The following are evaluation or building modeling protocols and guidelines that are frequently used for energy efficiency programs.
International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP): This protocol, maintained by the Efficiency Valuation Organization, provides a framework to verify project potential to save energy, and quantify site-level energy and cost impacts.
Uniform Methods Project: The Uniform Methods Project, developed for the US Department of Energy, provides model protocols for determining energy and demand savings that result from specific energy-efficiency measures implemented through state and utility programs. In most cases, the measure protocols are based on a particular option identified by the International Performance Verification and Measurement Protocol; however, this work provides a more detailed approach to implementing that option.
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): ASHRAE maintains a variety of standards and protocols for designing and verifying building energy performance, including Guideline 14 for reliably measuring the energy, demand, and water savings achieved in conservation projects.
National Standard Practice Manual (NSPM): This manual, produced by the National Energy Screening Project, provides a comprehensive framework for cost-effectiveness assessment of distributed energy resources.
American Evaluation Association (AEA) Guiding Principles: The Guiding Principles reflect the core values of the AEA and are intended as a guide to the professional ethical conduct of evaluators. The five Principles address systematic inquiry, competence, integrity, respect for people, and common good and equity. AEA also provides a statement on Cultural Competence in Evaluation.
EPA Guidebook for Energy Efficiency Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification: This document was produced by US Environmental Protection Agency to help state, local, and tribal air and energy officials—as well as key stakeholders such as utility program implementers—take steps to learn about, establish, or refine their evaluation, measurement and verification approaches.