How do you measure the energy savings of efficiency tech?

1 Baseline and adjusted baseline

The first step to measure the energy savings of efficiency tech is to establish a baseline, which is the amount of energy you would have used without the tech. The baseline can be based on historical data, such as your previous bills or meter readings, or on a model that simulates your energy use under certain conditions. However, the baseline may not reflect the changes that occur over time, such as weather, occupancy, behavior, or other factors that affect your energy use. Therefore, you may need to adjust the baseline to account for these variations and create a more realistic comparison. The adjusted baseline is the amount of energy you would have used without the tech, after applying some corrections or adjustments.

2 Measurement and verification

The next step to measure the energy savings of efficiency tech is to compare the actual energy use with the baseline or adjusted baseline, referred to as measurement and verification (M&V). This process quantifies and documents the energy savings resulting from the tech. The M&V method depends on the type, scale, and complexity of the tech and project. Common methods for M&V include engineering calculations, metering, billing analysis, and benchmarking. Engineering calculations use formulas, equations, or models to estimate energy savings based on the technical specifications and performance of the tech. Metering involves using devices or sensors to measure energy use before and after tech installation. Billing analysis compares energy use and costs before and after tech installation through utility bills or invoices. Finally, benchmarking is used to compare energy use and savings of the tech with industry standards, best practices, or similar projects.

3 Tools and software

To measure energy savings of efficiency tech, you can use various tools and software to help with the baseline, M&V, and reporting processes. For example, Energy Star Portfolio Manager is a free online tool that allows tracking and managing energy use and performance across buildings and properties. IPMVP is a framework and set of protocols that provide guidance for M&V of energy efficiency projects. RETScreen is a software that assesses the feasibility, performance, and savings of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, while eProject Builder is a web-based tool that creates and stores M&V reports for energy efficiency projects. These tools are essential for measuring the success of your energy efficiency initiatives.

4 Challenges and limitations

Measuring the energy savings of efficiency tech can provide you with valuable information and insights, but it can also pose some challenges and limitations. Data quality and availability must be taken into account, as well as uncertainty and variability of the energy savings estimates, which can be affected by numerous factors. Additionally, you must consider the cost and complexity of the M&V methods and tools, as well as the attribution and additionality of the energy savings. All these elements should be balanced to ensure that you get the most accurate energy savings estimates.

5 Tips and best practices

To measure the energy savings of efficiency tech effectively and efficiently, you need to define your goals and objectives, plan ahead and involve stakeholders, choose the appropriate methods and tools, and monitor and evaluate your results. Clarifying what you want to achieve and measure with the tech, as well as how you will use the energy savings information is paramount. Additionally, you should plan your M&V strategy and budget before implementing the tech, involve relevant stakeholders, such as tech providers, energy managers, and utility companies. Furthermore, selecting the methods and tools that suit your tech, project, and data needs is essential. Finally, monitoring and evaluating your energy use and savings regularly and reporting your findings and recommendations is a must.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?