Sustainable buildings and planning

CASBE councils are applying a range of tools from the Victorian Planning Provisions to support the delivery of resilient, healthy and sustainable buildings and communities.

Sustainable Buildings Framework

Formerly the Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) Framework

The Sustainable Buildings Framework (SBF) helps councils and the development industry create buildings that are healthier, safer, and more resilient for the people who use them.

It provides a clear, consistent approach for assessing how proposed buildings support occupant wellbeing, climate resilience, and long‑term community safety at the planning permit stage.

The SBF strengthens collaboration between councils and developers, ensuring these priorities are embedded in development assessment and decision‑making.

The Sustainable Buildings Framework:

Recognises the role of local governments as a statutory authority for planning matters
Provides a framework for consideration of sustainable design elements of planning applications
Offers a consistent method for identifying opportunities for improved environmental building performance
Ensures that sustainability is considered at the very early design phase. This is the best time to maximise opportunities for good orientation and other initiatives that create liveable, comfortable, efficient buildings.

The SBF is supported by the local ESD Policies, the Sustainable Design Fact Sheets and the BESS tool.

Any Victorian council is welcome to join CASBE and implement the framework in their municipality. Please contact us for more information.

Read about leading practitioners considering sustainability and resilience in building design.

Local ESD Policy

CASBE councils have led the way with sustainable design planning policy in Victoria. In 2015 6 local councils introduced the local policy. By 2025 there were 30+ councils with a local policy for sustainability requirements in their planning scheme.

Sustainable Design Fact Sheets

The Sustainable Design Fact Sheets are a series of information sheets aimed at the development industry. They outline Best Practice Standards and offer sustainable design advice.

The Sustainable Design Fact Sheets are now available online here.

Operational Energy

Embodied Carbon

Transport

Integrated Water Management

Urban Ecology

Indoor Environment Quality

Waste and Resource Recovery

Innovation

A consolidated list of Best Practice Standards can be found here.

A summary of the assessment framework can be found here.

CASBE maintains these Fact Sheets on behalf of our member councils.

BESS

The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is the recommended sustainability assessment tool under Sustainable Buildings Framework.