Measurement and Verification

Measurement and Verification (M&V) is meant to confirm and ensure the sustainability of actual energy or water savings achieved through any energy efficiency project. M&V is the perfect tool to address client and supplier concerns in energy efficiency project management.

Main M&V Analysis Parameters

• Consumption variables: all parameters such as energy consumption, degree-days, temperature sensors, level sensors or any other variables impacting energy consumption.
• The baseline: consists in obtaining data for a given period prior to any changes to ensure a reliable energy consumption baseline.
• Baseline adjustment: becomes the expected consumption with reference to the baseline. Using past consumption, it is possible to produce a forecast and compare it with actual data subsequent to the implementation of energy savings project.

Approaches to Measurement

Option A: Retrofit isolation – measurement of key parameters

Option B: Retrofit isolation – measurement of all parameters

Option C: Whole facility

Option D: Calibrated simulation

Main M&V Advantages

• Risk management tool in energy efficiency projects
• Performance monitoring in energy efficiency projects
• Excellent financial accounting tool
• Justification and demonstration of energy savings
• Sustainable long-term savings

For more information, the international standard for M&V methodology can be downloaded from the Efficiency Valuation Organization website. Please log on to http://www.evo-world.org to learn more about the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).