Hot Tip

An M&V program generally includes both sensors—which measure the energy volume and rate of flow, watts of energy draw, temperature, length of time, and other variables—and a central processor, which stores the collected information and helps building managers interpret it. A BMS typically includes the central processor needed for M&V, but not all of the sensors or additional programming to tally energy use and track patterns. However, adding these pieces to a BMS should pose little difficulty.

The majority of M&V programs submeter individual building systems such as lighting, heating, cooling, and plug loads. 

Permanent submetering or a building management system (BMS) is not necessary—you can chose to have a combination of utility analysis, spot metering, and permanent metering instead. However, these methods do not provide as detailed information as a BMS, and may not help you determine the source of unanticipated energy consumption. 

Introduce the M&V program early in the design process because it can affect the design of mechanical and electrical systems, the cost of the program, as well as the building management system. Designers should think ahead about how systems will be monitored. There is also inherent value in having your design team think early on about how the project building will operate.

Contract with the M&V provider early in the process so that system components and recommendations can be implemented seamlessly into systems rather than as add-ons.

A BMS records energy and water use data that can be revisited to compare to usage predicted during design. Using a BMS is also more convenient for the facilities manager. 

You do not have to separately submeter your electrical systems—you could have a single metering system cover HVAC, lighting, and plug loads, for example. However, you must separately meter fuel oil, district or distributed energy, steam, chilled water, other fuels, and process water. 

Encourage the operations team to focus on running the building at optimal efficiency. 

Permanent installation of water meters, although not required for LEED, allows easier monitoring of water consumption and savings. Water metering of graywater and rainwater systems is generally included in M&V plans, and monitoring general water use is also useful for verifying projected savings. 

An M&V program generally includes sensors—which measure the volume and rate of flow (if water is included), watts of energy draw, temperature, length of time, and other variables—and a central processor, which stores the collected information and helps building managers interpret it.