AEE CMVP study guide
AEE CMVP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP®) is a credential offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). AEE describes a CMVP as an individual who applies the concepts of measurement and verification to determine the performance improvement resulting from energy management activities within a wide range of energy consuming systems, such as building systems or industrial processes. The AEE CMVP study guide has 8 sections and about 2,505 words.
01Basis for Adjustment
The basis for adjustment is the documented, agreed-upon method for changing reported savings when conditions change after the measurement period. Savings are computed as a comparison, not a direct measurement: avoided energy use equals the adjusted baseline energy minus actual post-retrofit energy (plus or minus any adjustments).
328 words, about 2 min02Fundamental Performance Verification Approaches
IPMVP-style M&V offers four option families. Option A (retrofit isolation, key parameter measurement) measures the parameters that most affect savings and stipulates the rest; Option B (retrofit isolation, all parameter measurement) measures all relevant parameters continuously or periodically.
341 words, about 2 min03Retrofit Isolation Approach to M&V
Retrofit isolation (Options A and B) measures energy use of the affected system alone, using dedicated meters or sub-meters, before and after the retrofit, or by measuring the isolated system post-retrofit and comparing to a baseline model of that system. It is best when the measure is separable, savings are large relative to system load, and interactive effects are small or can be bounded.
325 words, about 2 min04Whole Facility Approach to M&V
The whole-facility approach (Option C) uses the facility's utility meters - typically electricity and fuel - and compares adjusted baseline consumption to reporting-period consumption. Because it captures all end uses, it inherently accounts for interactive effects and multiple measures, but it requires that total savings be large enough relative to whole-building variability to be distinguishable from noise.
337 words, about 2 min05M&V Planning
An M&V plan is the written document that defines how savings will be determined, agreed upon before the project begins. It should specify: the M&V option(s) and measurement boundary; the baseline period and baseline data; the independent variables and adjustment method; metering and data collection (equipment, interval, accuracy, responsibilities); the reporting period and frequency; non-routine adjustment procedures; uncertainty and how it will be handled; and roles, costs, and quality assurance.
312 words, about 2 min06Savings Reporting
Savings reporting translates measurements and adjustments into a documented savings claim. The standard structure is: adjusted baseline energy minus reporting-period energy, with separate line items for routine and non-routine adjustments, and an explicit statement of uncertainty.
287 words, about 1 min07Metering and Considerations
Metering is the backbone of M&V. Key considerations include what to measure (energy, power, flow, temperature, runtime, weather), where (measurement boundary), how often (interval: hourly, daily, monthly), and with what accuracy.
287 words, about 1 min08Modeling Concepts and Application
Models are used to normalize baseline energy to reporting-period conditions and to estimate savings when direct comparison is impractical. Common model types: mean-baseline (constant), linear regression (single variable such as HDD or CDD), multiple regression (weather plus production or occupancy), change-point models (temperature-dependent with a balance point), and calibrated simulation (Option D).
288 words, about 1 min