Bass Coast Shire Council -
ESD Policy
Project Details
SERVICE OFFERING:
CLIENT:
CLIENT INDUSTRY:
LOCATION:
DELIVERABLES:
ESD / Policy Development
Local Government
Bass Coast, Victoria
ESD Policy Review & Update
Stakeholder Engagement
“Rewild Agency provided clear, strategic guidance in the development of our new ESD Policy, translating Council’s climate ambitions into a practical and implementable framework. Their collaborative approach, strong understanding of local government processes, and integration of cost, governance and equity considerations has positioned Council to embed sustainability consistently across our capital works and infrastructure delivery.”
— Bass Coast Shire Council Project Team
Project Overview
Bass Coast Shire Council engaged Rewild Agency to develop a new Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Policy to support the delivery of climate-resilient, low-impact Council buildings and infrastructure. The policy was developed to align with Council’s Climate Action Plan 2020–2030, reinforcing its commitment to net-zero emissions, climate adaptation and responsible public investment.
The ESD Policy establishes a clear, consistent framework for embedding sustainability considerations into all Council-led capital works projects. It is intended to guide decision-making from early planning and business case development through to design, delivery and handover, ensuring environmental performance, lifecycle value and climate resilience are systematically addressed across Council’s asset portfolio.
Our Methodology
Stakeholder engagement and priority setting
Facilitated workshops with Council officers and key stakeholders to identify sustainability priorities, operational challenges and implementation opportunities, ensuring the policy reflected local context and organisational capacity.Best-practice research and benchmarking
Undertook a review of leading ESD policies across comparable Local Government Areas (LGAs), identifying effective tools, governance models and mandated sustainability targets to inform a robust and future-ready policy framework.Integration with capital works and governance processes
Developed a clear methodology for embedding ESD into Council’s capital works lifecycle, including links to business case development, financial planning, procurement and internal approval pathways.Cost–benefit and implementation analysis
Prepared a high-level cost–benefit assessment outlining the financial, operational and risk implications of implementing the ESD Policy, supporting informed decision-making and internal buy-in.Capacity building and change management
Developed a training and stakeholder engagement plan to support staff capability uplift and consistent application of the policy across Council departments.Equity and inclusion considerations
Completed a Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) to ensure the policy supports equitable outcomes and inclusive application across Council projects and community infrastructure.
Rewild Agency’s Impact
Produced a draft ESD Policy and supporting application framework now under Council review for adoption and rollout in 2026.
Created a clear governance model for integrating sustainability into decision-making and capital project delivery.
Strengthened alignment between Council’s Climate Action Plan 2020–2030 and day-to-day infrastructure development.
Positioned Bass Coast Shire Council as a regional leader in sustainable local government design and climate resilience.
Project Timeframe
Jul 2023 – Jan 2024
