Planning is a complex and very dynamic space.
Planning as an industry is charged with providing more housing to accommodate a growing population in a format that addresses climate risks and provides innovative environmentally sustainable outcomes that prioritise in favour of amenity outcomes.
Casba and PIA have recently partnered to release and promote BESS in Subdivisions as a mechanism that assesses sustainability outcomes in the early phases of subdivisions (of 3 to 250+ lots).
The desired outcome is to minimise resource use and impacts on ecosystems, secure todays living standards and future proof communities against the impacts of climate change.
While Clause 56 already contains a number of objectives and standards to influence lot design, urban landscapes, integrated water management, the Sustainable Subdivisions Framework (SSF) can be employed by Councils (and is available for free until 30th June 2026 for developers to access) to respond specifically to the subdivision phase of planning the assessment of 7 categories:
The SSF lists design strategies that can be incorporated into a subdivision proposal that would contribute to more sustainable design outcomes.
The Sustainable Design Fact Sheets helpfully lists the benefits that improved outcomes in the 7 above-mentioned categories have for both developers and new residents.
For example improving the energy efficiency of lots can
decrease energy consumption, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and future-proofs our communities to the impacts of climate change.
The benefits of designing energy efficient subdivisions for Developers is their enhanced market appeal based on lower operating costs.
The benefits of designing energy efficient subdivisions for new residents include lower energy bills; improved living comfort both now and into the future.
The legacy of improved subdivision design is evident for Developers, New home owners and the environment.
Who is the SSF for? Built for Victorian Councils, but the tool is available for Developers and the public for free until 30th June 2026.
Why is it necessary? The SSF provides an assessment platform that enables subdivision design that achieves resilient and liveable cities and towns.
Where can you access it? The website is free and publicly available until 30th June 2026
