Sustainable Building Advice services
Feel free to contact us on +61 3 9016 9486 or email info@lidconsulting.com.au
Low Impact Development (LID) Consulting can assist with other sustainable building advice services per below.
NCC / BCA Section J reports
All new commercial buildings need to satisfy NCC /BCA Section J energy efficiency requirements at the design stage prior to obtaining a building permit. There are two broad options in confirming compliance with Section J requirements:
- Meet the Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) requirements – ie meet prescribed requirements
- Undertake energy modeling on the building and submit an Alternative Solution to show compliance
On most occasions compliance can be achieved by meeting prescribed standards for insulation; glazing; building sealing; mechanical heating, cooling and ventilation; electric lighting levels; and energy monitoring and access to plant for maintenance. The standards differ across the country due to different climate zones, so each building needs to be assessed specifically for its location.
Where it is not easy to comply with the required performance specification in one of the above prescribed DTS requirements, computer modeling can be undertaken. This is usually a more expensive option, but if compliance can be achieved by modeling, this may end up being cheaper than replacing the originally specified element that cannot meet the DTS requirements.
LID Consulting Section J Reports
Sustainable development reports for town planning applications
At LID we are experienced in completing successful sustainability assessments for your proposed developments that satisfy council requirements. Our reports include the various reports requested from councils:
- Environmentally Sustainable Design – ESD Management Plans (also called Sustainability Management Plans)
- Sustainable Design Assessments (also called Sustainable Design Statements) – SDA (SDS)
- STEPS reports
- Sustainable Design Scorecard (SDS) reports
- STORM reports
Daylight Simulation Assessments
LID Consulting builds daylight simulation models working closely with architects and building designers during the design development stage to maximise the daylight performance of each apartment, office, education facility or neighbouring property. We present clear recommendations and reports as required to satisfy town planning or other needs. Contact us for a daylight simulation assessment on your building or impact on neighbours, to help strengthen your planning application.
LID Consulting Daylight Modelling
Waste Management Plans
A Waste Management Plan is now a council requirement for multi-unit and non residential developments in most municipalities. At Low Impact Development Consulting we will prepare a demolition, construction or operational Waste Management Plan for your multi-unit, mixed use or non-residential development, independently or in conjunction with your ESD report.
LID Consulting Waste Management Plans
BEECs and NABERS
As of 1 November 2011 when office buildings of over 2000m2 area are sold or leased they are required to obtain a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC). Obtaining a BEEC involves a review of the previous 12 months energy use data, a review of the tenancy lighting and a recommendation for improved energy use by building occupants. The energy use review requires a NABERS energy assessment and is to be completed by an Accredited NABERS assessor. LID Consulting can facilitate this assessment, and we also undertake energy modeling on proposed new buildings or fit-outs and can work with the designers to ensure your building or fit-out meets the desired NABERS energy rating when it is constructed.
LID Consulting BEEC and NABERS
Green Star
LID Consulting has Green Star Accredited Professional and project manager experience, having previously undertaken both roles on a successful 5 star Green Star project. We can provide advice to contractors or builders on Green Star project tenders or be a key member of a consultancy team as your Accredited Professional. With solid project management experience our input is relevant and effective.
LID Consulting Green Star Services
Energy Ratings Plus
At LID we aim to work with designers in the early stages of a project to achieve higher energy ratings at less cost. We believe our process of providing an early indication energy rating, and then the final rating completed later in the project once the design is bedded down, is the ideal solution to using the energy rating tools to optimise the energy performance of your building. Too often the energy ratings are completed once the design is complete. It gives no opportunity to take into account the often simple changes that can significantly improve ratings. We complete the initial rating, and also finalise the compliance rating that is required for the building permit.