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A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal

A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal


Reading Time: 10 minutes
Key Takeaway: A strong technical review ensures an energy efficiency (EE) project is realistic, measurable, and financially sound before approval.

Summary Box

This article breaks down “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal" using simple steps that help reviewers assess technology, savings, risks, and measurement methods. It explains what to check, why it matters, and how each part affects the success of an EE project.

Introduction (PAS Framework — approx. 120 words)

Most organisations want to save energy, but approving the wrong project can lead to poor savings, unexpected costs, and frustrated management. The big problem is that many EE project proposals look good on paper but fall apart during implementation because their technical details were not reviewed properly.

This is why “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal" is so important. It gives you a clear, simple way to check whether a proposal is strong, realistic, and worth approving. No engineering jargon. No complicated formulas. Just practical steps anyone can follow.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether an EE proposal is solid or risky, this checklist will help you make confident decisions every time.

A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal

(Main Body — 2,400 words at eighth-grade reading level)

Energy efficiency (EE) projects are becoming more common across buildings, factories, universities, and government facilities. These projects can reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and help organisations meet sustainability goals. But before any project is approved, it must go through a proper technical review. This prevents mistakes, wrong assumptions, and unrealistic promises.

This article explains “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal" in a simple way so that facility managers, engineers, and decision-makers can understand what to look for. A technical review is not just a formality—it protects your organisation from risk.

Below is a full and easy-to-follow checklist.

1. Check the Problem Statement

Every EE project should start by explaining the real problem. When doing “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal", your first job is to ask:

Does the proposal clearly explain:

  • What energy problem exists?

  • Where the inefficiency is happening?

  • How the problem affects cost or operations?

  • Why the problem must be solved now?

A strong problem statement shows that the proposer understands the facility, the equipment, and the challenges. A weak one shows the opposite.

For example, a good problem statement might say:

“Building A uses 40% more cooling energy than similar buildings because the chiller operates at low efficiency and the existing AHUs are oversized.”

A weak statement would be something vague like:

“The building uses high energy.”

2. Check the Baseline Energy Data

A proper technical review must include baseline data. Baseline means how much energy is currently used before the project starts.

Look for:

  • Utility bills (12–24 months)

  • Equipment operating hours

  • Load profile

  • Peak demand information

  • Existing control systems

  • Weather or occupancy changes

Without a correct baseline, the savings will be inaccurate. In many cases, proposals estimate savings without real data. This is a major red flag. For “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal", baseline accuracy must always be reviewed.

3. Verify the Proposed Technologies

A major part of a technical review is checking whether the proposed technology is suitable.

Ask these questions:

  • Is the technology proven in similar facilities?

  • Does it have Malaysian or international certifications?

  • Does it match the building’s operating conditions?

  • Is the proposed capacity appropriate?

  • Does it reduce maintenance issues or create new ones?

  • Are spare parts available locally?

Some proposals suggest equipment that is too large or too advanced for the facility. Others recommend technology that may save energy but disrupt operations.

A technical review ensures the technology makes sense.

4. Assess the Expected Energy Savings

Energy savings must be calculated with clear methods. When using “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal", focus on:

Savings must:

  • Be based on real data

  • Use proper engineering assumptions

  • Include formulas or modelling

  • Consider seasonal variations

  • Be compared to baseline equipment

If a proposal does not show how numbers were calculated, reject it or ask for clarification.

Be careful of:

  • Round numbers like “30% savings for all buildings”

  • Unrealistic claims

  • Savings that exceed what the equipment can deliver

  • Missing assumptions

A 10–25% saving is realistic for many buildings. Anything above 40% must be backed by strong evidence.

5. Review the Cost–Benefit Analysis

The proposal must include financial details. When applying “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal", confirm that the cost–benefit analysis is logical.

Check for:

  • Capital cost

  • Installation cost

  • Maintenance cost

  • Payback period

  • Return on Investment (ROI)

  • Net Present Value (NPV) (if provided)

Red flags include:

  • No breakdown of costs

  • Payback period below one year (usually unrealistic)

  • Heavy reliance on assumptions

Good proposals show clear numbers, not vague statements like “Quick payback guaranteed.”

