Energy Efficiency Made Simple Vol IV 2015

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that aligns all the stakeholders and their roles and responsibilities within the requirements of assurance of energy savings determinations. Select implementation method and process All stakeholders involved in the M&V programme need to agree on the defined method and process to be used and followed, thereby also identifying M&V roles and responsibilities, timeframes and con- tractual agreements. Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) identification, selection and assessment A detailed energy audit will identify opportunities for energy conserva- tion as well as Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs). Design energy savings programme After the audit, a detailed energy savings plan can be designed incor- porating the aspect of M&V – aligning the M&V programme imple- mentation with that of an ISO energy management system provides an even better framework for a successful M&V programme. M&V planning preparation Before implementing any energy savings project, the following sub-steps must be followed to ensure alignment with the M&V requirements: • The IPMVP option must be selected • The base year of performance must be defined i.e. which is the year that will be used as the basis against which energy perfor- mance will be measured post-implementation • Define the post-implementation period for the ECM, which is the period that will be compared with the base year period so that the project impact can be measured • Develop the M&V performance model in line with the IPMVP, which includes the selection of data analysis techniques, algo- rithms, equations and establishing assumptions, etc • Testing the M&V performance model to check what changes and adaptations are appropriate. The impact of the expected accuracy and uncertainties are quantified and their impact on the cost-ef- fectiveness of the programme Metering Metering considerations must be defined and specified in accordance with the IPMVP option chosen and include aspects such as metering points, frequency and duration of metering, type of meter and its required precision and calibration requirements, etc. M&V’s continuous management For quality assurance, the M&V’s continuous management of its programme needs to be defined; the roles and responsibilities and reporting systems must be in place. Documentation During the M&V programme and its framework development attention need to be paid to documenting all the relevant decisions in the plan- ning and management system – this forms the basis for all M&V activ- ities. Implementing an ISO energy management system concurrently sets out a structure for the required documentation automatically.

ity consumption, fuel or water consumption, or any other energy sources data, like steam or even renewables. The variable data that could be required are weather factors, looking at Heating and Cooling Degree Days (HDD or CDD), operating hours of the facility, production, systems for heating and cooling, equipment malfunctions, etc. Of great importance is the agreement between stakeholders of the baseline adjustments (and how these will be measured before implementation and inferred after implementation) as this forms the fundamental relationship for savings verification of the baseline performance. This is the most difficult aspect of savings verification to quantify and becomes a contentious issue, which is why it is important to use the services of an experienced M&V consultant. It is not an aspect that can be taught by the book, and includes continuous observation and practice to understand the unknown factors. Correct baseline adjustments level the playing field when determining post-installation performance in relation to the adjusted baseline energy performance – getting this correct adds tremendously to the credibility of the savings expressed at the end of the M&V process. However, the extent to which baseline adjustments need to be considered depends on the M&V Option chosen. Taken from the Energy Training Foundation’s training syllabus [4] the following are examples of baseline adjustments: • Changes in weather or occupancy Adjustments might include recalculating the baseline consumption rates using post-installation period weather data or occupancy data based on a mathematical expression of how energy consumption depends on factors such as HDD, CDD and occupancy. The impact of HDD and CDD can be significant and is a topic for separate discussion • Changes in operating schedules or tenant improvements The real impact of the retrofit project will be affected by a decrease or increase in operating hours of the facility or the system. There- fore, the baseline consumption needs to be scaled up or down to correspond to such changes, if any. A tenant might also implement its own improvements that may alter energy consumption in the post-installation period such as new lights, or additional plug loads, which are unrelated to the M&V scope determined and must be separated from the post-installation period performance • Changes in the actual function of the facility Changes in the use of the facility, for example, converting office space to a store room, affect the baseline performance and an adjustment is required Establishing a framework for M&V success Following a step-by-step approach as determined by IPMVP will ensure a continuous plan-do-check-act-type of system as with any

implemented management system. Preparing the organisation

Starting with energy awareness amongst the organisation’s staff, from top to bottom, is all-important as they are the key players using the facility to be M&V’ed and influence the energy use. We recommend combining the M&V programme with an energy management system

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY MADE SIMPLE 2015

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