How to Use M&V to Track the Persistence of Savings Over Time

How to Use M&V to Track the Persistence of Savings Over Time

Reading Time: ~15 minutes
Key Takeaway: M&V is the only reliable way to confirm that energy savings last—not just in the first year, but throughout the life of a project.

Introduction 

Many energy projects look successful at the start. Reports show savings, targets are met, and everyone moves on. But months later, energy use creeps back up. Equipment settings change. Operations drift. The savings quietly disappear.

This is a serious problem. Without proof that savings last, decision-makers lose confidence, ESCO relationships weaken, and future investments become harder to justify. Short-term success means very little if long-term performance is unknown.

That’s why How to Use M&V to Track the Persistence of Savings Over Time is so important. Measurement and Verification is not just about proving initial savings. It is the tool that confirms whether those savings continue, decline, or disappear—and why.

Summary Box

This article explains:

• What “persistence of savings” really means

• Why savings often erode over time

• How M&V detects performance drift early

• Key data, methods, and indicators to monitor

• How to use M&V results to protect long-term value

What Is Persistence of Savings?

Persistence of savings means one simple thing:
Do the energy savings still exist over time?

Savings persistence looks at:

• Whether savings remain stable

• Whether they improve

• Or whether they decline

How to Use M&V to Track the Persistence of Savings Over Time starts by treating savings as something that must be maintained, not assumed.

Why Initial Savings Are Not Enough

First-year savings can be misleading.

They often benefit from:

• Fresh installations

• Strong attention

• Temporary behaviour changes

Over time, attention fades and conditions change.

Common Reasons Savings Fade Over Time

Savings erosion is common and predictable.

Typical causes include:

• Equipment settings being changed

• Poor maintenance

• Operational changes

• Staff turnover

• Lack of monitoring

Without M&V, these issues stay hidden.

Why M&V Is Essential for Long-Term Tracking

Energy bills alone don’t tell the full story.

M&V provides:

• Structured tracking

• Consistent comparisons

• Clear explanations for changes

This is the core of How to Use M&V to Track the Persistence of Savings Over Time.

Setting the Right Baseline for Long-Term Tracking

A weak baseline weakens long-term analysis.

A good baseline must be:

• Well-documented

• Stable

• Adjustable for known variables

Persistence can only be measured against a strong reference point.

Choosing an M&V Approach That Supports Persistence

Not all M&V approaches are equal.

For long-term tracking:

• Whole-facility M&V supports trend analysis

• Retrofit isolation provides equipment-level insight

Choose based on risk and objectives.

Why Consistency in Method Matters

Changing methods breaks comparability.

Consistent M&V:

• Builds confidence in trends

• Reduces disputes

• Makes long-term data meaningful

Stability supports insight.

Tracking Performance Over Multiple Periods

Persistence is observed over time, not once.

Effective M&V tracks:

• Monthly trends

• Seasonal patterns

• Year-on-year changes

Patterns reveal problems early.

Normalisation Keeps Comparisons Fair

Conditions change.

M&V must account for:

• Weather

• Production levels

• Operating hours

Normalisation ensures changes are real, not misleading.

Identifying Performance Drift Early

Drift is gradual, not sudden.

M&V helps by:

• Highlighting small deviations

• Flagging abnormal patterns

• Prompting early action

Early detection protects savings.

Key Indicators That Savings Are Declining

Warning signs include:

• Rising energy intensity

• Increasing adjustment factors

• Higher variance from expected performance

M&V makes these visible.

The Role of Metering in Long-Term Tracking

Good metering is critical.

Reliable meters:

• Reduce estimation

• Improve confidence

• Support trend analysis

Poor metering hides deterioration.

Data Quality Over Time Matters More Than Volume

More data is not always better.

Long-term M&V needs:

• Consistent data

• Reliable collection

• Regular validation

Quality sustains trust.

Using Control Charts and Trends

Visual tools help interpretation.

Trend charts:

• Make drift obvious

• Support communication

• Encourage action

They simplify complex data.

Linking M&V Results to Maintenance

Maintenance affects performance directly.

