Measurement and verification: the next wave of rewarded energy savings

Archive context: This page summarises a Northmore Gordon article from 20 January 2021. Scheme settings, incentive values and project outcomes described there may have changed.

Measurement and verification (M&V) compares a project's measured energy use with an adjusted baseline. The original article describes establishing an energy-use model, recording relevant operating variables and measuring post-upgrade performance. Under eligible project-based methods, verified savings can support energy-efficiency certificate claims and help offset upgrade costs.

How a project is assessed

• Define the site or equipment boundary and collect suitable baseline meter data.

• Model normal operating conditions, including production and weather where relevant.

• Document the upgrade, then meter post-installation performance.

• Adjust the baseline for changed conditions and calculate savings under the applicable scheme method.

Examples from the 2021 article

The article reports an M&V project for Van Wyk Flowers that replaced gas boilers with a biomass heating system and claimed Victorian Energy Upgrades incentives. It also describes 5G Networks data-centre upgrades, a Molycop electric-arc-furnace project and Metro Trains Melbourne lighting work. The reported savings and incentives belong to those specific projects and historical scheme rules.

Project design, metering and claim timing should be checked against the current scheme and approved method before work starts.

Source: Northmore Gordon, 20 January 2021. The source credits an earlier Ecogeneration publication.