By Sotiris Papadelis*

The SRI2MARKET project was funded by the European LIFE Clean Energy Transition program to improve the knowledge and capabilities of European Union (EU) Member States with regards to the introduction of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) in their national regulation and market.

The SRI is a European Commission initiative that measures a building's ability to use smart technologies. These technologies aid in decarbonization, while also offering more comfortable and efficient living environments. The smartness of a building refers to its ability to sense, interpret, communicate and actively respond in an efficient manner to changing conditions in relation to the operation of technical building systems, the external environment and the demands from building occupants.

By: Mark Stetz⁽¹⁾, Steve Kromer⁽²⁾, John Avina⁽³⁾, Samer Zawaydeh⁽⁴⁾, James Waltz⁽⁵⁾

ABSTRACT

Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs) are a key tool for financing energy efficiency projects, yet short contract terms (10–12 years) often exclude capital-intensive, long-payback energy conservation measures (ECMs) needed for deep retrofits and infrastructure modernization. This paper argues that extending EPCs is a vital mechanism for addressing this gap. Drawing on best practices and a cross-case synthesis of U.S. public-sector projects—including federal agencies, municipal housing authorities, airports, and universities—the study develops a framework for credible EPC extensions. The paper demonstrates that successful extensions depend on three principles: baseline integrity, rigorous M&V, and layering additional ECMs onto already verified energy savings. Extensions expand project scope, enabling critical upgrades such as solar PV and chiller replacements while aligning cash flows with long-term sustainability targets, including Kigali Amendment commitments and net-zero objectives. The paper concludes that, when governed by clear policy frameworks and robust M&V, EPC extensions serve as a strategic reinvestment tool that bridges short-term financial constraints with long-term energy and climate goals. Practical recommendations are provided to help practitioners implement extensions while managing legal and performance risks.

KEYWORDS: Energy Performance Contract (EPC); Contract Extension; Measurement and Verification (M&V); Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs); Energy Savings; Baseline Integrity; Baseline continuity; Deep Retrofit.

Par Jeanne GOFFART ⁽¹⁾ et Pascale BRASSIER ⁽²⁾

Cet article vise à explorer les pratiques des bureaux d’études liées à l’utilisation de la SED pour la M&V en France et à fournir un guide des bonnes pratiques.

L’option D du protocole IPMVP repose sur l’utilisation d’un modèle physique pour ajuster les consommations énergétiques. La Simulation Énergétique Dynamique (SED) est au cœur de cette approche, mais son usage soulève des défis : calage complexe, qualité des données, interopérabilité logicielle. Cet article propose un guide structuré des bonnes pratiques, enrichi par des retours terrain et des recommandations pour fiabiliser la SED dans les projets de M&V. Nous abordons les principes théoriques, les indicateurs de calage (NMBE, CV(RMSE)), l’apport des analyses de sensibilité et d’incertitude, ainsi que les freins identifiés par les acteurs qui implémentent ces méthodes et les pistes d’amélioration.

by Denis Tanguay *

Does an M&V Plan "adhere to"  or "comply with" the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP)? While this simple question may seem trivial, it can take on a different meaning depending on the context.

Wording such as “comply” or “shall” does not appear in the IPMVP. However, the absence of binding language in the IPMVP does not mean it cannot serve as a compliance document; to the contrary, it can. There is a whole section that describes what adherence to the IPMVP entails. Adherence or compliance will depend on the IPMVP's binding in different situations and contexts.

The binding effect of a document typically requires the approval of a statutory authority, such as a government. But it could also be binding if compliance or adherence is explicitly cited in a financial assistance program, for instance. In context, there are multiple instances worldwide that make the IPMVP a compliance protocol.