Council has developed a new tool. It will help with Clause 6.11 Environmental Sustainability of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan (GRLEP) 2021. We refer to this tool as the Environmental Sustainability Calculator (the Calculator).
 

When the Calculator is needed

The Calculator replaces environmental sustainability reports. It enables you to demonstrate compliance with Clause 6.11 of the GRLEP. It applies to development applications (DAs) for buildings with a gross floor area (GFA) of 1,500 sqm or more. This includes employment zones like E1 Local Centre, E2 Commercial Centre, E4 General Industrial, and MU1 Mixed Use, as well as the high-density residential (R4) zone. 

It applies to:

• The erection of a new building.

• Change of use of an existing building.

• Alterations or additions to an existing building.

However, it does not apply to change of use and internal alterations that do not increase the external building footprint or envelope.

The Calculator applies to applicable DAs lodged from Monday 1 January 2024.

 

Who can complete the Calculator?

The Calculator provides a simple, standard way to implement Clause 6.11. The Calculator is easy to use. You don’t need special skills in environmental sustainability. Anyone can do it, including the architect, town planner, and engineer involved in the DA.
 

How does the Calculator work?

The Calculator is set up in a 'choose your own adventure' format with a passing score system. It includes a wide range of ESD (environmentally sustainable design) mechanisms. These are divided into six (6) categories based on the principles in Clause 6.11.

Points are assigned to each ESD mechanism within the Calculator. Each category has a minimum passing score. There are also plenty of points available to give the proponent flexibility and choice.

DA documents, like architectural plans, must show chosen ESD mechanisms. This ensures environmental sustainability is included in design, construction, and operation of the development. Prompts for where these are required are built into the online Calculator.  
 

How to complete the Calculator

• Access the Calculator online via the button below.

• Progress can be saved online and shared with multiple users to complete collaboratively.

• You don’t need to create an account when you save a form.

• Council cannot view the entries which are still in progress.

• Don’t submit the Calculator until you are confident. Make sure all commitments are in the DA documentation first.

Complete Calculator Online

 

Lodging your DA with the Calculator

When you submit the Calculator online, you will be able to download a PDF of your completed Calculator. The PDF copy of the completed Calculator must be submitted as part of the DA documentation package on the NSW Planning Portal.

You will still need to lodge any other supporting material required under the DA Guide and associated codes and policies. This includes things such as:

• Stormwater or hydraulic plans.

• Landscape plans.

• National Construction Code Section J reports.

• BASIX certificates.

• Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) documentation.