How to Build an Energy Dashboard for Measurement and Verification

When it comes to working with a facility to achieve lasting and growing energy savings, one of the most effective tools you can implement is an energy dashboard for measurement and verification (M&V).

An intuitive, data-driven dashboard not only provides ongoing insights—it also empowers you to validate and quantify the success of your energy efficiency initiatives.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step approach to setting up an energy dashboard for measurement and verification:

Step 1: Build a Baseline Regression Model

Start by creating a baseline mathematical regression model using daily interval data. At its most basic, this includes electricity consumption data combined with relevant weather variables—such as heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD).

This model helps you estimate what energy use should be under normal conditions, providing a reliable benchmark for measuring improvements.

Step 2: Set Up Automatic Daily Data Collection

The next step is to automate your daily data acquisition. Integrate energy meter data and weather data feeds so the dashboard always reflects the latest information. This real-time capability is crucial for early detection of anomalies and consistent tracking.

Step 3: Create a Visual Dashboard

Design a user-friendly dashboard that displays both the predicted baseline energy use and the actual consumption. The dashboard should make it easy to compare performance at a glance and flag deviations that may indicate opportunities for further savings or operational issues.

Step 4: Take Action to Improve Efficiency

With the dashboard in place, begin implementing energy-saving actions. These may include capital upgrades (e.g., more efficient HVAC systems), or ongoing tuning and optimization (like scheduling improvements or control adjustments).

Step 5: Track Savings Over Time

Use your dashboard to track and quantify savings. Because your model reflects expected energy use, deviations due to implemented measures can be measured directly—transforming assumptions into verifiable outcomes.

Step 6: Investigate Unexpected Behavior

Regularly review the dashboard for anomalies—such as sudden increases in usage or system inefficiencies. These could be signs of non-conformities, like a timeclock being bypassed. Catching these issues early helps prevent savings losses and maintains operational integrity.

Three Key Benefits of Energy Dashboard for Measurement and Verification

Implementing this approach delivers:

1. Verifiable energy savings – No more rough estimates; you’ll have a solid basis for performance assessment.
2. Clear financial and environmental value – Quantify results in dollars and emissions reductions.
3. Early problem detection – Spot issues before they cause significant waste or costs.

What Skills Do You Need?

To implement and manage an energy dashboard for measurement and verification, a few key capabilities are essential:

• Measurement and Verification (M&V) expertise: Understanding how to create statistically robust models is vital.  Undertaking the Efficiency Valuation Organization’s Performance Measurement and Verification Analyst (PMVA) and Expert (PMVE) certifications are highly recommended for building this foundation.
• Technical integration skills: Automating data feeds and developing dashboards requires familiarity with building automation systems and basic coding.
• Energy auditing and project evaluation skills: Prioritizing measures based on cost-effectiveness, reliability, and risk requires solid analytical judgment. Consider pursuing the Investment Grade Energy Auditor Certification to deepen these skills.

If your organization’s financial year ends June 30, now is the perfect time to start!

Final Thoughts

Setting up an energy dashboard for measurement and verification is one of the most strategic moves a facility manager or energy professional can make. It turns energy management into a proactive, measurable, and financially impactful process.