Performance Measurement and Verification

What is Performance Measurement and Verification?

Confirmation of the performance of innovative solutions, technologies, products, and practices by qualified third parties based on independent data:

  • Supports the advancement of innovative solutions that address social, economic and environmental priorities
  • Provides reliable data to support performance-based regulations and informed procurement across global supply chains
  • Targets key sectors, such as energy, water, agriculture, transportation, buildings, infrastructure, etc.
  • Emphasizes incremental value, beyond "business as usual"

Why Performance Measurement and Verification?

Sustainable development: 

  • Priority for government, business, industry, communities, and individuals
  • Adoption and use of innovative, eco-efficient solutions supports sustainable development

Performance verification of innovative solutions demonstrates the value

  • Helps technology developers and solution providers convince investors and customers
  • Helps solution adopters and regulatory authorities justify decisions
  • Opens door to market adoption of eco-efficient solutions

How Performance Measurement and Verification functions?

Supply-side approach

  • Solution provider (vendor, proponent) puts forward a performance claim supported by quality-assured data from an independent source
  • Verification is driven by the priorities of the solution provider 

Demand-side approach

  • Stakeholders (users, buyers, regulators, others) determine key parameters prior to the submission of performance data
  • Verification based on market requirements and expectations of affected stakeholders

Performance Measurement and Verification benefits

  • Effective in understanding and evaluating proposed solutions and potential outcomes that have features and characteristics not fully addressed by existing standards
  • Provides proof of environmental performance in the context of the increasing number of international free trade agreements
  • Assists in addressing complex challenges where commitment to a proposed solution may involve tradeoffs about expected results and whether or not the proposed solution will result in substantial improvements
  • Facilitates informed decision-making through meaningful dialogue on complex, transformative issues.