| Measurement and Verification |
 The benefits of optimal building operation- especially in terms of energy and water performance - are substantial. Many buildings have a lifespan greater than 50 years. Even energy and water savings that seem minor on an annual basis are significant when considered in aggregate over this lifespan. These long-term benefits often go unrealized due to maintenance personnel changes, aging of building equipment, and changing utility rate structures.
Measurement and verification (M&V) procedures can help to achieve and maintain optimal performance over the lifespan of the building through continuous monitoring. 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.
The four basic M&V options are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Measurement & Verification Options for New and Renovation Construction (1)
M & V
Option |
Option Description |
Savings Calculations |
Cost |
|
A |
Focuses on physical assessment of equipment changes to ensure the installation is to specification. Key performance factors such as lighting wattage and chiller efficiency are determined by spot or short term measurements and operational factors. |
Engineering calculations using spot or short-term measurements, computer simulations, and/or historical data. |
Typically 1-5% of project construction cost, dependent on number of measurement points. |
|
B |
Savings are determined after
project completion by short-term or continuous measurements taken throughout the term of the
contract at the device or system level. Both performance and operations factors are monitored. |
Engineering calculations
using metered data. |
Typically 3-10% of project construction cost, dependent on number and type of systems measured and the term of analysis/metering. |
|
C |
After project completion, savings are determined at the ‘whole-building’ or facility level using current year and historical utility meter (gas or electricity) or sub-meter data |
Analysis of utility meter (or submeter) data using techniques from simple comparison to multivariate regression analysis |
Typically 1-10% of project construction cost, dependent on number and complexity of parameters in analysis |
|
D |
Savings are determined through simulation of facility components and/or the whole facility |
Calibrated energy simulation and modeling; calibrated
hourly or monthly utility billing data and/ or end-use metering. |
Typically 3-10% of project construction cost, dependent on number and complexity of systems evaluated. |
Sources:
1 CaGBC, 2004. LEED Canada for New Construction Reference Package.
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