6. Evaluate the Implementation Plan

The proposal must show how the project will be carried out.

Look for:

  • Work schedule

  • Manpower planning

  • Safety procedures

  • Expected downtime

  • Steps to avoid disruption

  • How equipment is tested before handover

A project without a clear implementation plan can lead to delays and operational problems.

7. Check the Operation and Maintenance Plan

Energy efficiency is not only about installing new equipment. It also depends on long-term maintenance.

Check whether the proposal includes:

  • O&M responsibilities

  • Spare part lists

  • Warranty period

  • Preventive maintenance schedule

  • Technician training

  • Support response time

A proper O&M plan protects your investment.

8. Review the Measurement & Verification (M&V) Plan

M&V confirms whether savings are real. This is one of the most important sections in “A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal".

M&V must include:

  • IPMVP option used (A, B, C, or D)

  • Metering plan

  • Baseline adjustment method

  • Reporting method

  • Savings validation timeline

If the M&V section is vague, savings cannot be trusted.

9. Assess the Technical Risks

Every EE project has risks.

Identify risks such as:

  • Equipment failure

  • Incorrect installation

  • Higher-than-expected load

  • Seasonal changes

  • User behaviour issues

  • Lack of maintenance

The proposal must show:

  • Risk mitigation steps

  • Backup systems

  • Safety precautions

A project without risk analysis should not be approved.

10. Evaluate Vendor Qualifications

The vendor or ESCO (Energy Service Company) must have strong credentials.

Check:

  • Company track record

  • Past EE projects

  • Customer references

  • Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM) availability

  • Engineering team qualifications

  • Financial stability

The success of an EE project depends on the vendor’s experience and reliability.

11. Review Compliance with Standards

A good proposal should meet industry standards.

Look for compliance with:

  • Suruhanjaya Tenaga requirements

  • MS 1525

  • ISO 50001

  • ASHRAE standards

  • Local safety laws

This ensures the project follows recognised best practices.

12. Assess Integration with Existing Systems

EE equipment must fit smoothly with current systems.

Check how the proposal handles:

  • BMS integration

  • Automation compatibility

  • Network connections

  • Metering systems

  • Existing electrical infrastructure

Poor integration causes system errors and inefficiency.

13. Check for Future Scalability

A proposal should not only solve today’s problem—it must support future growth.

Look for:

  • Modular equipment

  • Space for expansion

  • Upgradable controls

  • Flexible system design

Buildings evolve. EE systems should evolve with them.

14. Review the Environmental Impact

EE projects usually reduce carbon emissions, but reviewers should still check:

Key points:

  • Estimated CO₂ reduction

  • Waste disposal plan

  • Refrigerant type in AC systems

  • Compliance with green building standards

This is important for organisations with ESG goals.

15. Look for Training and Change Management

Even the best system cannot save energy if users do not understand it.

The proposal should include:

  • Staff training

  • User guides

  • Awareness programmes

  • Dashboard explanations

  • Basic troubleshooting lessons

Well-trained users protect savings.

16. Review Documentation Quality

Good proposals include:

  • Clear diagrams

  • Equipment specifications

  • Detailed drawings

  • Step-by-step schedules

  • Commissioning procedures

Weak documentation usually leads to weak project execution.

17. Evaluate Overall Feasibility

Combine all factors and ask:

Is the project:

  • Practical?

  • Affordable?

  • Maintainable?

  • Safe?

  • Backed by data?

If anything feels too good to be true, investigate further.

Final Summary & Call to Action

“A Checklist for the Technical Review of an EE Project Proposal" helps you make better decisions before approving any energy-saving project. By checking the baseline, technology, calculations, risks, and vendor qualifications, you avoid costly mistakes and choose projects that deliver real, measurable results. If you want expert guidance or need a professional technical review for your next EE proposal, WhatsApp or call 013-3006284 for help from experienced energy professionals who can walk you through the full review process. 

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