> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/user-guide/workflows/daylight/daylight-info/bess.md).

# BESS

## What is BESS?

BESS aligns with the 'Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process' framework and ESD Local Planning Policies. It evaluates projects in nine environmental categories. In Victoria, it aids planning permit applicants by providing a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) for large-scale developments or a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) for smaller ones.

BESS considers daylight in its assessment, emphasizing natural light to enhance indoor environments. The specific daylight requirements encompass factors like daylight factor, light distribution, and access to views. These elements contribute to a building's overall environmental score.&#x20;

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Daylight Access - Living Areas</strong></td><td>BESS Daylight Access focuses on multi-unit developments (Apartments, aged care, hotels). <a href="/pages/1oBTDD3JNs0M6udEB0nj">More</a>.</td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/1oBTDD3JNs0M6udEB0nj">/pages/1oBTDD3JNs0M6udEB0nj</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Daylight Access - Bedrooms</strong></td><td>BESS Daylight Access - Bedrooms focuses on multi-unit developments (Apartments, aged care, hotels). <a href="/pages/TtN0OXI4S8NGHD3s0nCj">More</a>.</td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/TtN0OXI4S8NGHD3s0nCj">/pages/TtN0OXI4S8NGHD3s0nCj</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.betterbuilding.io/user-guide/workflows/daylight/daylight-info/bess.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
