kitha
Electrical
- Oct 6, 2002
- 51
The project I am working on is in Canada. It's looking for the LEED credit available for the Measurement and Verification(M & V). It's large scale existing industrial plant looking to expand. Expansion cost itself is around 320 million. So to install required meters to satisfy stipulated M&V plans for electricity, gas, HVAC etc. it costs approximately $85K. Plant currently has an energy measurement program. But it measures only at demarcation points of services; which does not satisfy LEED requirements for M & V. Owner is not willing to pay extra but still insists LEED credit. His point is arguably correct.
In my research I could find, in the USA the requirement of M&V is well definied-owner and both utility companies reduce energy cost-utility company is paid by the federal governement for loss of revenue and encourages the utility company to add more renewable energey to the grid. Federal governement auditors require a proper M&V continuous monitoring plan in the facility for verification. US green building council also has agreed to provide a credit for the M&V plan. Therefore it seems in the US it is easier to explain this to the owner due to continuous benefits and clear cut regulations and guidelines.
In Canada LEED building council provides a credit but cannot find any reasonable explanation on any of the followings
a). What are the continuous benefits available to the owner
b). Is there a federal funding program currently available either to utility companies (to add more renewable energy)or to the owner
(please note even the HPNC program currently available does not require an M&V plan)
c). Are there proper guidelines available as to M&V implementation? Up to what extent are energy meters required? Are they required in each node of a gas/electrical lighting distribution system etc.
In my research I could find, in the USA the requirement of M&V is well definied-owner and both utility companies reduce energy cost-utility company is paid by the federal governement for loss of revenue and encourages the utility company to add more renewable energey to the grid. Federal governement auditors require a proper M&V continuous monitoring plan in the facility for verification. US green building council also has agreed to provide a credit for the M&V plan. Therefore it seems in the US it is easier to explain this to the owner due to continuous benefits and clear cut regulations and guidelines.
In Canada LEED building council provides a credit but cannot find any reasonable explanation on any of the followings
a). What are the continuous benefits available to the owner
b). Is there a federal funding program currently available either to utility companies (to add more renewable energy)or to the owner
(please note even the HPNC program currently available does not require an M&V plan)
c). Are there proper guidelines available as to M&V implementation? Up to what extent are energy meters required? Are they required in each node of a gas/electrical lighting distribution system etc.