What is Measurement and Verification (M&V)

The Definition

According to the Berkley Laboratory Measurement and Verification (M&V) is:

“M&V is the process of using measurement to reliably determine actual savings created within an individual facility by an energy management, energy conservation or energy efficiency project or program. As savings cannot be directly measured, the savings can be determined by comparing measured use before and after implementation of a project, making appropriate adjustments for changes in conditions.”

In shortened form, M&V is measuring past results against future changes. This can be in reference to individual or whole building energy centric practices.

Selecting a M&V Approach

M&V consists of 4 approaches which will each be discussed in greater detail in future postings. The four approaches are

1. Option A
   • Isolated on a specific ECM
   • Measures one key parameter (e.g. KW reduction)
2. Option B
   • Isolated on a specific ECM
   • Measures multiple key parameters (e.g. KW reduction, GPM reduction)
3. Option C
   • Single or multiple ECM's
   • Whole building Utility/Facility/Meter analysis
4. Option D (Coming Soon)
   • Single or Multiple ECM's
   • Modeling software for energy analysis

Creating a M&V Plan

Once you have selected a M&V approach you must create a M&V Plan. (A Sample Plan is seen here)

A good M&V plan will address 7 key topics

1. Proposed Savings
2. Assumptions
3. Risks
4. Financial Measurements
5. Operational Expectations
6. M&V Approach
7. ECM's

Further Learning

There are a few key training programs for M&V professionals

Paid

1. CMVP-Certified Measurement and Verification Professional
2. Fundamentals of Measurement and Verification: Applying the IPMVP

Free

1. M&V Guidlines
2. EVO Website (Lot's of M&V Centric Documents)
3. M&V Literature