Calming the Nerves of Energy Efficiency Investors

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investAs part of the Environmental Defense Fund’s Investor Confidence Project, the group has launched a Quality Assurance Credential for companies.

The Investor Confidence Project (ICP) aims to create a way to measure and predict energy savings so that investors are more willing to invest in energy efficiency projects.

EDF’s new Quality Assurance Credential authorizes third-party providers to verify that a project conforms to a set of ICP protocols, as well as certify it as an Investor Ready Energy Efficiency project.

EDF says 10 firms have qualified for the Quality Assurance Credential: ARUP, Bolder Energy Engineers, Celtic Energy, Environmental Building Strategies, Performance Systems Development, SBW Consulting, SCIenergy, Sustainable Real Estate Solutions, TRC Energy Services, and Institute for Building Technology and Safety.

These firms are now authorized to conduct third-party review for projects that were originated by Credentialed Project Developers. If these projects comply with ICP protocols, the Quality Assurance Provider can certify them as an Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) project, which indicates the project has undergone a standardized and independent technical review process. The IREE logo also assures building owners and investors of all types that the underlying engineering fundamentals of a project are sound and that predicted returns have been calculated correctly.

For investors, standardized projects and documentation enable efficient due diligence, faster underwriting, and more reliable investment returns.

Photo via Shutterstock

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