Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment
Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment
What we do > Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard

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 owned by the Municipal Association of Victoria and was developed with support from the Victorian Government. It is now used by over 30 municipalities across the state.

BESS helps building professionals and developers demonstrate how a proposed development addresses sustainable design at the planning permit stage, saving time and effort for both planners and the development community.

The BESS tool covers key elements that form good liveability and design practice. It supports councils with developing a productive, sustainable and resilient community.

Key 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

Become a BESS subscriber council 

A BESS subscription is open to any CASBE member council. Please view the BESS Prospectus here and contact us to inquire about a CASBE membership or BESS subscription for your council.

 

How is BESS Governed? 

CASBE operate BESS on behalf of its member councils, as part of our 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, with its own 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.