# BESS-2 Documentation
BESS is a new generation sustainable design assessment tool for buildings at the planning permit stage. For more information about the development of BESS, see About Us.
BESS supports the ‘Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process’ framework. In many Victorian councils, planning permit applicants are asked to submit information about how their proposed development addresses sustainability, either as a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA, for small scale developments) or Sustainability Management Plan (SMP, for large scale developments).
BESS can be used to prepare these submissions.
The triggers for an SDA or SMP, and the definition of small and large scale, is set by each individual SDAPP Council based on the development context in their area. Check your local council’s website for more information.