Sustainability Management Plans
We prepare Sustainability Management Plans commercial developments, helping project teams meet council sustainability requirements and secure planning approval.
What is a Sustainability Management Plan?
We prepares Sustainability Management Plans (SMPs) for larger commercial and mixed-use developments to support planning permit applications and demonstrate compliance with local council sustainability requirements.
Our SMPs provide a comprehensive sustainability framework that identifies practical and achievable initiatives to improve environmental performance, reduce operational costs and support planning approval outcomes. We work closely with architects, developers and project teams to integrate sustainability considerations early in the design process and align with council expectations.
Our SMPs typically address a range of sustainability categories, including:
Energy Efficiency and Electrification
Renewable Energy Generation
Indoor Environment Quality
Water Efficiency and Stormwater Management
Sustainable Transport Initiatives
Waste Management and Resource Recovery
Sustainable and Low-Carbon Materials
Urban Ecology and Landscaping
Building Management and Operational Strategies
We provide clear, council-ready documentation and practical sustainability recommendations tailored to the specific requirements of each development, helping project teams achieve planning approval while delivering long-term environmental and operational benefits.
The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS)
The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is a sustainability assessment framework used by many Victorian councils to evaluate the environmental performance of residential, mixed-use and commercial developments during the planning permit stage. BESS provides a consistent approach to assessing sustainability outcomes and is commonly required to support planning applications across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
BESS evaluates developments across a range of key sustainability categories, including:
Management
Water Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Stormwater Management
Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ)
Sustainable Transport
Waste Management
Urban Ecology
Innovation
The assessment generates an overall sustainability score and identifies whether a development has met the minimum performance requirements across each category. Depending on the council and project type, achieving a compliant BESS score may be a requirement of planning approval.
Better Home Performance prepares BESS assessments and works with project teams to identify practical sustainability initiatives that improve environmental performance while supporting planning approval outcomes. By considering sustainability measures early in the design process, projects can achieve stronger BESS outcomes with minimal impact on cost and design flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Sustainability Management Plan?
A Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) is a planning-stage sustainability assessment that demonstrates how a development will achieve environmental performance outcomes across key areas such as energy, water, transport, waste, materials and urban ecology. SMPs are commonly required by local councils as part of the planning permit process for larger developments.
When should a Sustainability Management Plan be prepared?
Ideally, an SMP should be undertaken during the concept or design development stage. Early sustainability input allows opportunities to be incorporated into the design efficiently and can help avoid planning delays.
When is a Sustainability Management Plan required?
SMP requirements vary between councils but are typically required for larger residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. The specific thresholds are determined by the relevant planning scheme and council sustainability policy.
What information is required to prepare an SMP?
Typically, architectural drawings, site plans, landscape plans, development summaries and information relating to building services are required. The level of detail will depend on the project stage and council requirements.
How do I get a quote?
Simply fill out the contact form on this page with your project details, or email your plans to info@betterhomeperformance.com.au for a free, no-obligation quote.
Can a Sustainability Management Plan improve planning approval outcomes?
Yes. A well-prepared SMP demonstrates a commitment to sustainable design and provides councils with confidence that environmental performance objectives have been considered and incorporated into the development.
Ready to Start Your Assessment?
Let's discuss how our services can help your project succeed Get a free, no-obligation quote today
Practical building performance advice for residential and commercial projects.
Contact Info
Phone: +61 487 185 820
Email: info@betterhomeperformance.com.au
