Measurement & Verification

Measurement and verification (M&V) is the process of comparing measured energy use before and after implementation of a retrofit. M&V is critical to ensure the building is operating as intended and anticipated savings are being achieved.

The best building design can be undone by improperly installed equipment, equipment defects, and uninformed occupants or facilities staff. M&V makes diagnosing and addressing each of these issues relatively simple. As an added benefit, measured building energy-use data can be communicated to occupants in the form of a wall display or energy bill as part of an energy management plan to further reduce energy use. Also, M&V may find opportunities for continually improving equipment efficiency through better control strategies. Some associated benefits of M&V:

• Accurately assess energy savings for a project
• Allocate risks to the appropriate parties
• Reduce uncertainties to reasonable levels
• Monitor equipment performance
• Find additional savings
• Improve operations and maintenance (O&M)
• Verify cost savings guarantee is met, and
• Allow for future adjustments as needed