Evaluation, measurement, and verification (EM&V) is the collection of methods and processes used to assess the performance of energy efficiency activities so planned results can be achieved with greater certainty and future activities can be more effective.
The main objectives of an EM&V process are to assess the performance of an energy efficiency program or project, to measure the energy or demand savings, and to determine if the program is generating the expected level of savings. EM&V data can inform recommendations for improvements in program performance. Having a clear understanding and description of how the program is expected to deliver results is critical to an effective EM&V process.
Audience
State regulators, public and private energy efficiency portfolio administrators, program implementers and evaluators can use the following resources to help with:
- Guidance on planning evaluation efforts
- Approaches for determining and documenting program impacts
- Improving the efficacy of energy efficiency portfolios
- Comparing demand- and supply-side resources.
Resources from the U.S. Department of Energy:
- Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program's Overview of EM&V: This document provides an overview and definition of EM&V.
- Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program's Benefits of EM&V: This document provides information about the benefits of performing EM&V.
- Energy Efficiency Program Impact Evaluation Guide: This definitive EM&V resource for both novices and experts includes definitions, concepts, and steps for calculating savings, avoided emissions, and other nonenergy impacts of energy efficiency programs.
- EM&V of Residential Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency Programs: Issues and Recommendations: This guide offers technically valid methods for state and local policymakers to estimate the energy savings from residential behavior-based energy efficiency programs.
- Uniform Methods Project for Determining Energy Efficiency Program Savings: This initiative establishes easy-to-follow, consistent, and transparent protocols for determining gross savings for a core set of commonly deployed energy efficiency measures.
Other Resources:
- EM&V Webinar Series: This webinar series is intended for state officials starting or expanding their EM&V methods for a wide range of efficiency activities.
- International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol: These protocols provide an overview of current best practices available for verifying results of energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy projects in commercial and industrial facilities.