M&V can:

• Highlight maintenance-related issues

• Support proactive servicing

• Justify maintenance budgets

This keeps systems efficient.

Operational Changes and Their Impact

Operations never stay static.

M&V helps:

• Separate operational impacts from savings loss

• Adjust baselines fairly

• Maintain credibility

Change must be managed, not ignored.

Behavioural Savings and Persistence

Behaviour-based savings fade fastest.

M&V reveals:

• Whether behaviour changes stick

• When reminders are needed

• Where retraining helps

Behaviour needs reinforcement.

The Role of Training in Savings Persistence

Untrained staff undo savings.

M&V data:

• Identifies knowledge gaps

• Supports targeted training

• Reinforces correct practices

People sustain performance.

Managing Equipment Degradation

Equipment ages.

M&V detects:

• Efficiency loss

• Control failures

• Declining performance

Early intervention saves cost.

Using M&V to Support Recommissioning

Recommissioning restores performance.

M&V:

• Identifies when it’s needed

• Confirms its effectiveness

• Supports decision-making

This extends savings life.

Contractual Importance in ESCO Projects

In ESCO contracts, persistence is critical.

M&V:

• Supports performance guarantees

• Protects both parties

• Prevents disputes

This reinforces trust.

Financial Implications of Savings Loss

Lost savings mean:

• Reduced ROI

• Missed targets

• Weakened business cases

M&V protects financial value.

Reporting Persistence Clearly to Stakeholders

Stakeholders need clarity.

Good reporting:

• Shows trends simply

• Explains causes

• Recommends actions

Transparency builds confidence.

Avoiding “One-Year Success Syndrome”

Short-term focus is risky.

M&V shifts focus to:

• Long-term outcomes

• Continuous improvement

• Sustained value

Persistence is the real success metric.

Integrating Persistence Tracking Into Management Reviews

Persistence should be reviewed regularly.

Management reviews should:

• Discuss trends

• Address risks

• Allocate resources

Leadership support matters.

Using M&V to Justify Further Investment

Strong persistence data:

• Builds confidence

• Supports expansion

• Encourages reinvestment

Proof unlocks future projects.

Portfolio-Level Persistence Tracking

For multiple sites:

• Standardised M&V improves comparison

• Centralised tracking reveals patterns

• Shared learning improves results

Scale increases insight.

Common Mistakes in Tracking Persistence

Avoid:

• Ignoring small deviations

• Changing methods midstream

• Poor documentation

• Infrequent reviews

Discipline matters.

Setting Realistic Expectations About Persistence

Not all savings last forever.

M&V helps:

• Set realistic lifespans

• Plan renewals

• Avoid disappointment

Honesty builds trust.

Using M&V Findings to Drive Action

Data without action is wasted.

M&V should:

• Trigger investigations

• Support decisions

• Lead to improvements

Action sustains savings.

Turning M&V Into a Continuous Improvement Tool

Persistence tracking supports learning.

Over time, organisations:

• Improve designs

• Refine operations

• Strengthen controls

M&V enables maturity.

Aligning Persistence Tracking With AEMAS and ISO Systems

M&V integrates well with management systems.

It supports:

• Continuous improvement cycles

• Performance monitoring

• Objective decision-making

Integration strengthens governance.

Making Persistence Everyone’s Responsibility

Savings don’t persist by accident.

Shared responsibility:

• Improves vigilance

• Reduces dependency

• Strengthens culture

People protect performance.

The Cost of Not Tracking Persistence

Without tracking:

• Savings silently disappear

• Problems go unnoticed

• Confidence erodes

M&V is cheaper than loss.

Why Persistence Defines Project Success

Real success is long-term.

M&V proves:

• What works

• What lasts

• What needs fixing

Persistence defines value.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Energy savings only matter if they last. How to Use M&V to Track the Persistence of Savings Over Time shows that Measurement and Verification is not just about proving initial results—it is about protecting long-term performance, credibility, and financial value. With the right M&V approach, organisations can detect drift early, correct issues, and ensure savings remain real year after year. If you want to safeguard your energy investments and confidently track savings over time, WhatsApp or call 013-300 6284 today for expert support in designing M&V strategies that deliver lasting results.