The evidence standard
Evidence first.
Then a signature.
A qualifying signer needs a record that supports the building’s actual compliance. The process connects the documents, the people responsible and the evidence behind the work.
See what the review needsFive parts of the record
What the review
needs to establish.
Tier 2 currently requires benchmarking, an energy use intensity target, an EMP, an O&M program and applicable reporting evidence.
Rules checked October 25, 2026. Current qualification: Jeff Casey completed QEM training on October 26, 2026, supported by seven years of relevant building-services and energy-project experience. Scope, owner designation and building-specific evidence are confirmed for each engagement.
Sample evidence indexIllustrative outline only.
- 01
Owner source records
Building identity & floor area
Confirm the building’s identity, activities and floor area. The preparer reconciles the reporting property and identifies questions that need review.
- 02
Authorized utility records
Whole-building energy data
Check the applicable reporting periods, energy sources and data gaps. Keep the source records behind the calculations.
- 03
The on-site building lead
Equipment & maintenance information
Supply dated photographs, service documents, logs and available controls information supporting the building’s actual operations.
- 04
The building owner and team
An implemented EMP & O&M program
Name the people responsible for implementation and provide records supporting actual use and maintenance. A prepared document alone does not establish implementation.
- 05
The qualifying signer and authorized submitter
Designation, review & approval
The qualified signer checks the evidence. The named authorized submitter obtains owner approval before the agreed submission.
The building team’s role
Implementation
belongs in the record.
The owner implements the plans and provides evidence of the work. A remote walkthrough may support the review when appropriate. Missing records call for a building-specific plan.
The required energy-data window and evidence of implementation are distinct. There is no blanket additional twelve-month waiting period for every newly implemented program.
Utility groups and April checkpoints in the building check are internal planning allowances. Actual authorizations, meter matching, data gaps, owner implementation and capacity determine the accepted schedule.
Clear boundaries
A signature follows
the evidence.
A qualifying signer may decline when evidence is insufficient or contradictory. Attestation does not provide an equipment-condition warranty, an engineering opinion or a Tier 1 audit.
Agency acceptance, incentives, payment dates, penalty relief and utility turnaround are not guaranteed.
Start with your property
Start with the records you have.
Share the building basics and the work you already have in place.