how it works

Energy Performance Protocols

The core of the ICP methodology are the Energy Performance Protocols that define a standardized road map of best practices for originating energy retrofits following the ICP Project Lifecycle. They leverage existing and commonly accepted standards such as ASTM-BEPA, ASHRAE Guideline 14, and EVO-IPMVP in conjunction with ICP specified elements, procedures, and documentation based on the various stages of a project life-cycle to create standardized projects with reliable returns.

There are six protocols which cover the majority of commercial energy efficiency projects. Protocol selection is based on building type (Commercial and Multifamily) and on project size and complexity including Targeted, Standard, and Large - spanning single measures to whole building deep retrofit. Click the links below to visit each protocol and the image on the right for an overview of the primary standards being leveraged.

Large Commercial

Whole building
> $1M project costs
Savings > 15% energy

Large Multifamily

Whole building
> $1M project costs
Savings > 15% energy

Standard Commercial

Whole building
< $1M project costs

Standard Multifamily

Whole building
< $1M project costs

Targeted Commercial

One or a few ECMs
Limited interactivity
< $1M project cost

Targeted Multifamily

One or a few ECMs
Limited interactivity
< $1M project cost

click to enlarge

Project Development Specification

The ICP Project Development Specification (PD Spec) brings the many complex details of an energy efficiency project into focus, providing a clear direction to the entire team with regards to requirements, tools, expectations, and quality management. The Project Development Specification provides a clear roadmap for Project Developers to correctly implement each requirement based on current best practices and available resources.

Use of the Project Development Specification is easy (see quick blog). It is linked to all of the ICP Protocols and directs users to the relevant section of the Specification to explain exactly what is required. When preparing a project using the protocols as your guide, developers can easily jump from whatever protocol you are using directly to the appropriate section of the PD Spec to find out in detail what is required.

Credentialing System

The ICP Credential System combines the use of the ICP Protocols, existing industry certifications, and third party verification to create Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ (IREE) projects that provide investors and building owners with a new level of confidence in project engineering, performance and returns. IREE projects are akin to audited financials and other industry workflows that have paved the way towards securitization and classification by ratings agencies.

The system is comprised of three provider credentials and the Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ project designation. The system workflow leverages credentialed Project Developers who originate projects and proposals, credentialed Software Provider applications that can automate the process (optional), and credentialed Quality Assurance Providers who will perform a third party review utilizing ICP’s QA resources. Conforming projects will then receive the Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ designation.

The result of the ICP Credentialing System is Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ projects. Investors and decision makers of all types, especially building owners, can be confident that these projects will be engineered, installed, operated and measured using consistent industry standards in order to deliver predictable returns.

Quality Assurance System

The ICP Quality Assurance (QA) process implemented by Credentialed QA Providers is an integral part of the creation of IREE projects and associated increased confidence by project stakeholders. The ICP System requires verification by ICP Credentialed Quality Assurance Providers, who have been vetted by ICP, to ensure that they possess all necessary qualifications and certifications to provide Quality Assurance for a project developed according to the ICP Energy Performance Protocols.

The ICP Quality Assurance process and credentialed providers are supported by the ICP Quality Assurance tools consisting of the ICP QA Checklists and the ICP Quality Assurance (QA) Specification which is a comprehensive resource designed to standardize the evaluation criteria and methodologies used by ICP Credentialed QA Providers. It provides essential information regarding the Quality Assurance (QA) Provider’s qualifications and responsibilities, as well as a description of how the ICP QA process integrates with the overall ICP System and development of ICP Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ projects.

Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™

Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ refers to and provides information about energy efficiency retrofit projects that conform to the requirements of the ICP Energy Performance Protocols, and have been originated by a credentialed Project Developer and verified by a credentialed Quality Assurance Provider.

To conform to the ICP Energy Performance Protocols, the Project Developer must select the appropriate protocol for their project and then conduct all required steps for baselining energy usage and predicting savings, and include specific plans as specified for commissioning, operations and maintenance, and measurement and verification. Details of all requirements can be found in the protocols themselves or the reference ICP Project Development Specification.

The Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ project designation does not constitute a guarantee of energy performance.

Investor Network

The Investor Network is comprised of energy efficiency investors who recognize the value of standardized Investor Ready Energy Efficiency™ (IREE) projects. Members of the program recommend the use of the ICP protocols and the ICP Credentialing System as best practices when developing energy efficiency projects as projects that have been certified as IREE increase confidence in project performance while reducing due diligence related transaction costs.

ICP recommends that project developers, building owners, and others seeking project financing contact members of the listed ICP Investor Network who are currently seeking IREE and other high-quality projects to invest in. If you would like more information about our program, facilitated introductions, or guidance in connecting with Investor Network members please contact us.