The baseline is important for the EPC process because the savings achieved are monitored and reported based on the baseline reported. The SANS 50010 defines the baseline as: "energy use representing conditions before the implementation of the energy-savings measures under a set of known energy-governing factors or relationships applicable at the time of the baseline measurement period to the activity in question (or both)"
The equation used to calculate energy savings is shown below and it considers any adjustments that can be done and will affect the baseline (Pretorius, 2011). Energy saving = Baseline Period Energy Use – Reporting Period Energy Use +/- adjustments.
From the equation it is clear that energy savings cannot be directly measured since savings indicate an absence of energy use and the impact of the energy efficiency intervention is thus quantified by comparing the baseline and the reporting period. Baseline Establishment Options
There are essentially two approaches to determining a baseline. These are to determine your own baseline by installing an energy management system (EMS) or to require the external Measurement and Verification body to establish the baseline for you (here). These two approaches have advantages and disadvantages as outlined in the table below. In summary though, determining your own baseline with an installed energy management system is much more complicated, but allows for more functionality. Requiring the M&V body to establish the baseline is potentially more expensive in the long term, is more limited, but significantly easier to implement. More information on implementing your own energy management system can be found here.
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