A Practical Approach to Sustainable Planning
We work closely with architects, Designers, and developers to ensure your SDA or SMP aligns with council frameworks and sustainability goals. From initial consultation input to final documentation, our team supports you through every step of the assessment process.
Energy & Water Efficiency
Strategies to reduce consumption and improve long-term performance.
Stormwater & Waste Management
Integration with STORM and WSUD tools to meet local guidelines.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Strategies for enhancing indoor comfort through daylight access, ventilation, and material selection.
Transport & Urban Ecology
Support for sustainable transport options and green infrastructure.
Achieving Your Vision Starts with Sustainable Design Thinking
SDA (Sustainable Design Assessment) and SMP (Sustainability Management Plan) reports help councils evaluate the environmental performance of new developments, from energy and water use to climate resilience and overall liveability. The type of report required depends on project size: smaller developments typically need an SDA, while larger or more complex projects require an SMP, which addresses the same sustainability criteria in greater depth and may include additional council-specific requirements.
At Torple, we provide clear guidance throughout the process, ensuring your project demonstrates strong environmental outcomes, achieves compliance, and supports long-term sustainability.
When do you need an SDA report?
- Residential Buildings: Total number of dwellings between 3–9
- Commercial Buildings (new or alteration): Gross floor area between 500m² and 1000m²
When do you need an SMP report?
- Residential buildings: Total number of dwellings 10 or more
- Commercial buildings (new or alteration): Gross floor area above 1000 m², or developments over 4 Storeys
What is an SDA Report / SMP Report?
An SDA report (Sustainable Design Assessment) or SMP report (Sustainable Management Plan), sometimes referred to as a Sustainable Design Statement or ESD Management Plan, is a key document for environmentally responsible building projects in Australia. These reports use the BESS tool (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard) to assess developments against 10 critical sustainability criteria under the SDAPP framework (Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process).
All planning permit applicants are required to demonstrate ecological sustainability of their projects using the BESS tool or similar assessment systems such as the Green Star Rating tool, MUSIC, or STORM. These tools evaluate how building developments minimise environmental impact and improve energy efficiency, water management, and overall sustainability.
The BESS tool is endorsed by the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE), part of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), ensuring projects align with nationally recognised sustainability standards.
Under the SDAPP framework, SDA and SMP reports address the following 10 key sustainability categories:
Proven Sustainability Measures for SDA / SMP Reports
The most effective sustainability measures for SDA and SMP reports depend on the unique requirements of each project. However, the best approach is to implement low-cost ESD initiatives that maximise scores across multiple categories. Here are some proven strategies that deliver strong results:
Engage an ESD Consultant for Modelling
Hiring a professional ESD consultant is a strategic investment for your project. Early involvement of an ESD expert in pre-application council meetings can secure points in the Management category. Consultants can also perform energy use modelling, evaluate natural light and ventilation, and contribute points in Energy, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and Management categories.
For example, in one project, our ESD consultant’s input during a pre-application meeting and computer modelling contributed to a 50% score in Management and increased the overall project score by 2%.
Install Rainwater Tanks for Toilet Flushing
Toilet flushing is often the largest water-consuming activity in a building. Capturing rainwater runoff from roofs into storage tanks not only meets the minimum requirements for Stormwater management but also improves the Water efficiency score when connected to toilets.
In one ESD project, a 5,000L rainwater tank for toilet flushing delivered a 12% Water score, a 100% Stormwater score, and boosted the overall project score by 11%.
Implement Demand-Controlled Ventilation
Large commercial buildings often experience energy loss from mechanical ventilation. A demand-controlled ventilation system—using CO2 sensors or occupancy-based controls—optimises fresh air supply to occupied spaces, reducing energy consumption.
This technology also earns points in the IEQ category while contributing to energy efficiency. In one case study, a system with a CO2 threshold of 500 ppm delivered an 18% IEQ score, a 6% Energy score, and increased the overall project score by 9%.
How Can Our Team Help You Deliver SDA & SMP Reports
Initial Consultation
Book a 20-minute call to discuss your project scope and determine whether an SDA or SMP is required.
Data Collection & Design Review
We gather architectural plans and sustainability features and assess them against council requirements.
Report Preparation
Our team prepares a detailed SDA or SMP report, including supporting assessments like BESS, STORM, and WSUD where needed.
Submission & Support
We assist with submitting your report to the council and provide revisions or clarifications as required.
Have some Questions
What’s the difference between an SDA and an SMP report?
An SDA is a sustainability assessment typically required for small to medium developments (up to 9 dwellings), while an SMP is a more detailed plan required for larger or more complex projects (10+ dwellings or large commercial sites).
When are these reports required?
SDA report
- Residential Buildings: Total number of dwellings between 3–9
- Commercial Buildings (new or alteration): Gross floor area between 500m² and 1000m²
SMP report
- Residential buildings: Total number of dwellings 10 or more
- Commercial buildings (new or alteration): Gross floor area above 1000 m², or developments over 4 Storeys
What do these reports include?
Both reports assess key sustainability categories such as:
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Indoor environment quality (IEQ)
- Transport
- Waste management
- Urban ecology
- Innovation
- Management
- Stormwater
- Building Material
SMPs typically include more detailed modelling and long-term performance strategies.
How long does it take to complete an SDA or SMP report?
Timelines may vary depending on project complexity and documentation readiness.
Do you integrate BESS or other sustainability tools?
Yes! We align both SDA and SMP reports with BESS, and can also incorporate Green Star, NABERS, or NatHERS where required.
Can you coordinate with other consultants?
Absolutely. We collaborate with architects, engineers, and Designers to ensure your sustainability strategy integrates seamlessly with your overall design and compliance documentation.
Hear From Those We've Partnered With
We take pride in delivering thoughtful, sustainable solutions—and our clients say it best.
“The Torple team has been fantastic over the years in providing detailed energy assessments. Specifically, in being pro-active in providing solutions to star rating shortfalls in an easy manner. I would highly recommend Torple due to their low fuss approach to every project they undertake”
“I have worked with Torple for many years on both residential and commercial projects and they play a valuable role in my business in both design development and the development approval process. They are prompt, efficient and good communicators and provide up-to-date information and advice.”
“Professional, efficient and easy to deal with. The team at Torple constantly deliver accurate reports quickly and provide helpful guidance throughout the process in an ever evolving space. Highly recommend for reliable energy rating assessments”.
“We have been using Torple for 18 Months now and have found them fantastic to deal with. They are solution driven and are always willing to work with us to produce the best outcome for our clients. We look forward to working with Torple for future projects & developments.”
“We love working with Torple to ensure our designs are compliant with NCC requirements for both Residential and Commercial Buildings. We appreciate their in-depth knowledge to help us achieve compliance with Section J requirements. They are highly skilled in their field, easy to work with and a great asset to our company.”
