Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally, announced the release of Safety First Pilot Credits for its PEER rating system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PEER, or Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal, rating system promotes best practices and establishes performance measures that enhances power system performance to make it more reliable, resilient and efficient. To ensure that electrical systems can be operated safely during re-occupancy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, PEER has introduced the Safety First Pilot Credits for cities, utilities, campuses and transit projects.
PEER Pilot Credits are designed to test new, innovative strategies that aid projects with their goals. These credits are not part of the current version of the rating system and can be used in the PEER Innovation credit category. These credits are awarded based on project teams attempting and achieving the credit requirements. The credits may change as feedback is received.
PEER Safety First Pilot Credit 1: Electrical System Operations, Management and Safety (for Cities, Utilities and Campuses)
The COVID-19 pandemic has left cities, utilities and campuses across the world seeking guidance on how to move forward safely and confidently as they modify or restart operations. To aid teams, the first of PEER’s three Pilot Credits provides suggestions on re-starting the power system and other electrical equipments with special focus on the health and hygiene measures, more than ever.
PEER Safety First Pilot Credit 2: Electrical System Operations, Management and Safety (for Transit)
As some countries begin to ease their COVID-19 restrictions, governments are beginning to reopen public transport systems as people would return to work and school. Potential passengers are naturally reluctant to travel in masses as transit systems seek ways to operate safely.
PEER’s second Pilot Credit provides guidance on the strategies and measures that transit operators can implement to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public transportation. This also lists the safety procedures that transit projects should follow, including needed recommissioning to prevent damage on electrical systems.
PEER Safety First Pilot Credit 3: Accelerate Digital Transformation (for Cities and Utilities, and Campuses)
As those who were able transition to remote work from their previously in-person professions, some may struggle to be digitally prepared.
PEER’s Safety First Pilot Credit 3 promotes best digital practices that reduce manual operations, enhance data-driven control and optimize electrical equipment. There is vast promise in what digitization can offer to the power ecosystem.
The requirements outlined in these Pilot Credits are applicable best practices even outside of the COVID-19 pandemic for safe operation of electrical equipment and to promote health and safety of their personnel. Access the full list of Pilot Credits, and other resources, in the PEER Resources section for more details.
Contact the PEER team directly with any questions at peer@gbci.org.