Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) is a powerful financial and operational tool used to improve energy efficiency in buildings and facilities while reducing energy costs. Through EPC, energy performance improvements are achieved without the need for upfront capital investment by the client. Instead, the savings generated by the energy efficiency measures are used to fund the project. This innovative approach allows organizations to invest in sustainable energy practices without disrupting their financial planning.

The course on Energy Performance Contracting is designed and offered by The British Academy for Training and Development to provide professionals with an in-depth understanding of the principles, processes, and key components involved in EPC projects. It will equip participants with the necessary knowledge to implement EPC in various sectors, enabling them to optimize energy usage and reduce costs effectively. Whether you are in the public or private sector, this course will offer essential insights into how to navigate and leverage EPC agreements to achieve long-term energy savings.

Who Should Attend?

• Energy Managers and Sustainability Consultants looking to incorporate energy performance contracting into their sustainability strategies.
• Facility Managers and Building Operators seeking to implement energy-saving solutions and optimize the performance of their facilities.
• Project Managers in the public and private sectors who are involved in energy efficiency and building renovation projects.
• Financial Analysts and Investors evaluating energy projects or considering financing options for energy efficiency upgrades.
• Government Officials and Regulatory Bodies overseeing energy policies, energy audits, and performance standards in buildings and industries.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand the core principles and benefits of Energy Performance Contracting, including how it enables energy-saving projects without upfront investment.
• Identify the key components of an EPC agreement, including the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved, financial mechanisms, and performance guarantees.
• Implement EPC strategies within different organizational contexts, ensuring the successful execution of energy efficiency projects and long-term savings.

• Overview of Energy Performance Contracting

  • Definition and history of EPC as a financing mechanism for energy efficiency.
  • The importance of EPC in the context of global energy demand and sustainability goals.
  • Key differences between EPC and other energy efficiency financing options (e.g., traditional loans, grants, and rebates).

• Core Concepts of EPC

  • The role of energy savings as the financial mechanism for EPC projects.
  • The importance of energy audits and baseline measurements for accurate project planning.
  • Key stakeholders in EPC projects: energy service companies (ESCOs), clients, financiers, and government bodies.

• Benefits and Challenges of EPC

  • Advantages of EPC for building owners, such as zero upfront costs and guaranteed energy savings.
  • Potential challenges, such as ensuring accurate measurement and verification of energy savings.
  • Legal and regulatory considerations, including contracts, performance guarantees, and risk mitigation.

• Step-by-Step Overview of EPC Projects

  • Initial project planning: Identifying energy inefficiencies and setting project objectives.
  • The role of energy audits in determining the scope of work and savings potential.
  • Phases of the EPC process: project design, implementation, and performance monitoring.

• Project Feasibility and Financial Evaluation

  • Evaluating the financial viability of an EPC project, including capital investment, savings projections, and repayment schedules.
  • Understanding the performance contracting model: savings-to-investment ratio and internal rate of return (IRR).
  • Assessing risks and ensuring the project's financial sustainability.

• Selecting an Energy Service Company (ESCO)

  • Criteria for selecting an ESCO: experience, expertise, and financial stability.
  • The role of ESCOs in designing, implementing, and maintaining energy efficiency projects.
  • How to negotiate and draft contracts with ESCOs to ensure mutual benefit.

• Energy Savings Guarantees

  • The importance of performance guarantees in EPC agreements.
  • Types of guarantees: savings-based, performance-based, and hybrid models.
  • Mechanisms for verifying energy savings, including measurement and verification (M&V) protocols.

• Financial Mechanisms in EPC

  • How EPC projects are financed through energy savings and third-party financing options.
  • The role of loans, grants, and tax incentives in supporting EPC projects.
  • Evaluating the financial structure: capital investment, repayment terms, and cash flow management.

• Contractual Obligations and Legal Framework

  • The key components of an EPC contract: performance clauses, terms, and conditions.
  • Risk management strategies in EPC agreements, including dispute resolution mechanisms.
  • Regulatory and compliance issues that affect EPC contracts, such as energy performance standards and reporting requirements.

• Energy Efficiency Technologies and Solutions

  • Overview of the most common energy-saving technologies used in EPC projects: lighting upgrades, HVAC systems, insulation, and renewable energy systems.
  • Benefits and challenges of implementing these technologies in commercial and residential buildings.
  • The role of smart meters, automation, and building management systems (BMS) in improving energy efficiency.

• Project Design and Execution

  • How to design an EPC project that maximizes energy savings and aligns with organizational goals.
  • Coordinating project implementation: selecting contractors, timelines, and resource management.
  • Ensuring project quality and compliance with energy performance standards.

• Monitoring and Reporting Energy Savings

  • The importance of continuous monitoring throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Tools and technologies for tracking energy savings and ensuring ongoing efficiency.
  • How to report energy savings to stakeholders and regulators, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Understanding M&V Protocols

  • The significance of M&V in validating the energy savings achieved through EPC projects.
  • Common M&V methodologies: Option A, Option B, and Option C (IPMVP guidelines).
  • How to determine the baseline and post-installation energy use for accurate comparisons.

• Ensuring Accurate and Transparent Reporting

  • Best practices for documenting and reporting energy savings.
  • The role of independent auditors and third-party verification in ensuring credibility.
  • How M&V influences the success of EPC contracts and the achievement of energy savings guarantees.

• Handling Disputes and Adjustments in M&V

  • Addressing discrepancies between projected and actual savings: potential causes and solutions.
  • Adjusting EPC agreements to reflect actual savings and operational challenges.
  • Dispute resolution mechanisms in M&V processes.

• Managing EPC Projects Over Time

  • The importance of ongoing performance monitoring and maintenance after project completion.
  • Strategies for ensuring that energy savings are sustained throughout the contract term.
  • Managing relationships with ESCOs and other stakeholders to maintain optimal performance.

• Ensuring the Long-Term Success of EPC Projects

  • How to integrate EPC into an organization's long-term sustainability strategy.
  • Leveraging data analytics to optimize energy performance over time.
  • Evaluating the lifecycle benefits of EPC projects: financial, environmental, and operational improvements.

• Future Trends in Energy Performance Contracting

  • Emerging trends in energy efficiency technologies and how they affect EPC models.
  • The role of digitalization, smart grids, and IoT in enhancing energy performance.
  • Policy changes and market developments that will shape the future of EPC.