what is a bess assessment?

Short answer

A BESS assessment measures the sustainability of a development to show how well it performs in energy water waste and liveability against council requirements.

Full answer

BESS stands for Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard. Councils across Victoria require a BESS assessment for planning applications of new residential or mixed use developments. The assessment scores a project across nine categories including energy efficiency water use thermal comfort transport and waste. The goal is to demonstrate that the design meets Environmentally Sustainable Development policies. A BESS report is prepared by accredited professionals and submitted as part of the planning permit application.

Why this matters

Without a compliant BESS assessment a planning application may be delayed or rejected. Completing it early in the design process ensures council requirements are met and highlights opportunities to improve sustainability.

How Certified Energy can help

We prepare accurate and compliant BESS reports using the official online tool. Our team works closely with architects and planners to ensure your project meets local government sustainability standards.

Related regulations

• Victorian Planning Provisions on Environmentally Sustainable Development

• Local council planning schemes that require BESS

• Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP)

Helpful resources 

• When is a BESS Assessment required?