Establishing Savings Algorithms and Evaluation Procedures for Emerging Technologies and Innovative Program Approaches

Mature efficiency programs are faced with a combination of aggressive savings goals and restricted opportunities associated with their existing measure menus. As a result, they are looking to emerging technologies and new program approaches to keep efficiency advancing in the commercial sector. In order to incorporate these new technologies and approaches, solid savings assumptions and appropriate evaluation protocols will need to be established. This paper will discuss the Forum’s research activities and protocol recommendations for:  Emerging Technologies o LED/solid state lighting o Advanced power strips o Ductless mini-split AC and heat pumps o Biomass wood pellet boilers o Heat pump water heaters  Innovative Program Approaches o Commissioning and retro-commissioning programs o Commercial lighting design programs o Whole building retrofit programs o Multi-family whole building retrofits The paper will also explore the potential of these technologies and approaches for obtaining persistent program savings. The development of robust savings assumptions, protocols, and algorithms will be discussed as will the adoption of defensible deemed savings values. The Forum’s recommended evaluation protocols, which will assist impact evaluators in assessing the performance of non-conventional projects and programs, will be presented and compared to established evaluation conventions.