The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard. Since 2015.

BESS is the only dedicated tool in Victoria for assessing sustainable design at the planning permit stage. Built and maintained by local governments, for local governments, BESS is designed to assist development applicants and councils achieve sustainable design outcomes for the community.
 
BESS is used in over 35 councils across Victoria. In these subscriber councils, planning permit applicants can prepare a BESS report for a development located within that municipality. There is no cost for planning permit applicants to use BESS.
 
BESS can also be used by any member of the community to assess the design of their home and find ways to make it more sustainable.
 
BESS assesses a range of sustainable design initiatives across various categories includes water, energy, indoor environment quality, transport, waste & resource recovery, urban ecology and building management. BESS also recognises innovations that go beyond the standards within BESS.

Features

  • Purpose-built for the planning permit stage
  • Assess any size or type of building(s) including mixed use
  • Facilitates a consistent framework and assessment of sustainability at the planning stage
  • Multiple options for demonstrating compliance - providing flexibility for the user while delivering sustainability outcomes
  • Location-neutral. Does not advantage or disadvantage a development based on location. 
  • Standardised report streamlines the assessment process for Council staff
  • Aggregate data to track impact over time and for Council reporting
  • Online help and technical support available 

You will need

  • Town planning drawings, elevations, section drawings
  • Knowledge of the major construction materials
  • Thermal performance and stormwater modelling results 
  • Understanding of the building context (built form surrounding the site)
  • Anticipated minimum energy efficiency rating of major appliances for heating, cooling and hot water (energy labeling)
  • Anticipated minimum water efficiency rating of taps, toilets and fittings (WELS ratings)
  • Other information about the development (where applicable) such as on-site renewable energy systems, rainwater tank details, landscaping and food production areas, and bicycle facilities (if applicable)

Do I need a BESS-trained professional?

BESS becomes more complex with the complexity of the development. For single houses or renovations, no prior experience is required to use BESS. However, you will benefit from using professionals (architects or building designers) with sustainability credentials.

For multi-unit, non-residential and mixed use developments, an ESD professional should be engaged to prepare the BESS assessment and to advise on the project from the concept design phase. 

Find our list of BESS-trained professionals here.

How is BESS Governed? 

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) owns BESS. The Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) operates BESS on behalf of its member councils, as part of its role in facilitating a more sustainable built environment for Victorian communities. CASBE staff are employed by MAV. 

BESS is a CASBE asset under the Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) framework, governed by the SDAPP Governance Board and advised by the SDAPP Technical Reference Panel. 

The SDAPP Governance Board is responsible for the strategic direction of BESS, including

  • setting, reviewing and updating sustainability performance objectives within the tool
  • responding to changes in Victorian and specific local planning provisions
  • overseeing enhancements (upgrades) and regular maintenance activities

For any questions relating to the governance or administration of BESS please contact us. 

Become a BESS subscriber Council

Ongoing management and maintenance of the tool is funded by participating local governments via annual subscription fees paid to CASBE. 

A BESS subscription is open to any CASBE member council. For more information about becoming a CASBE member or subscribing to BESS, including a copy of the BESS Prospectus, visit the CASBE website or contact the CASBE Executive Officer at casbe@mav.asn.au.

CASBE member councils acknowledge the ongoing support of the Municipal Association of Victoria.