Verification Process for Post-Certification Changes Changes to the project scope, such as modifications to ECMs, energy savings forecasts, or project costs, may occur after a contract is signed and during construction. This section outlines the criteria and process for determining when such changes necessitate recertification.
Performance Period Changes:
ECM Changes: The agreement should specify the types of ECM changes that trigger each level of recertification. For example, a shift from a heat pump to a boiler would likely require a more significant review than a change in bulb count.
Energy Savings Variance: The plan must outline the percentage or absolute change in forecasted energy savings that would prompt recertification. Significant deviations from the original projections could warrant focused or full recertification.
Cost Adjustments: The agreement should define specific cost change thresholds (either a percentage or a fixed dollar amount) that would trigger recertification. Large cost increases or decreases may impact the project’s financial viability and thus require a reassessment.
Three Levels of Change and Verification:
Minor Changes: Insignificant modifications that do not materially affect the project’s performance or savings (e.g., minor adjustments to ECMs) do not require recertification. The project may proceed as planned.
Isolated Changes: Significant but limited in scope (e.g., a substantial modification to a single ECM) require a focused review of the specific change by the third-party quality assurance provider. Only the affected component(s) will undergo recertification.
Project-Level Changes: Major alterations to the project, such as a complete overhaul of ECMs, significant changes to forecasted energy savings, or considerable cost adjustments, necessitate full project recertification.
Change Management Guidelines: The buyer shall establish guidelines for recertification trigger thresholds, such as the percentage change in savings and cost corresponding to each verification level.
