Whitehorse City Council strongly encourages Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) for every project. It is an integral part of planning permit applications.

Think about the landscape early in the process to help achieve a garden that is functional, attractive, sustainable and efficient. This will also save time and money, during both construction and ongoing maintenance.

Whitehorse Council has a series of Environmental Sustainable Development Fact Sheets that provide information about sustainable building and development categories. 

It’s easy and affordable to make your landscape sustainable if you base your decision-making on Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles.

WHY?	HOW?
Take advantage of existing site conditions	Consider orientation, soil conditions, existing vegetation, slope/topography Retain and protect mature trees
Increase water efficiency	Choose plants to suit the natural rainfall (eg drought tolerant plants). group plants with similar water needs together use mulch reduce areas of lawn use permeable surfaces create raingardens and swales install water tanks and grey water systems utilise Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) stormwater management
Improve urban ecology	Include food production gardens including herbs, vegetables and fruit trees. Aim to go organic. Consider planting to provide shade to cool buildings and provide screening. Consider green roofs, walls and facades. Include sustainable practices like composting, worm farms and on-site green waste recycling.
Increase biodiversity	Create healthy soils. Plant plants that attract birds and insects. Include a variety of indigenous, native and exotic plants. Companion planting helps your plants grow well.
Minimise or eliminate materials that disrupt, destroy, pollute or damage our natural ecosystems	keep topsoil on site choose sustainably sourced and/or local materials. Use less chemicals for pest control, less fertiliser for growing your plants