The Ultimate Guide to IPMVP

IPMVP is an international standard that regulates the way in which energy efficiency projects are measured and verified across the built environment. It defines the standards and best practices that should be followed when quantifying the results of a range of energy efficiency projects and investments. Developed by a coalition of organisations and spearheaded by the US Department of Energy, IPMVP has become the accepted measurement and verification standard in countries all over the world, and has been translated into 10 languages.

IPMVP was created because there was a growing need for a common standard to quantify and verify the savings certain companies were claiming about their energy conservation measures. The purpose of the standard is therefore to increase the reliability of the savings estimates purported by these firms, and also reduce costs by enabling the standardisation and therefore combination of different projects. Above all, the standard aims to provide greater certainty when it comes to implementing new energy efficiency initiatives in the built environment, encouraging their wider adoption.

When we talk about Measurement and Verification (M&V), we mean the process by which data is measured and analysed for the purpose of reporting energy savings. Doing so accurately is crucial for justifying the implementation of energy efficiency measures, and spurring future investment.

IPMVP delivers this accuracy through modifying previously used formulas. The IPMVP formula for calculating energy savings gives commercial building managers access to accurate insights by incorporating adjustments and external parameters. With better, more valid insight into to efficacy of energy saving measures, IPMVP holds companies to account, and safeguards the success of new initiatives. As a result, it is fundamental to the development of a sustainable built environment.

IPMVP is broken down into a series of 4 options depending on the M&V needs of the project in question.

Option A: Retrofit Isolation (Key Parameter)

In IPMVP Option A, savings are determined by field measurement of a key performance parameter defining energy use. This option is commonly uses for things like lighting retrofits.

Option B: Retrofit Isolation (All Parameter)

IPMVP Option B is similar to option A except that all parameters defining energy use are incorporated into the calculations.

Option C: Whole Facility

Savings are determined on a whole facility or sub-facility level in Option C. Because this approach accounts of independent variables, it uses regression analysis to achieve highly accurate results.

Option D: Calibrated Simulation

The final option determines savings via a simulation of energy use over the whole facility or sub-facility. This is a useful approach if there is no historic energy data available.

Our innovative AI solution to HVAC optimisation is capable of achieving energy savings of up to 30% in just 60 days. To ensure the accuracy of these claims, we quantify the savings we produce for our clients using IPMVP Option C.

Here’s how we do it.

• We collate historical electricity, chilled water, and gas bills from the last 24 months for the building in question.
• Using multiple linear regressions of historical consumption, we create an accurate baseline equation.
• Every building has unique parameters or external factors that affect energy use. To account for this, we identify each of these parameters (e.g., cooling degree days (CDD), length of time, occupancy).
• Once we have the parameters, we correct the baseline equation. If R2 is above 0.75, it means the baseline equation is right. R2 is a statistical measure that represents the proportion of variation in the dependent variable that is explained by the variation in the independent variable.
• With this building specific equation, we can calculate baseline and savings for a reporting period with the highest levels of accuracy.

At Arloid, nothing is more important than providing building managers across the globe with accurate insights into the energy savings our cutting-edge AI can accomplish. Using IPMVP Option C, we calculate accurate baseline equations to verify our data. As a result, the buildings we deploy our solution in can claim energy efficiency status, justify initiatives to stakeholders, and work towards sustainable targets in a tangible way. Accurate calculations, building-specific savings, reliable results – we report with total IPMVP compliance.

Ready to optimise your HVAC? Contact a member of our team today!