BESS Score Estimator | SUHO
Victorian ESD Planning

BESS Score Estimator

Walk through the key BESS categories to get an indicative sustainability score for your Victorian development project.

Step 1 of 8 Project Details
Project Details
BESS is used to assess the sustainability of residential and mixed-use developments in Victoria. Tell us about your project.
Energy
Energy is typically the highest-weighted BESS category. It covers heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, and renewable energy.
Water
This category covers potable water reduction through efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and alternative water sources.
Stormwater
Stormwater management focuses on reducing runoff quality and quantity impacts from the development.
Indoor Environment Quality
IEQ covers daylight access, natural ventilation, thermal comfort, and material toxicity in occupied spaces.
Transport
This category encourages reduced car dependency through bicycle facilities, EV readiness, and proximity to public transport.
Waste and Urban Ecology
These two categories cover construction and operational waste management, plus the ecological value of landscaping and green infrastructure.
Innovation
BESS awards additional points for initiatives that go beyond standard practice in any sustainability category.
Your Estimated BESS Score
--
--% overall
70%+ Excellence
50%+ Best Practice
Below 50%
Score by Category
This is a simplified estimate based on common design inputs. The actual BESS assessment uses a detailed online tool maintained by the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE). Scores depend on precise specifications, modelling outputs, and documentation that cannot be captured in a simplified estimator. An accredited sustainability consultant can complete a formal BESS assessment for your planning application.
Need a BESS assessment for planning?
SUHO prepares BESS assessments and Sustainability Management Plans for Victorian planning applications. We work across SDAPP councils and can advise on cost-effective ways to lift your score.
Get a Quote from SUHO

This tool provides indicative estimates only. It is not affiliated with CASBE and does not constitute a formal BESS assessment. Minimum Best Practice threshold is 50%. Many Victorian councils require a formal BESS report as part of the planning permit application.