ICP December Technical Forum Call on QA and PD - Recap

The ICP team hosted its monthly Technical Forum call on December 10th, to continue discussion and development of the ICP Credentialing System. The call focused on the Quality Assurance Provider Credential, and  included discussion of the Project Developer Credential. The following topics were addressed:

• What is / should be involved with quality assurance, as it is applied to the development of an energy efficiency project?

The participants agreed that a comprehensive quality assurance process should involve review of the baseline and adjustments, energy model (if applicable), savings calculations, implementation costs, operational performance verification / commissioning plan, OM&M plan, and the M&V plan. However, there were differences in opinion regarding how "in the weeds" the process should or realistically can go. Much of this is predicated on the size and complexity of the project, with more complex projects or projects with greater savings at risk requiring greater scrutiny. In general, it was agreed that the review should focus on assumptions that drive energy savings estimates.

There was also discussion regarding whether the review (or project development process) should only allow specific ranges for inputs (assumptions), and what resources were available to assist with this effort. The only resources to support this topic that the group was aware of included the NYSERDA MPP Simulation Guidelines (specific to modeling Multifamily buildings), and COMNET's Commercial Buildings Energy Modeling Guidelines and Procedures (still under development).  

• What skills, experience, and credentials should a quality assurance provider have?

While opinions varied regarding years of experience and relevant certifications, the consensus was that applicable experience in all of the components involved with the development of an energy efficiency project is fundamental. Bringing "reality" to assumptions, in addition to ensuring that proper standards and best practices are applied, is a key function of the quality assurance process.

• What responsibility does the project development team and quality assurance provider have?

The Project Developer is responsible for developing a project that follows accepted standards and best practices, utilizing conservative assumptions, and documenting all inputs and data used in the development of the energy efficiency project. They are also responsible for incorporating or responding to quality assurance comments.
The Quality Assurance Provider is responsible for reviewing a documentation package and project submission for completion and adherence to the ICP protocols, and to ensure that best practices were followed, appropriate and realistic assumptions were used, and that savings estimates appear reasonable.  

Our next Technical Forum call to continue these discussions will be held in January (date and time TBD). We hope you will join the discussion! In the meantime, feel free to send your thoughts on any of these topics to Tracy Phillips at [email protected]. 

View 12/10 Working Group Call