Strategy 2

a)Choose one of the two options to create an M&V plan to evaluate building and/or energy system performance., b) Characterize the building and/or energy systems through energy simulation or engineering analysis, c) Measure energy use by installing the necessary metering equipment, d) Compare actual performance to predicted performance, e) Evaluate energy efficiency by comparing actual and baseline performances.

While the IPMVP provides assistance with energy conservation measures (ECMs) and strategies, this LEED credit offers additional M&V objectives. M&V activities should not necessarily be limited to energy systems where ECMs or energy conservation strategies have been practiced.

When equipment is not used property, consider employing alarms within the control system to notify the staff of these issues, such as: a) Air handling unit leakage, b) Missed economizer opportunities (e.g., faulty economizer damper controls), c) Unjustified equipment operation (e.g., boiler on when outside air temperature is above 65 °F).

Besides control diagnostics, consider employing retro-commissioning services or dedicating staff to investigate increases in energy usage (such a staff member is usually a resource conservation manager – see http://www.energy.state.or.us/rcm/rcmhm.htm for more details).