On 9th April 2013, the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) released a Public Consultation Paper on the proposed design of an accreditation scheme for the individuals that oversee and co-ordinate Integrated Energy Efficiency Retrofits of commercial buildings.
Download the 41 page consultation document here.
Frequently asked questions here.
Project Background here.
This paper sets out the proposed model for an accreditation scheme for the individuals that oversee
and co-ordinate Integrated Energy Efficiency Retrofits (IEERs) of commercial buildings.
Two previous papers set out the rationale for the scheme1 and the broad framework for its operation.2
This paper provides detailed information on how the scheme will operate, who will be accredited and
the method of assessment.
It has been released to canvass views on the proposed model from industry, customers, government
and other stakeholders. This feedback will play an important role in finalising the scheme design prior
to its launch in mid 2013.
Previous papers canvassed the option of creating an accreditation scheme for energy service
companies alongside the individual accreditation. After further design work and consultation, this
approach has been revised. The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) is now planning to launch a directory
of companies focused on providing information on companies to energy efficiency customers.
Consideration of a full accreditation scheme has been deferred to 2014.
A model for the proposed Company Directory will be circulated for comment in the second half of
2013.
How to provide feedback
The EEC welcomes feedback on the scheme design proposed in this paper. Chapters 3 and 4
conclude with key questions for stakeholders, however you are welcome to comment on any aspect of
the scheme.
There are three primary ways to provide feedback – attend an information session, contact the EEC’s
accreditation project manager, or make a formal submission.
Attend an information session
The Energy Efficiency Council will be hosting information sessions on the scheme in Sydney, Brisbane
and Melbourne. These sessions will be an opportunity to hear presentations on the scheme, ask
questions and provide feedback on the proposed design.
Information sessions will be held on the following dates:
Sydney – Monday 22nd April, 2PM-4PM
Brisbane – Tuesday 23rd April, 2PM-4PM
Melbourne – Wednesday 24th April, 10AM-12PM
The closing date for formal submissions is 5PM on Friday 3rd May, 2013
More background
In 2010, Sustainability Victoria engaged the EEC to undertake a scoping study of roles in the retrofit process and to assess the need for the introduction of accreditation and standards into the industry. The resulting study, Energy Efficiency in Commercial Building, Accreditation and Skills Scoping Report, concluded that accreditations and standards should play a central role in supporting the sustainable growth of capacity in the sector. This report recognised the benefits of many existing accreditation programs, including those run by Engineers Australia, the Green Building Council of Australia and the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Airconditioning and Heating. It also identified gaps where additional accreditation schemes could provide value. It found that the most urgent need was for an accreditation scheme to cover the individuals that directly oversee and co-ordinate Integrated Energy Efficiency Retrofit (IEER) projects, and potentially a linked scheme for Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).
Following the completion of this work, the EEC was commissioned by Sustainability Victoria (on behalf of the National Framework for Energy Efficiency) to facilitate the design of a framework for such an accreditation scheme. After extensive consultation with a range of experts from industry and the broader sector, the resulting framework was detailed in the report Proposed Accreditation Scheme for Retrofit Service Providers. As well as defining the framework for accreditation, this report also comprehensively mapped the steps involved in an IEER project.
Download Energy Efficiency in Commercial Building, Accreditation and Skills Scoping Report (2011)
Download Proposed Accreditation Scheme for Retrofit Service Providers (2012)