11 Step Process Flashcards
Step 1 – Determine Goals for M&V Efforts (Baseline Period)
Consider the needs of the stakeholders using the planned M&V Report(s). Evaluate project risks and identify the goals of the M&V effort. If the stakeholders are focused on overall cost control, Whole Facility methods may be best suited. If the focus is on the performance of particular EEMs, Retrofit Isolation techniques may be best suited.
Step 2 – Select IPMVP Option(s) and Approaches (Baseline Period)
While developing the EEM(s), select the IPMVP Option(s) and define the measurement boundary that best suits the EEM(s) or overall project, the needs for accuracy and granularity in verified savings, the level of savings expected, and the budget for M&V. A combination of M&V Options may be best suited to some projects.
Decide whether adjustments of all energy quantities will be made to reporting period conditions or to some other meaningful set of conditions. Agree on the duration of the baseline period and the reporting period(s). These fundamental decisions will be written into the M&V Plan for the project.
Step 3 – Document Baseline Data (Baseline Period)
Assess the planned EEMs and the energy influencing factors. Collect relevant energy and operating data from the baseline period and record them in a way that can be accessed in the future and includes relevant details, as outlined in Section 13 – M&V Plan & Reporting Requirements.
Step 4 – Develop M&V Plan (Baseline Period)
Prepare an M&V Plan detailing the results of Steps 1 through 3 and meets the content specified in Section 9 – M&V Plan and Reporting Requirements. It should define the subsequent Steps 5 through 11.
Assess baseline energy, independent variables, and metering. Consider rigor in savings required. Establish any models that will be used to make planned adjustments to the baseline energy. Define energy calculations, provide a rationale(s) for the approaches used, define the expected level of effort or budget.
The final M&V Plan must be understood and approved by all stakeholders (e.g., owner/project sponsor and project developer/M&V agent) and may be adopted as terms and conditions for an energy performance contract or other agreement.
Step 5 – Set Up Metering and Ongoing Data-Collection Processes (Baseline Period)
As part of the final EEM design and installation, also design, install, calibrate, and commission any special measurement equipment that is needed under the M&V Plan.
Step 6 – Monitor for Changes in Site Conditions (Installation Period)
During the EEM installation period, monitor for changes in conditions (i.e., static factors) at the site that could impact savings.
Step 7 – Confirm Operational Verification (Installation Period)
After the EEM is installed, ensure it has the potential to perform and achieve savings by confirming appropriate operational verification is conducted as required by the project, which may include various methods from inspection and simple measurements to a full commissioning process depending on the complexity and savings of the EEM. Operational verification is conducted by the installing party and may be overseen by a third party such as a commissioning agent.
Step 8 – Ongoing Data Collection (Reporting Period)
Gather energy, operating data and details of other energy influencing factors from the reporting period, as defined in the M&V Plan.
Step 9 – Determine Savings for Period (Reporting Period)
Compute savings in energy and monetary units in accordance with the M&V Plan.
Step 10 – M&V Report for Period (Reporting Period)
Report verified savings in accordance with the M&V Plan. Submit savings report to stakeholders after third- party review.
Step 11 – Track Energy Performance and Savings (Reporting Period)
Repeat Steps 8 through 11 throughout the M&V reporting period(s), as defined by the M&V Plan.
How is verification of savings conducted?
Verification of savings can be performed by an independent party, by the owner, or the project developer. Where a project developer is hired by a facility owner to implement EEMs and report energy savings, the owner should consider an independent verifier to review the M&V Plan and the savings reports. This independent verifier should begin by reviewing the M&V Plan during its preparation to ensure that the savings reports will satisfy the owner’s expectations for rigor in savings and mitigation of risks.
What do independent verifiers do?
An independent verifier will help to ensure measurement validity and to prevent conflicts. If conflicts arise, this independent verifier can help to resolve the conflicts. Independent verifiers are typically engineering consultants with experience and knowledge in EEMs, M&V, and energy performance contracting.
Payments based on performance
When payments are contingent on proven performance, third-party verification should be required. This role should be stipulated in the contractual agreement. Additionally, consideration should be given in the contract to the circumstance where verification by the third party reveals unsatisfactory elements to the M&V Plan or Savings Reporting. The third-party review should be conducted by a reviewer that is wholly independent of the M&V Plan author (and their organization).
The inclusion of a third-party reviewer is part of conducting quality assurance activities. EVO recommends but does not require that a qualified professional be used to develop and oversee the implementation of M&V Plans and activities.
