Post-Certification Project Changes Changes to an IREE-certified project’s scope, such as modifications to ECMs, energy savings forecasts, or project costs, may occur after IREE certification is issued. Depending on the materiality of a change, recertification may or may not be required. ICP categorizes post-certification project changes into three levels of materiality:
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.
Isolated Changes: Significant modifications that are limited in scope (e.g., a substantial modification to a single ECM) require a focused review of the specific change(s) by the third-party quality assurance provider. Only the affected aspect(s) of the project must 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.
Example Performance Period Changes ECM Change: The agreement should specify The types ofECM 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 fall within each change category. Significant deviations from the original projections could warrant focused or complete recertification.
Cost Thresholds: A percentage or a fixed dollar amount that would fall within each change category.
Certification Post-Certification Guidelines Project changes are inevitable, and clear guidelines that determine how to handle changes can avoid confusion and unintended outcomes. The buyer shall establish written guidelines for handling change orders that affect a project's composition, savings, and cost.
