Testing of the smart readiness indicator scheme
Article 8
1. Member States may undertake a non-committal test phase of the smart readiness indicator scheme at national level. 2. National test phases may begin as from the entry into force of this Regulation. 3. Member States that undertake a national test phase shall submit a report on the related feedback to the Commission up to 6 months after the conclusion of the test phase. 4. All arrangements of the national test phases shall be defined by Member States. They include but are not limited to the duration, phasing, types of building and geographical zones targeted, aspects of the smart readiness indicator framework that are tested, arrangements for collecting feedback, the criteria for the choice of experts carrying out the smart readiness indicator assessments, the decision on whether an independent control system is established as part of the test phase, the decision on whether certificates are issued and made available to economic operators during the test phase, and designation of a third party to manage the test phase, where relevant. 5. At the end of the national test phases, Member States shall assess the outcomes and decide whether they will implement the smart readiness indicator scheme. 6. Member States that plan to undertake a national test phase shall notify the Commission ahead of launching the test phase, also indicating applicable arrangements. 7. The Commission shall support Member States that undertake a test phase of the smart readiness indicator at national level by supplying the framework referred to in Article 6 of this Regulation and by supporting exchanges of information and good practices. 8. The Commission, in consultation with Member States, shall monitor the test phases of the smart readiness indicator scheme. 9. Member States that choose to conduct the test phase may include in their report to the Commission an analysis or evaluation of the data collected by their national experts. Such national analyses or evaluations shall be taken into consideration by the Commission for the purpose of further developing the smart readiness indicator and related methodology.