Measurement & Verification
The norm is for a team of professionals to intensely focus on the functionality of a building while it is being designed, for qualified contractors to implement that design, and finally for the entire team to sign-off on the facility upon occupancy. But then what? An operator is usually left to run the building as per his/her experience and training, without the background of the design and construction discussions regarding the ongoing function and efficiency of the building. Measurement and verification bridges that gap between design, construction and ongoing operation such that measurements can be made to verify actual operation against the design intentions. The International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP), Volume III (revised April 2003) is the governing protocol on this subject.
Benefits: have a plan for future operation complete with a quantified definition of a properly functioning facility (what energy bills should be, how much energy each system should use); enable troubleshooting of issues with the increased monitoring; engage owner and building operator in energy and water usage of a building.
LEED Measurement and Verification (EAc5) requires that systems be monitored for their energy use for 1 year, and the result be compared against an estimate (a calibrated energy model as in Option 1, or an isolated energy saving calculation as in Option 2). Combining all of our expertise, we can provide all or part of the credit requirements:
- Provide initial energy model, also for use to obtain EAp2 and EAc1 credits
- Provide Measurement and Verification Plan
- Work with design team to ensure that the required level of monitoring is in place
- Commission the building to ensure it is working as designed on day one, which also applies to EAp1 and EAc3
- After one year, analyze monitored data against estimates (calibrated model or design estimate calculations) and provide report
- Calibrate and provide revised energy model to match actual, verified operation
