The DRC Audit Advantage
Verified outcomes before and after every dollar deployed
Why Audits Matter for Investors
DRC is unique among CEIP administrators in requiring independent energy audits both before and after every project. This dual-audit approach provides investors with measurable, verifiable evidence of project viability and actual performance.
Pre-Project: ASHRAE Level 3
Before any capital is deployed, an independent ASHRAE Level 3 energy audit is conducted on the property. This comprehensive assessment:
- Verifies current energy consumption baseline
- Models projected energy savings from proposed improvements
- Identifies the most cost-effective improvement measures
- Calculates expected return on investment
- Confirms project viability before capital commitment
For residential properties, a simplified energy assessment is used in place of the full ASHRAE Level 3.
Post-Project: ASHRAE Level 2
One year after project completion, an independent ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit verifies actual results against projections. This verification:
- Measures actual energy savings achieved
- Compares real performance against pre-project projections
- Documents verified GHG emission reductions
- Validates return on investment for stakeholders
- Provides data for ongoing portfolio performance reporting
Residential properties use an energy evaluation in place of the full ASHRAE Level 2.
How DRC's Dual-Audit Approach Protects Capital
DRC's pre-project and post-project audit requirements provide independent verification at both ends of the investment lifecycle.
Pre-project viability
Independent ASHRAE Level 3 audit confirms savings projections before capital is deployed. Professional engineers establish energy baselines and quantify expected outcomes.
Post-project verification
Independent ASHRAE Level 2 audit measures actual energy savings one year after completion. Verified data replaces estimates with measured outcomes.
Baseline accuracy
Professional energy consumption baseline established by a certified auditor using measured building data, utility records, and occupancy patterns.
Investment risk quantification
Risk is quantified by independent professionals at two points -- before deployment and after completion -- providing dual-verification of project viability and actual performance.
Portfolio reporting
Annual reports include verified energy (kWh, GJ), GHG (tCO2e), water, and financial performance data based on measured outcomes.
Contractor accountability
Post-project audits verify that the contractor delivered the improvements specified in the project agreement, with measurable energy performance outcomes.
Measurable Outcomes
All project outcomes are tracked and verified by independent audit. Investors receive portfolio-level performance reports based on measured data, not projections.
Energy Savings
kWh (electricity), GJ (natural gas)Every project's energy savings are measured in standardized units, providing verifiable reduction in energy consumption. Pre-project projections are compared against post-project actuals.
GHG Reductions
tCO2e (tonnes of CO2 equivalent)Greenhouse gas emission reductions are calculated from verified energy savings data using Alberta-specific emission factors. This provides auditable ESG-aligned impact reporting for investors.
Water Savings
Litres or cubic metresWhere applicable, water consumption reductions from building improvements are tracked and verified. This adds an additional measurable outcome beyond energy performance.
Financial Returns
Dollar savings, ROI, payback periodThe financial performance of each project is tracked through verified energy savings translated to dollar values. Actual ROI and payback periods are calculated from measured data, not projections.
A Policy Choice, Not a Regulatory Burden
DRC's energy audit requirements are a private-capital de-risking policy, not a regulatory mandate. Alberta Regulation 212/2018, Section 7.3 permits the program administrator to define the scope of assessment requirements. DRC requires ASHRAE-standard audits to protect investor capital and ensure measurable energy performance outcomes.
This is a distinguishing feature of DRC's investment proposition: audit verification is a deliberate de-risking measure that benefits investors by providing measurable, independently verified outcomes for every dollar deployed. It is not an overhead imposed by regulation -- it is a competitive advantage that DRC has chosen to implement.
See the Full Risk Analysis
Explore how DRC's audit-verified approach combines with property-tax security and full-province coverage to create a differentiated risk profile.