This page provides information about the Project Impact Assessment with Measurement and Verification (PIAM&V) method including:
- the phases of a PIAM&V project
- end-user equipment categories
- requirements
- guidance
- combined PIAM&V audit regimes
- relevant documentation.
Phases of a PIAM&V project
The PIAM&V method is based on internationally recognised measurement and verification principles to calculate energy savings from the installation, modification, replacement or removal of a wide range of end user equipment. It compares modelled energy consumption before an implementation with either modelled or measured energy consumption after the implementation has been commissioned. The method is designed to be completed progressively as the project moves through 4 key stages of the Measurement and Verification (M&V) process.
Key stages of the Measurement and Verification process
PIAM&V allows energy savings to be deemed for up to 10 years and can be used to calculate energy savings for any of the eligible fuel types included in the ESS Rule.
A key requirement is that all projects are deemed appropriate by an IPART approved independent Measurement and Verification Professional.
End-User Equipment (EUE) categories under PIAM&V
Nine EUE categories exist in the PIAM&V method:
- building envelope
- commercial heating/cooling
- industrial heating/cooling
- power generation systems
- power supply/distribution systems
- fluid transport and materials handling
- industrial processes (other)
- information and communication technology
- lighting.
These categories are described in the PIAM&V Method Guide and ESS Notice 08/2018 (including examples of equipment in each category).
ACPs must be accredited for the specific EUE category before the implementation date. Approved Measurement and Verification Professionals must also be approved for specific EUE categories and cannot provide M&V services under the PIAM&V method outside of their approval.
Clause 7A of the Rule
The PIAM&V method is set out in clause 7A of the Energy Savings Scheme Rule of 2009 (ESS Rule). You must comply with the method as set out in the ESS Rule as well as the:
- PIAM&V Method Application Requirements for Non-Routine Events and Adjustments (NRE-A Requirements) and the
- PIAM&V Method Requirements.
NRE-A Requirements
The NRE-A Requirements were developed by NSW Government to support clauses 7A.5B and 7A.5B1 of the ESS Rule. Clause 7A.5B defines the NRE- A requirements and clause 7A.5B1 provides requirements for how to manage non-routine events and non-routine adjustments. ACPs must apply the NRE-A requirements when using clause 7A.5B1 of the ESS Rule.
PIAM&V Method Requirements
The PIAM&V Method Requirements are requirements set out by IPART to provide clarity and certainty for ACPs, auditors and Measurement and Verification Professionals on certain aspects of the PIAM&V method. The PIAM&V Method Requirements (April 2023) have replaced all previous method requirements. The PIAM&V Method Requirements dated 21 February 2020 and PIAM&V Method Requirements (No 2) dated December 2021 were repealed on 14 April 2023.
The PIAM&V Method Requirements (April 2023) have been updated to be consistent with the ESS Rule that commenced on 14 April 2023. The April 2023 requirements allow Preliminary M&V Professional reports signed by the Energy Saver and M&V Professional prior to the 14 April 2023 to comply with the PIAM&V Method Requirements.
As PIAM&V Method Requirements (No. 2) has been repealed, any project requiring a non-routine adjustment regardless of the implementation date must now use the method set out in clause 7A.5B of the ESS Rule.
Guidance
The PIAM&V Method Guide has been developed to help you understand the method and comply with the requirements. The information in the guide is set out based on the 4 phases of an M&V project and includes approaches to both forward creation and top-up creation of energy savings certificates (ESC). Notice 02/2019 – Guidance for top up of Energy Savings under PIAM&V also provides information.
Combined audit regimes for PIAM&V
For PIAM&V method accreditations with more than one category of EUE, ACPs may request a volumetric ESC creation and audit limit for particular EUE categories.
To be approved, the ACP must demonstrate an understanding of the PIAM&V method for the relevant EUE category. The remaining EUE categories would retain the requirement for ESCs to be audited prior to registration (i.e. a pre-registration audit regime).
Refer to our Fact Sheet – Combined audit regimes for PIAM&V for more information, including how to apply for a combined audit regime.