Certified Energy Auditor Certification Audit Strategy and Planning 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'degree-day normalization' accomplish when analyzing a facility's historical energy data?
- It converts energy units from kWh to BTU
- It adjusts energy consumption for variations in outdoor temperature to reveal true usage trends (Correct answer)
- It calculates the depreciation of HVAC equipment
- It normalizes energy costs for inflation
Correct answer: It adjusts energy consumption for variations in outdoor temperature to reveal true usage trends
Degree-day normalization removes the influence of weather variation from consumption data, allowing auditors to compare energy use across years with different climates.
Question 2: Which regulatory framework most directly influences the scope of a federal facility energy audit in the US?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910
- Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) (Correct answer)
- Clean Air Act Section 112
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Correct answer: Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA)
EPAct 1992, EPAct 2005, and EISA 2007 mandate energy audits, metering, and reduction goals for federal facilities, directly shaping audit scope and reporting requirements.
Question 3: An auditor identifies an ECM with a high NPV but a 12-year simple payback. How should this be presented to the client?
- Exclude it from the report since payback exceeds 5 years
- Present both metrics and note the long-term financial benefit versus short-term cash flow impact (Correct answer)
- Report only the NPV to avoid discouraging the client
- Recommend immediate implementation without financial context
Correct answer: Present both metrics and note the long-term financial benefit versus short-term cash flow impact
Presenting multiple financial metrics gives the client a complete picture, allowing them to weigh long-term value against short-term capital constraints.
Question 4: What is the role of a 'measurement and verification (M&V) plan' in the context of audit strategy?
- It schedules equipment preventive maintenance
- It defines how energy savings from implemented ECMs will be measured and confirmed after installation (Correct answer)
- It establishes the audit fee payment schedule
- It certifies the auditor's credentials
Correct answer: It defines how energy savings from implemented ECMs will be measured and confirmed after installation
An M&V plan (per IPMVP protocols) specifies the methodology, metering points, and calculation approach used to verify that implemented ECMs deliver projected savings.
Question 5: A manufacturing facility's energy costs are dominated by demand charges. What should the auditor prioritize in the audit plan?
- Lighting efficiency upgrades
- Peak demand reduction strategies such as load shifting and demand response (Correct answer)
- Compressed air leak surveys
- Building envelope improvements
Correct answer: Peak demand reduction strategies such as load shifting and demand response
When demand charges dominate utility bills, reducing peak kW demand through load shifting, scheduling, or storage has the greatest financial impact.
Question 6: Which document published by ASHRAE provides the standard definitions for audit levels I, II, and III?
- ASHRAE Standard 55
- ASHRAE Standard 100 and the Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE Standard 62.1
- ASHRAE Guideline 14
Correct answer: ASHRAE Standard 100 and the Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits
ASHRAE Standard 100 and the ASHRAE Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits define the three audit levels and their associated scope requirements.
Question 7: During audit planning, an auditor learns the facility recently replaced its chillers. How should this affect the audit strategy?
- Exclude the chiller plant from the audit entirely
- Note the upgrade and focus chiller analysis on operational optimization rather than equipment replacement (Correct answer)
- Recommend replacing the new chillers again with higher-efficiency models
- Cancel the HVAC portion of the audit
Correct answer: Note the upgrade and focus chiller analysis on operational optimization rather than equipment replacement
Recently upgraded equipment is unlikely to be a replacement ECM candidate, but operational and controls optimization can still yield savings from new systems.
Certified Energy Auditor Certification Audit Strategy and Planning 4
What does 'degree-day normalization' accomplish when analyzing a facility's historical energy data?