a) Procurement: Identify contractors
Some energy efficiency measures can be easily implemented using in-house staff. Others will require (or benefit from), the use of suitably qualified installation or commissioning contractors.
The typical supply chain is as follows:
Depending on the project being planned, you may need to go to the Manufacturer, Supplier or Installer.
Implementation support
For support in implementing the best solution, see Carbon Trust Implementation. This service introduces organisations to established, high quality suppliers of energy efficient equipment that are accredited by the Carbon Trust. We help you obtain a set of high quality, competitive proposals for an energy efficiency project at no cost.
Guidance
The "How to Implement Guides" in the Define Needs section of this tool also offer guidance on how to locate a suitable contractor for each of the technologies that they cover.
Other useful sources include: personal recommendations, published case studies, the Energy Technology List, trade associations, web forums and equipment directories.
b) Procurement: Tendering
Most energy efficiency projects offer the potential for considering a number of suppliers and/or installers.
Competitive quotations or tenders should therefore be sought in line with your organisation’s procurement procedures.
You may wish to prepare a specification for suppliers to bid against. Or if you do not know what spec you need in detail, you may choose a supplier based on their ability to meet your outline requirements, and then agree a full specification with them before signing the contract.
Frequently, the ultimate selection of the preferred bidder will be dependent on issues other than the lowest price (for example, the quality of on-going support). In these cases the relevant supplementary information should be sought from bidders at the time of tender.
For large projects, you may need to run a formal tender exercise. A sample Carbon Trust Invitation To Tender (ITT) template can be downloaded here
If needed you can base your ITT on the 
Carbon Trust's template ITT (.doc).
c) Procurement: Bid evaluation
Bid evaluation should be carried out in line with your organisation’s procurement guidelines.
With most energy efficiency projects, it is likely that evaluation will be based on some, or all, of the following criteria.
- Price
- Energy performance
- Warranties
- Maintenance requirements
- On-going support
Always ensure that the contractor(s) provides a formal written response.
You should agree a final specification as part of the contract.