Our Application for Accreditation Guide - ACPs sets out the application requirements, describes how we make decisions regarding applications, and outlines our framework for setting audit regimes and ESC creation limits for new accreditations. You should take the time to read this document.
We are happy to answer any specific questions that you may have regarding the application process or ESS requirements - please contact us.
The five steps for preparing your application
Step 1: Choose the appropriate calculation method
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Energy savings are calculated using a number of methods designed for particular sectors and activities. You need to identify the calculation method that best suits your activity.
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Step 2: Setup your business processes and systems
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You need to demonstrate that you will have business processes and systems for managing your proposed activity. For example, you will need to have:
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A record keeping system and may decide to create your own system or use a proprietary system developed by a software provider
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Processes to engage, manage and train the people involved in your activity, and
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Processes to engage with customers, provide them with relevant information and, for some activities, collect a specified minimum co-payment amount.
Our guidance documents describe the ESS requirements so that you can set up your business processes and systems. Table 1 below provides links to our general guidance documents.
You also need to consider what you would do with the certificates that you create. It is up to you to determine how you will participate in the certificate market.
You will need to withhold or set-aside a percentage of registered ESCs from sale or trade until the validity of the ESCs have been confirmed through an audit. For more information, see our Fact Sheet – Undertakings.
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Step 3: Prepare your business documentation
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You need to prepare documentation for your proposed activity. Some of the documents that you may need to develop include, but are not limited to:
You may also need to prepare and obtain documentation about your business, such as:
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Step 4: Complete the application form
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You need to complete the application form which has two parts:
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Application for accreditation Form Part A - ACPs covers the general details of your proposed activity, business model, systems and organisation (refer Table 1 below).
There are two versions of this form. One is for applicants new to the ESS (including applicants that, if accredited, would be considered a ‘Related ACP’ of another ACP - refer Table 1 below). The other is for current ACPs that are applying for another accreditation.
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Application Form Part B - ACPs covers the details that are specific to the calculation method for your proposed activity. Refer to the Method Guide for your selected calculation method for the specific requirements (refer Table 2 below).
Typically, an application has just one calculation method. However, in some cases, you may apply for more than one calculation method in an application. See section 1.1 of the Application for Accreditation Guide.
The information you provide in the application form must be sufficiently detailed and consistent with your supporting documentation.
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Step 5: Check your documents are accurate and complete
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Before you submit your application, check that all required sections of the application form have been completed and that all documentation is complete and accurate. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of your quality assurance processes.
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Make sure you have the latest version of our guidance documents.
Below are links to the latest versions of the guidance documents you will need to prepare your application.
The ESS requirements change from time and time. We regularly update our guidance documents to reflect changes to the ESS legislation, clarify requirements or in response to identified compliance issues.
We will assess your application in accordance with current ESS requirements. Sometimes these requirements change during your application process. If this occurs, we will ask you to provide information about how you will comply with any new or changed requirements.
Links to your Application for Accreditation Form - Part A
This table provides links to the guides that will assist you with understanding the ESS requirements and preparing your application for accreditation.
Table 1
Links to your Application for Accreditation Form - Part B
This table provides links to the method page, method guide and Application for Accreditation Form Part B for each calculation method.
Typically we accept only one calculation method per application, you may need to submit a separate application to use another calculation method.
Table 2
Links to your templates
This table provides links to templates that you may help you prepare your application.
Table 3