Building Operations & Energy Management Flashcards

What does 'commissioning' of a new commercial building HVAC system involve?

Answer: Verifying that all systems are installed and operating according to design intent

Commissioning is the systematic process of verifying that all building systems are installed, tested, and operating according to the owner's project requirements and design intent.

In building energy management, what does a 'building automation system' (BAS) primarily control?

Answer: HVAC, lighting, and other mechanical systems through centralized monitoring and control

A BAS (also called a building management system or BMS) provides centralized monitoring and control of HVAC, lighting, and other building systems to optimize performance.

What is the primary purpose of an 'energy audit' conducted under ASHRAE Level II standards?

Answer: To identify energy conservation measures with detailed cost-benefit analysis

An ASHRAE Level II energy audit identifies a comprehensive list of energy conservation measures with detailed energy savings estimates and cost-benefit analysis.

Which metric is commonly used by BOMA members to measure water use efficiency in commercial buildings?

Answer: Water Use Intensity (WUI) in gallons per square foot per year

Water Use Intensity (WUI), measured in gallons per square foot per year, allows buildings to benchmark water consumption normalized by building size.

What is the primary advantage of LED lighting over fluorescent lighting in commercial buildings?

Answer: Significantly lower energy consumption and longer lifespan

LED lighting uses significantly less energy (typically 50-75% less than fluorescent) and lasts 2-4 times longer, providing both energy and maintenance cost savings.

Under BOMA best practices, what should a building's 'operations manual' include?

Answer: Emergency procedures, equipment documentation, vendor contacts, and maintenance schedules

A building operations manual should document emergency procedures, equipment specifications, vendor and contractor contacts, and preventive maintenance schedules.