Hilary Wood Shares Insights on Salix’s ‘The Decarbonisation Dialogue’ Podcast
“Data turns assumptions into evidence. It helps us understand what’s actually happening, what’s working, and what isn’t”
EEVS Director Hilary Wood recently featured on The Decarbonisation Dialogue podcast, a Salix initiative, sharing her journey into the energy sector and highlighting the critical role of measurement and verification (M&V) in delivering real-world energy savings and decarbonisation.
In the episode, Hilary explores how her engineering background led her into the world of energy performance, where robust data, transparent analysis and independent verification are essential to ensuring that energy efficiency and decarbonisation investments achieve genuine, measurable savings and all-important value for money.
From engineering to M&V leadership
Hilary’s career spans geothermal energy, fuel cell technologies and energy efficiency, before specialising in measurement and verification (M&V). Today, she plays a key role at EEVS in maintaining high standards aligned with IPMVP (International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol) and supporting organisations to validate their energy and carbon savings.
Her experience reflects the growing demand for trusted, independent expertise to assess whether projects are delivering on their promised energy performance improvements.
Why measurement & verification matters in decarbonisation
A central theme of the discussion was the importance of data-driven decarbonisation - Hilary highlighting how access to accurate energy data — such as smart meter insights — enables organisations to better understand consumption patterns and identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.
Crucially, measurement and verification (M&V) ensures that reported savings are credible, transparent and aligned with recognised standards such as IPMVP. This reduces risk for organisations investing in energy-saving initiatives and supports more confident decision-making.
The power of good data
One message that stands out from the discussion is the importance of good quality data. Whether applied to large-scale decarbonisation programmes or everyday energy use, data turns assumptions into evidence.
Hilary explained how energy consumption can vary significantly even across similar buildings, often driven by behavioural factors - . organisations and individuals have more influence over energy use than they might expect.
By making better use of available data — whether through smart meters, monitoring systems or structured M&V approaches — we can understand what is working, identify inefficiencies and take informed action to reduce energy consumption and costs.
“Data turns assumptions into evidence. It helps us understand what’s actually happening, what’s working, and what isn’t”
This perspective aligns closely with the role of measurement and verification in providing clarity, accountability and confidence in energy performance.
Building trust through independent verification
As the transition to net zero accelerates, the need for independent measurement and verification continues to grow. Without robust M&V, it’s difficult to demonstrate whether investment projects have delivered real energy, cost or carbon savings.
Hilary explained that independent verification provides this assurance to stakeholders, strengthens project credibility and helps organisations avoid overestimated savings — ultimately supporting better long-term decarbonisation decision-making.
This approach sits at the heart of EEVS’ services; helping clients to develop successful energy-saving and decarbonisation projects and deliver proven returns and value for money.
Listen to the episode
Hilary’s episode of The Decarbonisation Dialogue is available to stream.
About The Decarbonisation Dialogue
The Decarbonisation Dialogue podcast is an initiative by Salix which explores the people and projects shaping the path to net zero, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, carbon reduction and innovative approaches to sustainable energy management.
Find out how EEVS can support your project
Looking to ensure your energy efficiency project delivers real, measurable results?
EEVS provides independent measurement and verification (M&V) services in line with IPMVP, helping organisations confidently demonstrate energy savings, reduce risk and achieve their decarbonisation goals.
Find out more about EEVS’ independent M&V services and
get in touch to discuss your project requirements.
Hilary Wood
Director