The cost implications for ECM isolation depend upon the number of meters installed and how complicated the metered mechanical and electrical systems are.
If possible, include the facility operations staff in your discussion of financial benefits and operational requirements. Ideally, obtain their buy-in from the beginning of the project, as they will be key to realizing energy savings through M&V.
The highest return on investment for an M&V program occurs when the system operates over the life of the building. While the credit does not require a specific duration of the M&V effort, at least one year post occupancy is recommended.
There can be a high cost associated with the installation of a BMS (especially if your building was not planning on including one), but such systems can reduce operational costs and certainly provide the ability to identify high energy and water use during peak loads.
Installing submeters is not typically associated with high cost. It is more typically associated with cost savings, as tenants paying for their actual energy use tend to reduce their energy bills by including energy-efficient equipment and operating their space more efficiently.
The payback period for a submetering program depends on its initial cost and whether the M&V program identifies inefficiencies that wouldn’t have been found otherwise—substantial fixes can pay for the metering system. The true return on investment, however, depends on the commitment of the tenant, owner, and operational staff.
Attempting to add on a submetering or monitoring system once mechanical and electrical systems have been designed can be cost-prohibitive due to redesign charges.
The cost of M&V can vary significantly from one project to another. You’ll need to get project-specific bids based on your individual design needs. Accuracy and cost of M&V plans are influenced by the following:
