Buildings

Measurement & Verification

What Is It?

Measurement and verification (M&V), sometimes know as monitoring and verification, is a means for gauging performance using measured data. The goal of M&V activities is to provide building owners with the tools and data necessary to identify systems that are not functioning as expected, and to optimize building system performance over the lifetime of the building through continuous monitoring. M&V processes can also be used to substantiate savings from energy efficiency, water conservation, and emissions reduction projects.

As part of the process, a measurement and verification plan must be developed, including a strategy for using the installed metering system to extract useful information and realize the benefits. A system to collect, analyze, archive and report on the meter data must be set up within the organization or contracted through a provider of such services.

How to?

Develop an M&V Plan to evaluate building and /or energy system performance. Characterize the building and / or energy systems through energy simulation (energy modeling) or engineering analysis. Install building level utility meters to track and continuously optimize performance. Compare actual performance data from the first year of operation with the energy design target.