Measurement and Verification (M&V) is a formal, best-practice process of accurately measuring and verifying the performance of energy conservation measures (ECMs) or energy management systems (EMSs).

M&V, at a conceptual level, is like an insurance policy for the performance savings associated with the project because it allows stakeholders to confirm that the implemented measures are delivering the expected energy and cost savings. It also helps identify any issues or opportunities for further improvement.

What are the steps for M&V?

1. Define the scope and objectives of the M&V project

2. Develop a baseline energy consumption model to predict energy use in the absence of the ECM

3. Collect energy use data before and after the implementation of the ECM

4. Analyze the data to determine the energy savings and other benefits resulting from the ECM

5. Document and report the results of the M&V plan

The goal of M&V isn’t just to ensure you’re meeting protocol IPMVP requirements (International Performance Measurement and Verification); it’s to verify the savings calculations used in the original energy conservation analysis through short-and-long-term systems monitoring, performance data, system diagnostics, and utility bill analysis.

What are the benefits of M&V?

• Increase and sustain energy savings 

• Document financial transactions

• Enhance financing for efficiency projects

• Improve engineering design and facility operations and maintenance

• Manage energy budgets

• Enhance the value of emission-reduction credits

• Support evaluation of regional efficiency programs

• Increase public acceptance of the related emission reduction, which in turn encourages additional investments in energy-efficiency projects