational energy should be 100% renewable, purchased through government accredited off-site Green Power, power purchasing agreement or similar.

# Embodied Carbon

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To encourage development that considers the lifecycle impacts of resource use and supports lower carbon emissions.

The following standards were developed to address the above objective. Some standards are new. Some standards are addressed by the existing sustainability framework maintained by CASBE councils, and some are now addressed by recent state planning policy and other legislative reform. In some instances the original standards published in the amendment have been edited for conciseness.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard B1: Reduce the impact of embodied carbon emissions in materials used as follows:
- Reuse all, or part, of existing buildings.
- Use reclaimed or repurposed materials where appropriate.
- Use new materials with recycled content.
- Substitute high impact materials with materials with lower embodied carbon; and/or
- Select materials from sources which have undertaken offsetting of any carbon emissions.
Standard B2: Design for potential future adaptation and / or alternate uses.
Standard B3: Contribute to the reduction in future embodied carbon through careful material selection, as follows:
- Use materials that are durable, reducing need for replacement.
- Use materials and construction methods which facilitate future recycling of materials.
- Consider the application of ‘design for disassembly’ principles.

# Sustainable Transport

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To ensure development supports sustainable and equitable transport patterns through the provision of transport infrastructure that prioritises active transport.
To support and encourage zero emissions transport.
To support development that is designed to encourage behavioural changes to reduce transport related emissions and congestion.
To ensure that development is designed to accommodate the expected increase in use of lower emission modes of transport through the provision of infrastructure that is efficient and can adapt to meet changing needs and innovations in transport technology.

The following standards were developed to address the above objectives. Some standards are new. Some standards are addressed by the existing sustainability framework maintained by CASBE councils, and some are now now addressed by recent state planning policy and other legislative reform. In some instances the original standards published in the amendment have been edited for conciseness.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard C1: All development should provide the following rates of bicycle parking:
- New residential development: A minimum of one secure undercover bicycle space per dwelling. A minimum of one visitor bicycle space per 4 dwelling.
- New retail development: A minimum of one secure undercover employee bicycle parking space per 100 sqm net leasable area. Visitor bicycle spaces equal to at least 5% of the peak visitors capacity.
- New development associated with a Place of Assembly: A minimum of 2 secure staff bicycle spaces per 1500 sqm of a place of assembly. A minimum of four visitor spaces for the first 1500 sqm and 2 additional spaces for every 1500 sqm thereafter.
- New office development: A minimum of one secure undercover staff bicycle parking space per 100 sqm net leasable area of office. A minimum of one visitor space per 500 sqm net leasable area of office.
- For all other non-residential uses: Provide bicycle parking equal to at least 10% of regular occupants.
Standard C2: All non-residential developments should provide:
- One shower for the first 5 employee bicycle spaces, plus 1 to each 10 employee bicycle spaces thereafter.
- Personal lockers with each bicycle space required if 10 or more employee bicycle spaces are provided.
- A change room with direct access to each shower if more than 30 bicycle spaces are required.
Standard C3: EV charging:
- Single dwellings / Two or more dwellings on a lot: Provide appropriate infrastructure and cabling to support at least moderate speed, efficient EV charging (with / without the EV charger unit) in each garage / carport.
- Apartment development: Provide electrical capacity capable of supporting the provision of an appropriate moderate speed, efficient EV charging outlet to all car parking spaces. Provide appropriate EV infrastructure and cabling to ensure peak demand is managed.
- Apartment development: Provide cable trays or conduit installation.
- Non-residential development under/over 5,000 sqm gross floor area: Provide electrical capacity capable of supporting the provision of an appropriate moderate speed, efficient EV charging outlet to 20% of all staff car parking spaces (or a minimum of one space). Provide appropriate EV infrastructure and cabling to ensure peak demand is managed.
- Non-residential development over 5,000 sqm gross floor area: Provide installed EV charging infrastructure complete with chargers and signage to 5% of all car parking spaces.
Standard C4: All bicycle parking facilities should be designed for convenient access, as follows:
- Locate the majority of occupant bicycle parking facilities at ground level.
- For bicycle parking not at ground level, provide the majority within 10 metres of vertical pedestrian access ways (i.e. lifts, stairs).
- Safe access to bicycle parking facilities in basement carparks as follows:
  - Provide a separate line of travel or surface treatments to clearly signal bicycle priority; and
  - Provide suitable lighting and surveillance to facilities accessed via lanes.
- Lifts used to access bicycle parking areas are at least 1800mm deep.
- Support equitable access bicycle parking facilities by ensuring at least 20% of residential bicycle parking facilities achieve the following:
  - Well-spaced facilities located at ground level; and
  - Parking spaces to accommodate a diverse range of bicycles (such as cargo bikes or three wheeled bikes).
Standard C5: Design car parking facilities to support the charging of shared or visitor vehicles as follows:
- Provide a minimum of one EV enabled shared visitor parking space where proposed which is clearly signed and located in highly visible, priority locations.
Standard C6: Design car parking facilities to support the charging of motorcycle, moped, electric bicycle or scooters as follows:
- Provide electrical capacity for appropriate charging outlets at the parking / storage area.
- Provide a general power outlet for every six vehicle parking spaces to support charging.
Standard C7: Support modal shift to more sustainable forms of transport through car parking design as follows:
- Locate low and zero emission vehicles in a prominent, accessible locations.
- Car parking design to be adaptable to other uses.
- Flexible approach to car parking space allocation to facilitate adaptable uses or transfer of ownership.

