A framework for assessing measurable, scientifically grounded and verifiable greenhouse gas emission reductions generated through energy saving.
The Quality Energy Saving Standard™ defines the methodology for generating carbon credits from greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved through energy saving. Energy saving is a key element of long-term sustainability because it substantially influences human society’s emissions into the biosphere.
Energy saving avoids the need to consume energy. The Standard addresses a broad range of energy-saving opportunities and the greenhouse gas emission reductions derived from them.
QESS™ assesses the pre-project state, the relevant technologies and processes, and the material and energy flows required to determine the resulting savings.
QESS™ quantifies the greenhouse gas emission reduction resulting from energy savings using a conservative and verifiable calculation approach.
QESS™ can be applied to a wide range of projects where energy savings generate measurable greenhouse gas emission reductions. The assessment compares the pre-project state with the new state and follows the relevant energy mix and carbon content.
The key processes and technologies, energy inputs and outputs, the pre-project state, the new state, the relevant energy mix and carbon content, and the resulting annual greenhouse gas emission savings.
The methodology also requires professional cross-checking of calculations and the use of up-to-date variables.
QESS™ is designed as a practical, future-proof methodology for stakeholders participating in the Voluntary Carbon Market.
Appropriate access to relevant basic data and documentation supports independent cross-checking of the credibility of calculations.
Project owners are responsible for the validity, integrity and accuracy of the submitted input data and documentation.
Continuous improvement applies to the overall performance of the assessed process, project or program and follows quality, scientific and technological progress.
Full-scale technology mapping, process flow, all input and output materials and energy balances, assessment of the pre-project state, and collection of long-term results with a minimum 100-year perspective.
Technology description, process flow, inputs, outputs, conservative CO₂e calculations, professional peer cross-checking and up-to-date variables are included in the assessment.
Project ownership of the CO₂ gain and the absence of double use or double registration must be documented. Without the required declaration or evidence, assessment or registration cannot proceed.
The QESS™ process follows the relationship between energy consumption, energy mix, carbon content, the pre-project state, the new state and annual CO₂e savings.
Determine the relevant annual energy consumption and the energy mix used by the assessed activity.
Establish the carbon content and CO₂ emissions associated with the pre-project energy use.
Calculate the emissions associated with the new state after implementation of the energy-saving activity.
Determine the annual greenhouse gas emission savings resulting from the change in energy use.
Convert the verified CO₂e result into the corresponding Quality Energy Saving Credit™.
The QESS™ Standard defines the methodological framework for generating Quality Energy Saving Credits™, or QESC™.
Under QESS™, one carbon credit represents one tonne of CO₂e greenhouse gas emissions in the Voluntary Carbon Market. QESC™ is based on verified greenhouse gas emission reduction achieved through energy saving.
The Standard follows an ex-post financing logic: payment for registered credits is linked to climate benefits resulting from work already done and assessed, rather than a donation, sponsorship or grant for an uncertain future project.
The QESS™ Numeric Counting Model for crediting is based on the Energy Saving Model and the process flow guiding QESS™ assessment. It provides the framework for the numerical calculation of CO₂e reduction for an implemented energy-saving project.
Each Numeric Counting Model has an iCC-designed calculation table in Excel format. The detailed calculation tables and methodological implementation are iCC intellectual property and are not publicly disclosed under the Standard.
QESS™ applies a conservative approach to estimate or derive necessary data in order not to overstate CO₂e elimination, reduction, prevention or sequestration.
This website presents the purpose, application, principles and general calculation logic of the Quality Energy Saving Standard™. The complete Standard contains detailed technological, calculation, documentation and legal requirements.
The Standard, issued in 2023, describes the assessment of greenhouse gas emission reductions from energy-saving activities, the assessment process, the calculation model and credit generation.
Request access to the complete Standard documentation, or submit the basic information of your energy-saving project for preliminary assessment.
Request information about access to the complete QESS™ documentation, licensing, or conditions for professional use.
Submit the basic information of your energy-saving project for a preliminary QESS™ assessment.