The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) is often referred to as the “gold standard” for ensuring that energy efficiency investments deliver on their promises. One remarkable example of its application comes from the Derwent London case study, where the protocol played a critical role in unlocking massive savings for the real estate giant. This case highlights how IPMVP not only measures energy savings but also supports financial and sustainability goals in large-scale projects.
The Challenge: Rising Energy Costs and Sustainability Goals
Derwent London, a FTSE-listed commercial real estate company with a portfolio worth over £5.4 billion, faced the dual challenges of soaring energy costs and growing pressure to meet sustainability targets. Like many commercial property owners, they needed a solution that could both reduce energy expenses and cut carbon emissions without compromising tenant comfort.
With the help of EP&T Global, Derwent London implemented a series of energy-saving measures across their buildings. However, verifying the effectiveness of these measures was crucial to ensuring that the projected savings would materialize. This is where IPMVP came into play.
The Role of IPMVP in Measuring and Verifying Savings
EP&T Global, a specialist in energy data analytics, used IPMVP to measure and verify the energy savings generated by the project. Through continuous monitoring and performance analysis, they were able to identify inefficiencies, optimize building management systems, and implement corrective actions. Key energy-saving initiatives included:
- Optimizing heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
- Fixing malfunctioning temperature sensors.
- Adjusting night purge strategies.
- Rationalizing cleaning and security schedules to reduce unnecessary energy use.
The IPMVP framework allowed Derwent London to ensure that these adjustments translated into real, measurable energy savings. Continuous monitoring also helped identify areas of inefficiency that might have been overlooked in the past.
The Results: Substantial Energy and Financial Savings
The results of the IPMVP-driven project were impressive:
- Energy Savings: A 21% reduction in energy consumption across Derwent London’s portfolio.
- Financial Savings: £1.5 million in cumulative energy cost savings, which significantly improved the company’s bottom line.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction: The project prevented the emission of over 4,500 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to more than 2,000 flights from London to New York.
These outcomes not only helped Derwent London meet its environmental targets but also improved the overall value of its properties by enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Why This Matters for Energy Managers and Consumers
For energy managers and commercial property owners in the UK, the Derwent London case demonstrates the immense value of IPMVP. By using a standardised framework for measurement and verification, organizations can ensure that their energy efficiency projects deliver the promised savings. In a time of rising energy prices, this level of assurance is critical for maintaining profitability while meeting sustainability goals.
IPMVP also provides transparency and accountability, helping energy managers justify investments in energy efficiency to stakeholders. Whether it’s reducing energy bills, improving tenant satisfaction, or cutting carbon emissions, the protocol ensures that the results are real and measurable.
Encouraging Discussion: Is IPMVP the Future of Energy Management?
The success of IPMVP in projects like Derwent London raises important questions for the future of energy management. Should IPMVP become a standard requirement for all large-scale energy efficiency projects in the UK? Can smaller organizations benefit from this protocol, or is it better suited to large enterprises?
Sources:
Derwent London Case Study on EP&T Global: https://www.eptglobal.com/case-studies/derwent-london
White Paper on IPMVP by EP&T Global: https://www.eptglobal.com/hubfs/White%20Papers/EPT_WhitePaper_IPMVP.pdf
We’d love to hear your thoughts—what role do you think IPMVP should play in shaping the future of energy efficiency?
