This method is most appropriate when:

• energy savings are small compared to the site’s consumption
• baseline energy consumption data for the site is unavailable
• unexplained variation in the baseline energy consumption is high.

The number of energy savings certificates that can be created using the Project Impact Assessment Method is based on an assessment of energy consumption before and after the equipment, process, or system that is the subject of the energy savings project is implemented.

The energy savings can be determined by direct measurement or by an engineering assessment. The Project Impact Assessment Method applies a confidence factor, which reflects the accuracy and/or reliability of the data used to calculate energy savings.

When using the Project Impact Assessment Method, evidence is required to demonstrate that the energy savings project did not result in a decrease of service levels or output from a site or process.

Future savings

The Project Impact Assessment Method allows for an up-front assessment of estimated future savings. Up to 5 years of project savings can be brought to account at the commencement of the accreditation.

However, discount factors will apply to any forward creation, as listed in the table below. Those factors are listed in the table below. The further in the future the savings are claimed, the higher the discount. Overall, the discount has been calculated to recognise that 60% of the energy savings claimed will be achieved at the end of the 5-year period.

Table:  Discount Factors for calculating forward creation of energy savings certificates under the Project Impact Assessment Method (from Schedule 5, Table 16 of the ESS Rule)

Accredited Certificate Providers using this methodology can also opt to reconcile the discounted energy savings certificates at the end of the creation period through the provision of evidence that project implementation has been sustained over the creation period. This will require that the Accredited Certificate Provider retain records as evidence that the energy savings have been achieved.

IPART also reserves the right to require an audit of any additional energy savings certificate claim at this time to ensure the validity of any further savings. This mechanism is designed to reward those Accredited Certificate Providers who have maintained their energy savings project, and provides an incentive to do so.

For more detailed information please refer to the Energy Savings Scheme Rule and the Application Guide.