# Integrated Water Management

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To support development that minimises total operating potable water use.
To support development that reduces the amount of stormwater runoff on site, and improves its quality of stormwater, and impacts for stormwater that leaves a development.
To ensure development considers and addresses the impact of future climate conditions in the management of water resources.
To encourage development that supports innovation in the use and reuse of water.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard D1: Reduce potable water use on site by at least 30%.
Standard D2: Use water resources efficiently through a range of measures, as follows;
- Collect rainwater from above ground catchments, and re-use on site for toilet flushing.
- Capture of fire-test water for on-site reuse.
- Consider opportunities for onsite recycling of wastewater through the installation of approved greywater or blackwater systems.
- Select drought tolerant landscaping.
- Design for passive irrigation.
- Select efficient irrigation systems.
- Connect to a precinct scale Class A recycled water source or third pipe system where available.
- Specify water efficient fixtures, fittings and equipment.
Standard D3: Reduce the volume and flow of stormwater discharging from the site by appropriate on-site detention and on-site retention strategies, consistent all IWM objectives and targets (eg. catchment scale objectives set up water authority).
Standard D4: Improve the quality of stormwater discharging from the site by meeting best practice urban stormwater standards.

# Green Infrastructure

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To deliver development that protects existing landscape values on and adjoining the development site, including canopy, vegetation, and habitat for biodiversity.
To deliver development that increases vegetation, particularly indigenous and native vegetation, and enhances existing landscape values, connects biodiversity corridors and increases the resilience of ecosystems.
To ensure landscaping proposed as part of development will be resilient to future climate conditions and supports integrated water management and energy efficiency outcomes.
To support development that increases amenity, improves connections to surrounding natural landscapes and supports health and wellbeing.
To encourage development that provides opportunities for on-site food production.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard E1: All new development should achieve:
- A Green Factor score of 0.55 (0.25 for industrial and warehouse uses) OR
- A minimum of at least 40% of the total site coverage area (20% for Industrial or Warehouse) must comprise external landscaping that delivers at least one of the following:
  - A minimum of 65% of the required green cover area as new or existing canopy planting and a minimum of 35% as understory planting. Canopy planting and understory planting can overlap.
  - Native and / or indigenous species which provides habitat for native fauna.
  - Green cover which is located to maximise cooling of the adjoining public realm.
Standard E2: Green infrastructure should:
- Support the creation of complex and biodiverse habitat.
- Provide a layered approach, incorporating both understory and canopy planting.
- Provide either native, indigenous and/or climate change resilient exotic plants that provide resources for native fauna.
- Support the creation of vegetation links between areas of high biodiversity through planting selection and design.
- Ensure species selection is appropriate to address expected future climate conditions.
Standard E3: Site buildings to retain existing mature canopy trees or existing significant green cover which contribute to biodiversity corridors and habitat.
Standard E4: Integrate appropriate measures to support the establishment and ongoing maintenance of landscaping.

