Off the plan apartment buying 101: What is BESS?

As cities continue to grow, the demand for sustainable development becomes more urgent. In Victoria, Australia, the Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) has emerged as a vital tool for embedding sustainability into the early stages of building design.

Since its inception in 2015, BESS has played a critical role in supporting local governments, developers, and communities to create more sustainable and livable environments.

BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard) is a purpose-built, online assessment tool designed to evaluate sustainable design practices at the planning permit stage of development. It was developed and is maintained by local governments in Victoria, making it the only dedicated tool of its kind in the state.

BESS is owned by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and operated by the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) as part of the Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) framework.

Who uses BESS?

BESS is used across more than 35 councils in Victoria, helping them achieve consistent, sustainable outcomes through their planning processes. It is a free tool for planning permit applicants within subscriber councils, and it's also accessible to any member of the public interested in evaluating or improving the sustainability of their home.

While small-scale users (e.g., for single homes or renovations) can often use the tool without prior experience, more complex developments, such as multi-unit, mixed-use, or non-residential buildings, benefit from engaging Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) professionals who are trained in BESS.

How BESS works: Categories and criteria

BESS evaluates developments across nine key sustainability categories:

• Water – Efficient usage, stormwater reuse, and reduced potable water demand.
• Energy – Energy efficiency in building fabric, systems, and appliances.
• Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) – Daylighting, natural ventilation, and thermal comfort.
• Transport – Promoting sustainable transportation options.
• Waste & Resource Recovery – Construction waste minimisation and recycling facilities.
• Urban Ecology – Landscaping, biodiversity, and food production areas.
• Building Management – Operational performance and ongoing sustainability.
• Innovation – Recognising forward-thinking and exceptional sustainability practices.
• Management – Encouraging long-term governance and building user education.

Assessments are generated into standardised reports that streamline review by council planners and help track sustainability trends over time.

Integration with the Victorian planning system

BESS directly supports sustainability objectives embedded in the Planning and Environment Act 1987, which governs land use across Victoria. This legislation emphasises sustainable development, conservation of natural resources, and balancing present and future community needs.

In practical terms, BESS is embedded into the planning system through local council planning schemes and policies, often under Clause 15.01-2L, which relates to Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD). These policies ensure that sustainability is a core consideration from the early design phase, where the most impact can be made.

BESS aligns with the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPPs) and has strong legal backing, including support from decisions made by the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Benefits of using BESS

• Consistency: Provides a common language and framework for sustainable design.
• Flexibility: Suitable for all building types and development scales.
• Equity: Location-neutral—does not favor urban over rural developments.
• Transparency: Offers councils and applicants a clear, trackable process.
• Community Empowerment: Allows residents to independently assess their homes' sustainability.
• Support & Resources: Offers online guidance, technical support, and access to BESS-trained professionals.

By bridging the gap between planning regulations and practical design choices, BESS empowers councils, professionals, and communities to collaboratively create developments that are efficient, comfortable, and future-proof.

Whether it's a homeowner looking to go green or a developer navigating council requirements, BESS offers a reliable path to building a better future.