# Innovation
The objective of the Innovation category is to encourage design features and technologies that are not recognised elsewhere within BESS because they are new to Victoria, or because they go well beyond the best practice standard in BESS.
The Innovation category contributes 9% to the overall score.
# Innovation Profile
The Innovation profile is where any innovation initiatives can be added. Up to 10 points can be claimed here, and each initiative can be worth 1 or 2 points.
Innovation Initiatives can only be entered where the project score is already 50% or higher. If your project score is below 50% and you have innovation initiatives, increase your score by targeting BESS credits across any of the other categories. Once your score is above 50% you can enter your innovation initiatives.
# Project Initiatives
Add initiatives by clicking on the “Add Project Initiative” button. This will open the editor grid.
Select from the dropdown list or input your own using the 'Other initiative...' option. You can add as many initiatives as you like; however the total number of points that can be claimed is 10.
# Built-in Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Zero carbon development | To be confirmed through calculations and certifications to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. | 2 points |
| Certified Passive House Standard | Includes a commitment to undertake Air Tightness / Air permeability testing, and the installation of a heat recovery and ventilation (HRV) system. | 2 points |
| Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) | Commitment to undertake a preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the development. | 2 points |
| Embodied Carbon Assessment | Commitment to undertake a preliminary embodied carbon assessment of the development. | 2 points |
| Air Tightness / Air permeability testing | Commitment to undertake Air Tightness / Air permeability testing. | 1 point |
| Formal pre-plaster inspection | Commitment to undertake a formal pre-plaster insulation inspection by Energy Efficiency Council accredited Certified Insulation Installer or building surveyor. | 1 point |
| Onsite battery energy storage | Inclusion of onsite battery energy storage systems. | 1 point |
| Heat Recovery Ventilation | Inclusion of Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems. | 1 point |
| Mechanised Night Purging | Inclusion of mechanised night purging (skylights or other openings connected to control system) | 1 point |
| 100% Green Power | Embedded network with power purchase agreement for 100% GreenPower | 1 point |
| Bicycle Repair Station | Inclusion of secure, convenient and accessible equipment including repair stands, pumps and tools for fixing bicycles. | 1 point |
| Bicycle Share Scheme / eBicycle Share Scheme | Inclusion of a bicycle share scheme in a dedicated location that is clearly signed and secure, convenient and accessible. | 1 point |
# 'Other initiative...'
Provide a name and a description for your initiative and self-nominate whether you think it qualifies for 1 or 2 points. Actions nominated for 2 points must demonstrate multiple social and/or environmental benefits.
Innovation points are not awarded for actions covered elsewhere in BESS unless it can be demonstrated that the action goes well beyond the best practice standard in BESS.
# Summary
- Review all sustainable development initiatives relating to the design, construction and operation of the proposed development.
- Determine whether any of the initiatives proposed are design features or technologies that deliver an improved environmental performance.
- Determine whether the design feature or technology is new or not commonly applied in the area where the development is situated.
- Prepare a synopsis of the proposed design feature or technology, including how it is innovative in relation to its introduction to the built environment in the area where the development is situated, what the social and/or environmental benefit is and a measure of the benefit if applicable.