Is a BESS assessment required for my planning permit?

Most residential and mixed-use developments in Victoria that require a planning permit will need a BESS assessment as part of their ESD reporting obligations. Requirements vary by council, but Ark Resources can advise on whether BESS applies to your project and what score you need to achieve.

What BESS score do I need?

Most councils require a minimum BESS score of 50%, though some councils have higher benchmarks. The score is calculated across multiple sustainability categories, and Ark Resources will work with your design team to identify the most cost-effective pathway to achieve the required score.

What is an ESD Management Plan?

An ESD Management Plan (EMP) is a document that records the ESD commitments made at planning stage and sets out how they will be implemented during construction and operation. It is often required as a condition of planning permit approval. Ark Resources prepares EMPs that are practical, buildable, and aligned with what was committed to in the BESS report.

Does Ark Resources work outside Victoria?

Yes. While BESS is a Victoria-specific tool, Ark Resources provides ESD planning reports and sustainability assessments for planning applications across New South Wales, Queensland, and other states. We can advise on the relevant ESD tool or framework required for your project's location.

Stormwater Management

BESS Assessments Melbourne

Q: What is a BESS assessment?

BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard) is Victoria's primary ESD assessment tool for planning permit applications. It evaluates a development's environmental performance across categories including energy, water, stormwater, indoor environment quality, urban ecology, and transport. A minimum score is typically required to satisfy council ESD policies.

Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard reports for Victorian planning permit applications

Our Expertise

Ark Resources & BESS

The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is Victoria's primary ESD assessment tool for planning permit applications. It evaluates a development's environmental performance across energy efficiency, water use, stormwater management, indoor environment quality, urban ecology, and transport, generating a percentage score that councils use to assess whether a project meets their sustainability requirements.

Ark Resources has been preparing BESS assessments for planning permit applications for over 25 years. Our team has a thorough understanding of how each BESS credit category is scored and what design measures deliver the most effective outcomes, enabling us to guide project teams efficiently toward the required score while keeping ESD commitments practical and buildable.

Beyond the BESS report itself, our team prepares ESD Management Plans (EMPs) and Sustainability Management Plans (SMPs) that translate planning-stage commitments into clear construction and operational requirements. We work constructively with councils across metropolitan and regional Victoria, and have an established track record of preparing ESD reports that satisfy even the most demanding local planning policies.

About BESS

BESS is the Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard: Victoria's planning-stage ESD assessment tool. It provides a standardised framework for evaluating the sustainability performance of residential and mixed-use developments, and is accepted by councils across Victoria as the primary basis for meeting ESD planning policy requirements.

Visit bess.net.au

What We Deliver

BESS & Stormwater Services

BESS Assessment Reports

Full BESS scorecard preparation for planning permit applications across metropolitan and regional Victoria, tailored to your council's ESD policy requirements.

STORM Calculations

STORM stormwater quality modelling for smaller developments where a simplified calculation satisfies council's water sensitive urban design requirements.

MUSIC Hydraulic Modelling

Detailed MUSIC modelling for complex or large sites requiring catchment-level stormwater quality and quantity analysis beyond the BESS or STORM scope.

ESD Management Plans

Integration of your BESS stormwater commitments into a broader ESD Management Plan or Sustainability Management Plan for council submission.

BESS Peer Review

Independent review of third-party BESS reports, identification of scoring errors or suboptimal credit strategies, and preparation of revised or supplementary assessments.

Post-Permit BESS Compliance

Verification that construction documentation satisfies the BESS commitments made at planning stage, and preparation of compliance evidence for council sign-off.

Common Questions

BESS FAQs

What is a BESS assessment and when do I need one?

BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard) is a stormwater management assessment tool used across Victoria to satisfy planning permit requirements. A BESS report is typically required when your development involves new impervious surfaces, and your council requires stormwater quality and quantity targets to be met. It is commonly required alongside an ESD Planning Report or Sustainability Management Plan.

Which Victorian councils require a BESS report?

Most Melbourne metropolitan and regional Victorian councils require BESS for medium to large developments. Key councils include City of Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Boroondara, Maribyrnong, Moreland and many others. Ark Resources has extensive experience preparing BESS reports for all major councils across Victoria.

How long does a BESS assessment take?

A standard BESS assessment typically takes 3 to 7 business days from receipt of plans and stormwater drainage information. Fast-track turnaround is available for permit-critical deadlines. Contact Ark Resources to discuss your timeline.

Do I need BESS if I already have a NatHERS report?

Yes. BESS and NatHERS serve different purposes. NatHERS assesses thermal energy performance, while BESS addresses stormwater management, water quality and quantity targets. Both are commonly required for residential and mixed-use developments in Victoria.

Can Ark Resources help if council has raised concerns about my BESS report?

Yes. Ark Resources can review an existing BESS report, identify issues raised by council, and prepare a revised or supplementary report to address council concerns. We can also liaise directly with council's ESD officer on your behalf.

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