Zero Energy Certification is awarded through a two-part process, including 1) a Ready Audit upon completion of construction and 2) a Final Audit after a 12-month performance period. This process allows for early recognition once systems are in place and performance-based verification to ensure that intended outcomes are achieved. Project teams submitting for a single audit should ensure submissions include all documentation required from both the Ready and Final audit documentation sections.
READY AUDIT
Zero Energy Ready is the first part of the two-step certification process. The Ready Audit is performed by a third-party auditor and takes place following the completion of construction. Following this audit, the Zero Energy Ready designation may be used by project teams to highlight their progress towards Zero Energy Certification.
READY AUDIT DOCUMENTATION
Energy Narrative + Schematic Drawing
A narrative drafted by the energy designers or engineers, including a basic schematic of the energy system, and describing the energy systems, is required and must include:
- Descriptions of energy efficiency strategies incorporated.
- Building’s anticipated needs and operational issues.
- Energy production design strategies and schematics.
- Proof of the lack of combustion in or connected to the project.
- Description of meter locations and/or electric drawings.
- All subsystems of the energy-using and energy-producing systems, including all areas listed in the Energy Production and Demand Table.
- Lessons learned from design and construction.
Project teams must provide summary reports from energy calculations to show that the building is projected to operate at the efficiency needed for achieving net zero performance.
Renewable Energy Generation Information
- Contracts proving durable ownership.
- Photographs and schematics.
FINAL AUDIT
The Final Audit is the second and final part of the certification process which takes place following a 12-month performance period with continuous occupancy. This audit validates the achievement of net-zero energy during the performance period, through the submission of energy consumption, production, and procurement data when applicable.
After this third-party Final Audit is complete, Zero Energy Certification is awarded.
FINAL AUDIT DOCUMENTATION
Energy Use Data
A brief narrative (one page) regarding the project’s energy use over the performance period, including lessons learned from building operations.
Twelve months of performance data in one of the following formats is required:
- Copies of utility bills for a continuous 12-month period, beginning with the designated start date of the performance period.
- Billing data spreadsheet from utility as verification that data is for the project.
If utility data is not available, metered data from a private system such as a building management system may be accepted if it also includes:
- A letter from a project engineer or consultant on letterhead verifying that the provided data is correct.
If the project does not have energy bills (due to no connection to a utility or to being sub-metered from a larger-scale utility meter), also include:
- A letter, signed and stamped by the energy or mechanical engineer and cosigned by the project owner, substantiating that this is the case.
Renewable Energy Generation Information
- Provide generation data in Energy Production and Demand Table based on 12 months of performance data.
- Documentation proving system’s production, including documents such as:
- Meter data.
- Utility bills.
- Allocation of energy generated when part of larger system.
Photographs
- Photographs of the energy systems, particularly portions that may be hidden from view at the time of the Ready Audit, or if they are not easily visible at the completion of construction.
EXCEPTION DOCUMENTATION
Projects that use Exceptions or compliance paths that are not standard for all projects require additional documentation per the below.
Exception Narrative
A narrative describing the project’s need for the Exception, the approach to and implementation of the alternative solution, and compliance with Exception requirements, including calculations when needed.
Metering Data
Metering documentation or data showing compliance with Exception requirements.
Technical Documentation
Legal, financial, or contract documents showing compliance with Exception requirements.
Photographs
Photographs showing compliance with Exception requirements, including images of all components that will be changed from an existing state, or not readily visible by the completion of the performance period.
