About BESS

BESS tools are built and maintained by local governments, for local governments. They are designed to assist development applicants and councils achieve sustainable design outcomes for the community, by providing an assessment framework against sustainability objectives in the planning schemes of Victorian councils. 
 
BESS is used for new development across Victoria. Planning permit applicants can prepare a BESS report for new developments - there is no cost for planning permit applicants to use BESS.

BESS tools: 

  • Are purpose-built for the planning permit stage
  • Facilitate a consistent framework and assessment of sustainability at the planning stage
  • Provide flexibility for the user while delivering sustainability outcomes
  • Are location-neutral. Do not advantage or disadvantage a development based on location. 
  • Provide a standardised report that streamlines the assessment process for Council staff
  • Aggregate data to track impact over time and for Council reporting

Online help and technical support are available for all BESS users.  

BESS Subdivisions (NEW!)

BESS Subdivisions was released in October 2025. BESS Subdivisions is for new residential subdivisions of all sizes - from 3 lots up to 250+ lots. It guides developers in delivering residential subdivisions that respond to climate challenges and meet modern liveability standards. 

Planning applicants are encouraged to complete a BESS Subdivisions report as part of their application, selecting relevant design standards that will be embedded in their proposal. This process ensures sustainability is considered early and aligns with the subdivision application workflow. It’s a practical way to demonstrate commitment to climate resilience, gain council support, and streamline the sustainability aspects of your planning approval.

BESS Subdivisions assesses a range of sustainable design initiatives across categories including site layout & liveability, streets & public realm, energy, ecology, integrated water management, climate resilience and circular economy. A key feature of BESS Subdivisions is that it provides a checklist output for the documents that are part of a subdivision application. 

To complete a BESS subdivisions assessment you will need: 

  • Site & context plan
  • Subdivision design response
  • Landscape plan including vegetation to be retained, planting schedules & hard landscaping materials
  • Streetscape plans including major construction materials
  • Integrated water management strategies
  • Other information about the subdivision (where applicable) such as information about community batteries, embodied carbon assessments or community recycling hubs, for example. 

BESS Buildings

BESS Buildings is the original BESS assessment tool, released in 2015. BESS Buildings is for developments on a lot - houses, townhouses, apartment buildings, commercial, industrial and mixed use.
 
It assesses a range of sustainable design initiatives across categories including water, energy, indoor environment quality, transport, waste & resource recovery, urban ecology and building management. BESS Buildings also recognises innovations that go beyond the standards within BESS.

To complete a BESS buildings assessment 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-Trained professionals have undertaken training in the BESS software and frameworks. It is not compulsory to use a BESS-trained professional, but it is recommended for large or complex projects. 

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) operate 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 with a Governance Board and advised by a Technical Reference Panel. 

The 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. 

For Councils: become a BESS subscriber

Ongoing management and maintenance of BESS 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.

BESS Subdivisions - available in all Victorian municipalities until 30 June 2026 

Until 30 June 2026 - all Victorian councils have access to BESS Subdivisions as a trial, providing an excellent opportunity to test the tool and support the local development industry to deliver better practice sustainable subdivisions. 

By adopting BESS Subdivisions, councils can promote better urban outcomes, support consistent decision-making, streamline sustainability expectations, and drive improvement across subdivision scales.