MBM stands for Metered Baseline Method. It is a measurement and verification approach used to establish baseline conditions and verify energy savings from projects by comparing pre- and post-implementation energy consumption data collected through metering systems. The method requires systematic data collection and analysis to demonstrate what changed as a result of implemented energy efficiency improvements.
MBM stands for Metered Baseline Method. It is a measurement and verification approach used to establish baseline conditions and verify energy savings from projects by comparing pre- and post-implementation energy consumption data collected through metering systems. The method requires systematic data collection and analysis to demonstrate what changed as a result of implemented energy efficiency improvements.
The Metered Baseline Method is a specific approach within measurement and verification (M&V) that uses actual metered data to establish a representative pre-project baseline and then measure post-implementation performance against that baseline. It provides objective evidence that energy efficiency improvements achieve their intended outcomes by comparing measured energy performance before and after improvements, serving as a credible framework for documenting the actual impact of energy projects.
Metering is fundamental to the Metered Baseline Method, as it provides the systematic collection and recording of energy consumption data necessary to establish accurate baseline conditions and track performance changes. Metering combines hardware and software to collect, measure and record energy consumption across defined boundaries. The metering system must be designed to answer the specific operational or investment decision being addressed, with appropriate intervals, quality checks and data responsibilities established before installation.
A practical M&V brief should include: the purpose of the evidence; boundary identification of equipment, meters and energy streams; baseline establishment of representative pre-project conditions; measurement specifications including instruments, intervals and quality checks; implementation records of what was installed and when commissioned; and reporting showing calculations, uncertainty and adjustments. This structured approach ensures another competent reviewer can follow and verify the savings determination using metered data.
Baseline measurement procedures should be established while meaningful baseline data can still be obtained, typically before equipment changes are implemented. Under NSW Energy Savings Scheme rules, baseline measurement procedures must be deemed appropriate by an M&V professional with written explanatory reasoning provided before the implementation date. Early planning ensures the data collection captures representative pre-project conditions and prevents the baseline evidence from being lost when equipment modifications occur.
The Metered Baseline Method uses actual metered consumption data to compare pre- and post-project performance, distinguishing it from modelled or prescribed calculation methods. While engineering estimates provide modelled expectations and some schemes use prescriptive calculations, the Metered Baseline Method requires measured interval data and documented analysis. This measured approach is particularly valuable when operating conditions change or when projects need credible evidence for investment contracts, reporting obligations or certificate schemes with specific M&V requirements.
The Metered Baseline Method requires identifying and documenting relevant operating variables that may affect energy consumption, such as production volumes, occupancy levels, weather conditions, equipment operating hours and process parameters. An adjustment procedure must be established to document how differences between baseline and reporting conditions will be treated in the analysis. Recording these variables alongside metered energy data ensures the savings analysis accounts for legitimate operational changes rather than attributing them to the efficiency improvement.
The Metered Baseline Method provides credible, measured evidence of energy savings that supports investment decisions, funding applications and certificate scheme submissions. By comparing actual pre- and post-project metering data under documented conditions, it demonstrates accountability and enables evidence-based decision-making in energy management. This approach is particularly useful when bills alone cannot explain energy changes, as it separates the effects of efficiency improvements from production variations, weather changes or price fluctuations.
We provide measurement and verification services including project-boundary selection, baseline modelling, savings calculation and reporting. We offer metering planning services to establish appropriate measurement infrastructure, advise on data quality and collection responsibilities, and provides the analysis and documentation necessary to apply the Metered Baseline Method effectively. Their guidance emphasises early planning and understanding the complete operating cycle to ensure representative data collection before equipment changes are made.
