The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) is set to introduce an accreditation scheme for integrated energy efficiency retrofits (IEERs) of commercial buildings.
In preparation for the scheme, a public consultation paper was released to canvas industry views.
Formal submissions closed in May, and the scheme is scheduled for launch in mid-2013.
According to the EEC, the scheme was initiated because energy efficiency opportunities are not being fully exploited in the commercial building sector.
The EEC says the most benefits will be realised when projects are overseen by an IEER professional, but this is a specialist role that requires formal accreditation.
According to the EEC consultation paper, the new scheme will recognise these skills and complement other industry standards and accreditation already in place.
The paper proposes three types of accreditation: affiliate (entry level), associate (has retrofit knowledge and skills) and certified (can lead IEER projects).
Application and renewal fees are yet to be determined but will need to cover the running costs of the scheme, which will be administered by the EEC.
While building owners today recognise that energy efficient retrofits can deliver a substantial return on investment (ROI), the biggest barrier has been difficulties in identifying, sourcing and training recognised professionals.
"Retrofits require the ability to integrate a range of technologies to deliver savings,” the EEC paper says.
"They are often complex and require managing the services of a number of technical specialists over the course of a project.
"A professional can drive better project outcomes. Accreditation will define knowledge and a framework for education and training for IEER providers.”
For the first time, companies that begin providing IEERs will have an industry standard that allows them to identify skills gaps in their staff, and a clear framework for increasing staff capacity.
A key goal of the scheme will be to ensure building owners and managers are aware of the benefits of engaging an associate or certified EEP to oversee projects.
"As awareness of the scheme grows, having accredited individuals on staff will become an important selling point when engaging with potential customers,” the consultation paper says.
The EEC is also seeking support from partners for the costs associated with establishing the scheme. Fees for the first round of registrations and accreditations will be announced shortly.
As Australia's peak body for the energy efficiency industry, the EEC has also prepared a IEER accreditation scheme draft code of conduct.
It sets out the standards of professional conduct required by affiliate, associate and certified EEPs.
Adherence to the code of conduct will be a mandatory requirement of accreditation.
In 2011, the EEC was commissioned by Sustainability Victoria to design a framework for accreditation.
In 2012, the EEC moved to finalise design of the scheme for implementation in the second half of this year.