"You cannot continuously improve that which does not yet exist!"
In a previous post we looked at how to leverage quality assurance design methods to improve efficiency programs. It seems worthwhile to address some of the logistical aspects involved when setting up this sort of a program in the first place.
The importance of a strong Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) component to your program cannot be understated. QA/QC activities are a measure and review of best practices—they link to nearly all aspects of your program:
Work Quality Standards must be identified in order to have an effective QA/QC component to the program. Otherwise, how can contractors and QA/QC personnel identify areas of non-compliance? Or where training might be necessary? Or where a health and safety issue has gone unaddressed? The list goes on and on.
Not only must the program’s work quality standards be identified, but best practice must also include a contractor agreement acknowledging that work quality standards are a basis for program participation.
Training should be developed to address the work quality standards the program adopts, and to provide a mechanism for continual improvement as QA/QC activities identify new issues.
Marketing and Customer Satisfaction is enhanced as the program better educates clients about the program’s value. Additionally, QA/QC provides the assurance that there are processes in place to ensure that contractors will in fact deliver on that expected value.
Energy Savings tie directly to the quality of the work being done. Therefore, it is not enough to say which measures are covered under the program, but also how well they are installed and that they have been completed in a manner that results in the greatest energy savings possible.
There are, obviously, other aspects necessary for a strong QA/QC component in any energy efficiency program. As an additional resource, please feel free to access the presentation and accompanying audio content for the October 26, 2010 webinar on Quality Assurance for Residential Retrofit Programs in the Solution Center’s archived webcasts.
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Content for this Blog post courtesy of Nick Lange, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation