According to the CBCI EDGE protocols and auditor requirements, EDGE Auditors are obligated to retain complete and accurate project records for a minimum of five years after certification. This requirement ensures traceability, transparency, and accountability within the certification system.
The retained records typically include design audit reports, site audit reports, supporting documentation reviewed during certification, correspondence related to compliance decisions, and any corrective actions undertaken during the review process. Maintaining these records is essential in case of quality assurance reviews, disputes, appeals, or spot checks conducted by the certification body or IFC oversight mechanisms.
The five-year retention period reflects international best practices in third-party verification systems, where documentation must remain accessible for potential audits or investigations. Shorter retention periods such as one, two, or three years would not provide sufficient time for post-certification reviews or compliance checks.
This requirement also reinforces professional ethics and due diligence standards expected from EDGE Auditors, ensuring that the credibility and integrity of the EDGE certification system are maintained over time. Therefore, the correct answer is at least five years.
