News

When is a dwelling not a dwelling?

When it's Class 3! Did you know that some residences are not allowed by the NCC to get a standard NatHERS rating?

Tips on achieving a 7-star dwelling

In most states, the 7-star NatHERS energy rating requirement for townhouses, apartments and dwellings, has been in force for over a year, but we are still seeing many developments struggling to achieve the rating.

Big changes to ESD for residential projects in Victoria

From 31 March 2025, Victoria's updated planning provisions mandate enhanced sustainability standards for residential developments up to three storeys. Clause 55.05 of the Low Rise and Medium Density Housing Code (Amendment VC267) introduces specific Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) requirements that must be addressed during the planning application process.

DTS vs J1V3 - which section J compliance pathway is the best for your project?

Navigating energy efficiency compliance for commercial and non-residential buildings?

Here’s what you need to know about the two main pathways: Section J (Deemed-to-Satisfy) and J1V3 (Performance Solution).

New 7-star NatHERS requirements now in force

After over a decade in operation, the minimum NatHERS star rating for new dwellings has increased from 6 stars to 7 stars. This includes single dwellings, medium density townhouses and apartments, which require an average 7-star rating with no apartment rating below 6 stars. The 7-star requirement has now been adopted for most states. What does this mean for you and your developments?

There’s no "I" in team, but there is WSUD in ESD

WSUD requirements are now in force across all Planning Schemes in the state. How does this affect your projects?

ESD added to the Planning Schemes of 7 Victorian Councils

October 2018 saw approval given for new ESD Clauses to be added into the Planning Schemes of seven new Victorian Councils. These Councils are...

EcoResults project in the 2018 Premier's Sustainability Awards

A recent EcoResults project, Elenara Rooming House in St Kilda, by the Department of Health and Human Services, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards for an upgrade that incorporates a range of sustainability features. Elenara House was selected as one of three finalists in the Environmental Justice category. CEO of Sustainability Victoria, Stan Krpan, describes the project as ‘exceptional’...

EcoResults wins Award for Sustainable Development

EcoResults would like to congratulate the entire project team for The Quarter Springvale, winner of the City of Greater Dandenong 2017 Sustainability Development Award.

Waste Management Pitfalls to Avoid

Why is it so important to consider Waste Management early in the design process?

Daylight Analysis – Letting Your Light Shine

Why do many Councils now request or require Daylight Analyses to be done for residential and commercial developments?

Stormwater Quality & WSUD

Learn how selecting right WSUD measures to treat your project has become paramount as Water Authorities and Local Councils bring in regulations to minimise stormwater pollution entering our creeks, rivers and the Bay

Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) update

ESD Local Policy Clauses have now been added to the Stonnington, Moreland, Banyule, Whitehorse, Yarra and Port Phillip Planning Schemes

City of Melbourne ESD & WSUD Planning requirements

City of Melbourne now has in place Clauses 22.19 (Energy Water and Waste efficiency) and 22.23 (Stormwater Management) which have specific application requirements for most new residential, commercial and mixed use developments.

How to get faster planning approvals

Delays in the town planning approvals process are one of the biggest problems for developers, architects and planning consultants alike. Many Councils now require reports for many disciplines including Sustainability Management Plans, Sustainable Design Assessments, Green Travel Plans, WSUD Reports and Waste Management Plans. How disappointing it is when these are submitted, only to find that they fail to meet the council's local requirements and benchmarks.