# Climate Resilience

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To improve the resilience of the built environment to climate change related hazards and natural disasters.
To deliver development that reduces the urban heat island effect.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard F1: At least 75% of the development’s total site area should reduce the impact of the urban heat island effect using elements as follows:
- Green infrastructure.
- Roof and shading structures with cooling colours and finishes that have a solar reflectance index (SRI) of:
  - For roofing with less than 15 degree pitch, a SRI of at least 80.
  - For roofing with a pitch of greater than 15 degrees, a SRI of at least 40
- Water features or pools.
- Hardscaping materials with SRI of minimum 40.
Standard F2: Demonstrate a design response to future climate impacts.
Standard F3: Design pedestrian pathways for thermal comfort; and incorporate landscaping (tree canopy and other vegetation), shading and covered structures.

# Indoor Environment Quality

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To support development that achieves safe and healthy indoor environments, specifically addressing:
- Thermal comfort.
- Thermal safety.
- Access to clean, fresh air.
- Access to daylight and sunlight.
- Harmful indoor air pollutants.
To deliver development that considers the impact of future climate conditions on indoor environment quality.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard G1: Design buildings to provide appropriate thermal comfort without reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems, as follows:
- Single dwellings / Two or more dwellings on a lot (other than apartments): All habitable rooms should be cross ventilated.
- Apartment development / Residential Buildings: At least 40% of apartments on every floor to be cross ventilated.
- Apartment development / Residential Buildings: 60% of all apartments should be effectively naturally ventilated, either via cross ventilation, single-sided ventilation or a combination
- Non-Residential development: All regular use areas of non-residential spaces should be effectively naturally ventilated; or provide commensurate mechanical measures.
Standard G2: Achieve a daylight level across the entirety of every habitable room of 100 lux and of 50 lux across the entirety of any other regularly occupied space.
Standard G3: Internal spaces in buildings should utilise natural light to minimise the use of artificial lighting during daylight hours, unless the proposed use of the room is contrary to the provision of glazing.
Standard G4: Achieve direct sunlight in primary living areas of at least 70% of all dwellings for 2 hours on the 21st day of June to at least 1.5m deep into the room through glazing.
Standard G5: Provide openable external windows to circulation corridors and lift lobbies to facilitate natural ventilation for residential development below six storeys.
Standard G6: Use materials which are low toxicity in manufacture and use, and that do not cause harm to people or ecosystems.

# Waste & Resource Recovery

# Elevating ESD Targets objectives

To facilitate development that supports functional waste recovery and management.
To enable the continuous improvement of sustainable waste management and resource recovery.

TIP

# Elevating ESD Targets standards

Standard H1: Provide:
- Adequate waste and recycling infrastructure to manage the waste demand of the development
- Waste and recycling infrastructure and enclosures which are:
  - Adequately ventilated.
  - Integrated into the design of the development.
  - Located and designed for convenient access by occupants and made easily accessible to people with limited mobility
  - Signposted to support recycling and reuse.
- Adequate facilities or arrangements for bin washing.
Standard H2: Facilitate:
- Collection, separation and storage of food waste through composting or other waste recovery as appropriate.
- Collection, storage, and reuse of garden waste, including opportunities for on-site treatment, where appropriate, or off-site removal for reprocessing.
- Collection and storage of glass recycling.
- The provision of adequate circulation space on site to allow waste and recycling collection vehicles to enter and leave the site without reversing.
- The design and management of Waste and recycling separation, storage and collection in accordance with any approved Waste Management Plan.
- The provision of space for communal storage of additional waste streams including E waste for apartment developments.
Collection and storage of containers under any Container Deposit Scheme as appropriate for the proposed use and scale.
The provision of space for communal storage of hard waste and textiles for apartment developments.
Standard H3: Provide a Construction / Demolition Waste Management Plan that demonstrates that all practical and feasible practices and activities to minimise waste and increase resource recovery will be implemented (eg. Concrete, metal, glass and plasterboard recycling bins/skips).

DISCLAIMER: This Fact Sheet has been created for general information purposes only. While the Fact Sheet has been created with all due care, no warranty is given as to its suitability for any particular purpose and users should obtain their own advice relevant to their situation and specific needs. MAV or any party authorised by MAV to reproduce the Fact Sheet is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or reliability of the Fact Sheet and accepts no liability for any damage, losses whether direct or indirect, claims or expenses howsoever arising from any party who may rely on its contents.