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Monitor energy—or more
Measurement and verification (M&V) involves recording actual energy use over the course of occupancy, and comparing that data with the estimated energy use seen in the design. The M&V process ensures all systems are performing as specified and identifies any anomalies in equipment, operations procedures or user habits. In addition, an M&V plan can help reduce energy costs, assist with commissioning, and, over time, document and improve the efficiencies of energy conservation measures.
M&V gives you a plan and a system to compare your project’s actual performance against design predictions. While M&V can be applied to a variety of metrics including water use and indoor environmental quality, this credit focuses only on energy performance. To earn it, you’ll...
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16 Comments
Option B vs. D
We are developing a multifamily building that will have some complex mechcanicals with interactivity between efficiency measures. However, we are skeptical of IPMVPThe International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) provides best-practice protocol for measurement and verification of new construction. This standard is referenced in LEED's measurement and verification credits. Option D for a couple of reasons. We would like to pursue Option B despite some of the limitations. What does LEED require of projects pursuing Option B. Does each EEM/ECMEnergy conservation measures are installations or modifications of equipment or systems intended to reduce energy use and costs. in the model need to be part of the M+V plan if pursuing Option B? What about envelope? Can you use sample spaces to determine performance of unitized measures (heat pumps, lighting etc.)?
Thanks.
If you have interactive energy efficiency strategies you must use D and not B. B can only be used if the strategies can be isolated.
Yes all energy saving strategies must be part of the M&V including envelope.
In a multifamily building some sampling and extrapolation could make sense as part of your M&V plan.
M and V
I will be looking at submitting our Construction portion of our project and will be looking at being 5 points beyond the required bogey. I don't know if it would be good to work an arrangment with my commissioning agent to fill out the M and V template to apply 3 additional points for an 8 point security. The cost of me to contract with them to do the M and V is substantial and I don't have the money to do it in the job but need to secure the bogey of silver. Would it be better if I wait and not submitt for M and V credits on the initial construction submittal? If I don't submitt, when can I submitt an additional ID credit? can I do it in the Final Construction Submittal? Would it have to be in the Appeal?
The level of cushion would depend on the confidence you have in the submission. We like to have 2 or 3 points minimum over our target. You can submit an additional ID credit with the final construction submission but make sure you pick one that is easy to document since you only get one shot in the review.
Beings this is my first Construction submission I am skeptical. I am wary that all the proper documents have been supplied for Regional, Recycled Content, Certified WoodWood from a source that has been determined, through a certification process, to meet stated ecological and other criteria. There are numerous forest certification programs in general use based on several standards, but only the Forest Stewardship Council's standards, which include requirements that the wood be tracked through its chain-of-custody, can be used to qualify wood for a point in the LEED Rating System. and Construction Waste. If you appeal the Construction submittal you can submit M and V just one time as well? If you submit M and V in the Construction and you come away with 6 or so extra points, are you obligated to do M and V? Do you have to resubmitt with the lesser amount?
Yes appeals are just one time reviews as well.
After your final review I would say you are morally obligated to do what you said you would do. The number of points over a minimum threshold for a level of certification would have nothing to do with it.
An approved M&V Plan says you will implement it. If you don't follow through no one will come and take the plaque off the wall. If you earn the M&V credit based on your submitted M&V Plan you are only obligated to implement it to the extent your conscience can allow you to lie. Unfortunately many projects have earned this credit and lied about implementing it.
The next version of LEED will likely require the submission of a signed contract to implement your M&V Plan.
A couple more things I left out:
You can withdraw a credit after the preliminary construction submission but before the final construction response.
We will not even write a M&V Plan without a contract(s) in place to implement it.
I appreciate your insight as I am trying to understand the process before I start. We would not want to do anything questionable in the process and was trying to make sure we avoided doing something that was not permissable. I feel better now knowing what is acceptable and can proceed without question. Again thank you for your great expertise to this rookie!!!
No problem, good luck with your submission.
As you can probably tell I have a bit of a pet peeve about LEED projects that do not implement their M&V Plans.
Extra Metering Equipment and Energy Management System
We are trying to determine how much "extra" metering equipment, if a central Energy Management System (EMS) and what entity will evaluate and recalibrate equipment in order to achieve this point. From my research, I have found instances of the EMS system providing reports on the energy use of a specific system in the building. Is it possible for facilities to capture this data directly from the meters, or would the expertise necessary require hiring a consultant, incurring increased labor costs that would probably erase any savings on purchasing an EMS? Thanks.
You can certainly automate data collection through an EMS.
Don't put the cart before the horse. First figure out what data you will need to calibrate the model, then figure out the least expensive way to get it.
Required Narrative?
The v2.2 template shows a required narrative, but the description of the narrative asks for details regarding the natural ventilation design. This is obviously an error, but I can't find anything in the errata. Does anyone know if there is a required narrative for EAc5 in v2.2 or just the optional narrative on the 2nd page?
Yes the description of the narrative is an error. Simply enter a brief description in that narrative box regarding the M&V effort. If you don't I think the template does not indicate that you have earned the point.
Option D or Option B
The Reference guide seems to suggest that Option B is appropriate for simpler buildings and Option D for more complex buildings. Is any further guidance available regarding which option should be utilized or is required to be utilized? Or is the decision entirely up to the project team's discretion.
Michael, you do have discretion. How to choose Option B or Option D is discussed above under the Bird's Eye View and Checklists tabs above. If you have more specific questions please post again.
My read of the IPMVPThe International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) provides best-practice protocol for measurement and verification of new construction. This standard is referenced in LEED's measurement and verification credits. is that Option B should only be used if the energy efficeincy measures in the facilty can be isolated, in other words, that there are no or minimal interactive effects between measures. Building complexity may lead to more interactive effects. So it up to the project team. In my experience I have seen very few LEED projects where Option B is appropriate.
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