IPMVP
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The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) is a guidance document that addresses determining and documenting savings from energy efficiency projects. It provides a framework and four measurement and verification (M&V) Options for how savings can be transparently, reliably and consistently determined in a manner that enables independent verification. M&V refers to site surveys, metering of energy consumption, monitoring of independent variables, and analysis activities associated with the calculation of gross energy and peak demand savings from individual energy efficiency sites or projects.
The IPMVP framework includes a set of standardized definitions and a process that consists of comparing baseline energy use with energy use after the energy efficiency activity takes place. The four Options describe industry standard approaches for conducting measurements and analyses to verify the potential savings and determine actual savings of energy efficiency projects. The IPMVP is intended to be used by professionals as a basis for preparing M&V plans for energy efficiency programs (such as a publicly funded energy incentive program that encourages installation of energy efficiency projects at individual sites) or individual project activities. Combined with requirements specific to each program or project, such as selection of an IPMVP Option and definition of accuracy, reporting and independent verification requirements, a M&V Plan can be prepared that is consistent with the IPMVP and thus common industry practice.
The flexibility of the IPMVP framework is best illustrated by its definition of its four M&V Options:
- Option A – Partially Measured Retrofit Isolation
- Option B – Retrofit Isolation
- Option C- Whole Facility
- Option D - Calibrated Simulation
The IPMVP is not a standard and thus there is no formal compliance mechanism. Adherence with the IPMVP is met by preparing M&V project specific plans that are consistent with IPMVP terminology and clearly define the IPMVP Option(s) to be used, metering and monitoring requirements, analysis methods to be used, and quality assurance procedures to be followed. It should be noted that even under the most basic IPMVP Option (Option A), measurement of key factors is required.
This IPMVP is sponsored by the Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO), a non-profit private corporation. EVO’s objective is to support a global marketplace that correctly values the efficient use of natural resources and utilizes end-use efficiency as a viable alternative to new energy supply options. EVO’s mission is to develop and promote the use of standardized protocols, methods and tools to quantify and manage the performance risks and benefits associated with end-use energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water efficiency business transactions. EVO is a member-based, volunteer organization with subscribers around the world. EVO maintains a website at [1].
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory sponsored a volunteer effort to prepare a common set of energy efficiency, measurement and verification, protocols. The result was the first edition of the IPMVP, entitled the North American Energy Measurement and Verification Protocol, and published in March 1996. This document was updated for a December 1997 edition and renamed the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol. A major re-structuring and some conceptual changes regarding Options A and B were first published in 2001 and called the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol, Volumes I and II. Minor editorial changes were included in a 2002 printing of a new edition of Volume I. The new Volume III application manuals on New Construction and Renewables were also published in 2002. In 2002, IPMVP, Inc. was created as an independent non-profit entity to maintain the IPMVP in place of the Department of Energy and to be more inclusive of the international community. IPMVP, Inc. was renamed Efficiency Valuation Organization as it expanded its focus.
