What is M&V?

Measurement and verification (M&V) is the process of planning, measuring, collecting and analysing energy consumption data. Measurement of energy savings involves measuring a site’s energy usage before and after the implementation of an Energy Efficiency Measure (EEM) and data analysis (including developing mathematical models).

Verification is the process of verifying the EEM is operating as expected and continues to operate as intended. Certificates for abatement can be awarded for energy savings achieved as a result of the EEM.

M&V Installer

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How M&V Works.

Energy savings through the use of M&V involves measuring energy consumption, collecting site data and modelling site energy use before and after the implementation of an energy efficiency measure (EEM). The “Baseline Energy” is established before the implementation of the EEM and determines how and why the site uses energy through statistical modelling. This forms the Baseline Energy model. Once the implementation of an EEM is complete, the “Operating Energy” (or Reporting Period Energy) is then determined to form the Operating Energy model.

The measured savings or “Avoided Energy” is then quantified using the site data obtained (i.e. weather, production, hours of operation, etc..), the Baseline Energy model and Operating Energy model. The graph is a visual representation of the M&V process and savings determined.

The Baseline and Operating measurement periods need to capture a full cycle of the site’s energy use. The duration of each measurement period may vary depending on how the site uses energy or how an EEM operates. These range from 3 to 12 months and are assessed on a project by project basis.

Measurement and Verification

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M&V Project Timeline.

M&V Project Types.

Our M&V service covers all types of EEM projects, including:

  • Energy Efficiency Upgrades
    • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
    • Refrigeration
    • LED Lighting
    • Air Compressors
    • Steam Boilers
    • Water Boilers & Heaters
    •  Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
  • Process Optimisation
    • Building Management Systems (BMS)
    • Heat Recovery
    • Production/Process Improvement(s)
  • Onsite Renewable Energy Generation
    • Solar PV
    • Bio Energy

Creating Certificates Using M&V.

Carbon Credits

Generated based on emissions reductions from federal based schemes:

Carbon credits Internationally recognised for any scope of emissions.

White Certificates

Generated based on energy savings and emissions reductions from state based schemes:

No offset value for Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero programs. However, White Certificates can be monetised and assist in reducing capital expenditure. The emissions reduction from upgrade(s) can be used for organisations internal carbon reduction targets.

Driving through the Dandenong ranges

M&V Schemes.

Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF)

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)  
  Location Federal Victoria New South Wales South Australia  
  Certificates Created Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) as a gigajoule target (GJ) (Created under the commercial target)  
  Certificates Generated Based On Method(s) Used Annual creation Forward Creation, or Annual Creation, or Forward Creation, followed by Annual Creation Forward Creation, or Annual Creation, or Forward Creation, followed by Annual Creation Forward Creation, or Annual Creation  
  Energy Savings Period Up to 7 years Up to 10 years Up to 10 years Up to 10 years  
  Recommended Minimum Savings
Electricity
800-1000MWh per annum 100-180MWh per annum 100-180MWh per annum 100-180MWh per annum  
  Recommended Minimum Savings
Gas
7000GJs (first year) 2500-3500GJs (first year) 2500-3500GJs (first year) 1000-1500GJs (first year)  
   Energy Sources Grid electricity
Gas
Diesel*
Biofuel
Biogas
Biomass 
Grid electricity
Gas
Diesel*
Biofuel
Biogas
Biomass 
Grid electricity
Gas
Diesel*
Biofuel
Biogas
Biomass 
Grid electricity
Gas 
 
  Strengths Wide range of technologies available. Certificates created are internationally recognised carbon credits. New projects can create certificates under certain criteria. Flexible regulator. Wide range of technologies Available, including solar PV. No Grid intensity factor, and therefore no decreasing certificate value annually. Higher certificate value awarded for upgrades in regional areas High volume of certificates created to counter a low certificate financial value.  
  Weaknesses No forecasted emissions factor. No forward creation method for Measurement and Verification projects. High volatility in the certificate market. Additional administrative requirements, Low certificate financial value. Capped volume for certificate creation each year.  

*In specific situations

Partnering with Our M&V Service.

At Ecovantage, we partner with installers, suppliers, contractors and end-users to generate energy efficiency and carbon certificates on a wide variety of EEMs that can be delivered as an M&V project.

Ecovantage will guide you through the complete M&V process to assess eligibility, ensure full compliance and provide a high level of accuracy to maximise the certificates and carbon credits created from your M&V project.

Ecovantage works with all key stakeholders involved to support end users with their capital expenditure, promote energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and reduce emissions.

Project types to harness M&V

End-to-End Solutions.

Supporting you from site assessment and product supply to certificate generation and trading.

Specialist Services

About Us & Our Team.

Ecovantage is one of Australia’s largest Accredited Certificate Providers – we have the knowledge and ability to ensure your M&V project process is a smooth and successful one.

Our holistic team consists of passionate renewable energy consultants and energy efficiency experts, dedicated customer-focused account managers and qualified M&V engineers. From the initial viability study, proposal with estimated certificates and rebate value, through to compliance, application to the regulator, measurement stage and ultimately the creation of the certificates with financial revenue, we guide you with ease through all the stages.

The Ecovantage Team

M&V Features

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