# 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.
# Project Initiatives
You can add initiatives tanks by clicking on the “Add Project Initiative” button. This activates the Project Initiatives editor grid.
This table allows for one or more initiatives to be included by clicking on the 'Add Project Initiative' button.
You can select the following pre-defined initiatives via the drop-down list or input your own using the 'Other initiative...' option.
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...' As the user, self-nominate whether you think your innovation action qualifies for 1 or 2 points. Actions nominated for 2 points must demonstrate multiple social and/or environmental benefits.
Innovation points will not be 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.