For new construction, IPMVP Option D builds a 'virtual baseline' via thermal simulation of a reference building (typically meeting current RT/RE requirements but with standard, non-performant equipment) and then compares it to the actual delivered building.

Option D for new construction uses a virtual baseline: a model of an equivalent building built to the minimum regulatory performance (RT2012 or RE2020 with standard equipment). The reporting side is the delivered building, with its model calibrated against real measurements. Savings are the difference between the virtual baseline and the reporting model. Typical use cases include HQE/BREEAM projects and labels that require proof of performance versus a code-compliant scenario.

Get the virtual baseline assumptions blessed by the owner before construction — retro-fitting them after handover invariably triggers disputes.