Enhancing carbon accounting methods for energy efficiency measures in buildings – A case study

The building sector significantly contributes to global energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the critical role of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies in achieving decarbonization targets. Measurement and Verification (M&V) methodologies are essential to accurately quantify energy and carbon savings. Consequently, these methodologies can enhance trust in carbon accounting practices and further promote participation in carbon credit markets for actors in the building sector. In this framework, the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) VM0008 methodology presents a structured approach to quantify carbon emission reductions from building energy efficiency initiatives. However, integrating recent advancements in M&V and normative frameworks for energy performance in buildings provides opportunities for methodological improvements. This research leverages interpretable data-driven methods based on energy signature modelling to enhance the VM0008 version 1.1 framework. A case study involving a mixed-use building in Cesena, Italy, comprising residential units and commercial spaces, demonstrates the application of M&V methodologies using data-driven, counterfactual analysis for energy and carbon savings accounting. The study shows substantial improvements in energy and carbon accounting accuracy and interpreting performance deviations through physics-informed regression models. The findings underscore the value of integrating rigorous standardization and data-driven methods to improve the reliability and scalability of carbon accounting processes, paving the way for broader adoption and enhanced effectiveness of GHG reduction programs at scale.