The creation of a subdivision is the creation of a community. It commences with a relatively blank canvas, setting up the life of the community that will extend over hundreds of years. The initial subdivision design presents an enormous opportunity to get the fundamentals right.
Subdivision planning must contend with the reality of a fundamentally changing climate. Design choices should consider performance over the entire life of a subdivision. A long‑term view supports more resilient, liveable places.
Sustainable subdivisions support quality of life, use resources efficiently and enhance environmental and human health. Importantly, sustainability needs to be embedded from the beginning of the subdivision process to ensure the best possible outcome for the community and the environment.
Find out more about our free BESS Subdivisions tool.
The Sustainable Subdivisions Framework (SSF) sets out the key considerations for achieving stronger sustainability outcomes in residential subdivision design. It provides a consistent structure for councils and industry to assess how a subdivision can support liveability, resource efficiency and environmental performance over the long term.
BESS Subdivisions is the digital tool that puts the SSF into practice.
While the SSF describes what matters in sustainable subdivision design, BESS Subdivisions provides a practical online pathway to apply these considerations during the early design and planning stages.
The SSF groups sustainability considerations into seven interconnected categories:
These categories highlight practical opportunities to strengthen subdivision outcomes and support more resilient, healthy communities.
Explore the SSF fact sheets for design advice across these categories.
These sample plans visually communicate information requirements for submission to council.
The following councils are participating in the SSF program through the BESS Subdivisions tool and other SSF‑aligned approaches:
BESS Subdivisions translates the SSF into a practical, easy-to-use online tool that drives early integration of sustainability principles through design strategies such as:
The tool supports subdivisions of all scales — from small 3‑lot projects to large 250+ lot masterplanned communities.
Try it during the beta (free until June 2026)
BESS Subdivisions is available as a beta release, free for all Victorian councils until June 2026. We encourage its use on real projects — feedback during the beta will help shape the full release planned for mid‑2026.
Early sustainability guidance helps applicants make clearer, more cost‑effective design decisions, identify risks early, and prepare a stronger subdivision application.
Using BESS Subdivisions can help you:
BESS Subdivisions guides you through three simple steps:
To learn more or get in touch, contact us at casbe@mav.asn.au
2017: Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) for subdivisions in regional Victoria research project undertaken by eight councils. (CASBE was not a formal project partner) .
2019: SSF co-developed by 16 partner councils, VPA, and CASBE to enhance long-term community benefits in subdivisions.
Oct 2020 – Oct 2022
• Phase 1 Trial: 31 councils participated in a 24-month voluntary trial.
• Interim reports released at 6 and 12 months; final report at 24 months.
• Key barriers identified: limited council resourcing, time demands, and voluntary nature.
• Funding for shared services SSF Advisors obtained to support capacity building.
• Final report recommended a comprehensive review of the SSF.
Post Oct 2022
• Phase 2 Trial commenced with 21 councils, supported by dedicated human resources.
• Shared services SSF Advisor roles commenced.
2023-2024
• Comprehensive review conducted via the SSF – Next Steps Project.
• Recommendation to develop an online digital tool.
2024-2025: Development of the BESS ‘Subdivisions’ module.