Preparing your application

Steps for preparing your application

1. 1

   Choose the calculation method and activities you wish to be accredited for

   An ACP calculates energy savings and peak demand reductions using a calculation method. There are various calculation methods under the ESS and PDRS. There are different methods for different sectors and activities. An ACP needs accreditation in a specific calculation method before they can use it to calculate savings and certificates. 

   Your application includes telling us what calculation method/s you wish your accreditation to cover.

   For this step, identify the calculation method/s that best suits your activity. You can see a list of calculation methods on the ESS landing page.

2. 2

   Understand the requirements

   You need to understand the requirements that your business processes must meet under the ESS or PDRS. You can read about these in the ‘Links to documents, forms, information and templates’ section further down this page.

3. 3

   Set up or review your business processes and systems

   You need to show that you have business processes and systems for managing your accreditation and ensuring your activities are delivered in accordance with requirements. For example, you will need to have:

   • a record keeping system – either your own system or a proprietary system developed by a software provider
   • processes to engage, manage and train the people involved in your activity
   • processes to engage customers, give relevant information and collect minimum co-payment (as required). 

   Our application forms and guidance documents listed below describe the relevant requirements. Use these to help set up your business processes and systems.

   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 hold a percentage of registered certificates from sale or trade until an audit can verify their validity. See our Fact Sheet - Undertakings for more information.

4. 4

   Prepare your business documents

   The application forms will set out the documents you need to prepare, including:

   • a delivery process flow chart for your recognised energy saving or peak activity
   • a register of representatives and training material (see the PDRS Method Guide or Minimum Requirements of conduct - ESS Notice 01/2013)
   • training material (refer to the PDRS Method Guide or  Minimum Requirements of conduct - ESS Notice 01/2013)
   • a Nomination form
   • other supporting documents requested in your application forms.

   You may also need to prepare and obtain documentation about your business, such as:
    

   • a current Company Extract from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission
   • letters of authority
   • evidence of insurance.
5. 5

   Complete the application form/s

   You need to complete two application forms:

   1. Application for Accreditation Form Part A – ACPs This covers general details of your proposed activity, business model, systems and organisation.

   There are 2 versions of this form. The first is for new applicants who are not already an ACP under the PDRS or ESS. The second is for current ACPs applying for an additional accreditation. (This includes existing ESS ACPs who are applying for a PDRS accreditation).

   2. Application for Accreditation Form Part B – ACPs This covers the details specific to the calculation method for your proposed activity. Refer to the method guide for your selected calculation method for specific requirements.

   Typically, an application has just one calculation method. However, in some cases, you may apply for multiple ESS calculation methods in an application. Check section 1.1 of the Application for Accreditation Guide to see which methods can be combined.

   The information you provide in both application forms must be sufficiently detailed. It also needs to be consistent with your supporting documentation.

6. 6

   Check your documents are accurate and complete

   Check that you have completed all required sections of the application forms. Also make sure that your supporting documents are complete and accurate. 

   This is an opportunity to show the effectiveness of your quality assurance processes.