2.19 Healthy, Climate‑Resilient Buildings
Part 2 – General Considerations for Development
This chapter supports the transition to all-electric development to improve public health, reduce indoor air pollution, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. It seeks to phase out gas and solid fuel systems in new development, aligning with State and Commonwealth Net Zero targets while reducing long-term energy costs for residents.
The chapter promotes sustainable, climate-resilient design, prioritising high environmental performance, urban heat mitigation, and comfortable, healthy indoor and outdoor environments.
Objectives
Public Health and Air Quality: To protect human health by reducing indoor exposure to harmful air pollutants (such as nitrogen dioxide and benzene) associated with gas combustion.
Cost Reduction and Energy Affordability: To lower the "energy wallet" of residents by eliminating dual-connection fees and utilising high-efficiency electric appliances that are significantly cheaper to operate than gas alternatives.
Asset Futureproofing: To avoid the high future costs of retrofitting gas-dependent buildings as fossil fuels are phased out across the national energy industry.
Controls
All new developments are to meet their energy requirements using electricity only.
Gas cooktops, gas ovens, gas hot water systems, and gas internal space heating systems are not permitted.
Solid fuel heating and cooking systems are not permitted in any development.
Objectives
Efficiency & Comfort: Maximise energy and water efficiency through passive design to create comfortable living and working spaces with low greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate Resilience and Net Zero: To promote a Net Zero future by enabling buildings to rely exclusively on an increasingly renewable electricity grid.
Heat Mitigation: Reduce the urban heat island effect by using light-colored, non-reflective materials and strategic planting to cool buildings and public areas.
Green Infrastructure: Integrate "living" systems—like trees for shade and permeable surfaces—to naturally store water, nourish soil, and lower ambient temperatures.
Public Amenity: Ensure all outdoor and communal spaces are well-shaded and designed for comfortable year-round use.
Controls
Development applications must demonstrate appropriate environmental performance by providing either:
- a)A Building Environmental Performance Report; or
- b)A BASIX certificate
The documentation must confirm incorporation of:
- a)Passive design measures, such as:
- i.optimal orientation
- ii.Increased insulation
- iii.Effective shading
- iv.Cross ventilation
- v.Low solar absorptance external finishes
- b)Optimised rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, where feasible
Non-Residential Energy and Water Performance Standards: Non-residential development must achieve the minimum energy and water performance standards in Table 2.19.1, using appropriate building systems, materials, and design responses.
Table 2.19.1. Development threshold and standards for development not prescribed within State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022
| Development type and threshold | Minimum energy target | Minimum water target |
|---|---|---|
| Office (base building) — Any development relating to an office building where the building contains less than 1,000m2 of net lettable area | Maximum 45 kWh/yr/m2 of gross floor area (GFA) or 5.5-star NABERS Energy Commitment Agreement (CA) + 25% or Certified Green Star Buildings rating with a "credit achievement" in Credit 22: Energy Use, or equivalent | NABERS Water 4 star (5 star where recycled water is available) |
| Shopping centre development (base building) — A new shopping centre containing a gross lettable area – retail (GLAR) of 5,000m2 or more; An existing shopping centre of 5,000m2 GLAR or more with an addition of 2,500m2 or more GLAR | Maximum 44 kWh/yr/m2 of GFA or 5 star NABERS Energy CA, or Certified Green Star Buildings rating achieving the "minimum expectation" in Credit 22: Energy Use, or equivalent | |
| Hotel or Motel — Any development relating to a hotel or motel where the building contains less than 100 rooms | Maximum 199 kWh/yr/m2 of GFA or 4.5 star NABERS Energy CA, or Certified Green Star Buildings rating achieving the "minimum expectation" in Credit 22: Energy Use, or equivalent | |
| Serviced Apartments (whole building) — Any development relating to serviced apartments where the building contains less than 100 serviced apartments | Maximum 199 kWh/yr/m2 of GFA or 4.5 star NABERS Energy CA, or Certified Green Star Buildings rating achieving the "minimum expectation" in Credit 22: Energy Use, or equivalent | |
Urban heat island mitigation development must minimise heat absorption and glare by:
- a)Using high solar reflectance index materials (lighter colours) on roofs, façades, glazing, and ground surfaces noting the need to:
- i.limit reflectivity to 20% (darker colours) where glare or reflection may cause nuisance
- ii.Maintain Inner West character by using dark and red brick for brickwork