Energy Management & Sustainability Flashcards

What is the purpose of a building automation system (BAS) in relation to energy management?

Answer: To centrally monitor and control HVAC, lighting, and other systems to optimize energy use

A BAS integrates control of HVAC, lighting, and other building systems into a central platform, enabling automated optimization strategies that reduce energy waste.

Which federal program benchmarks commercial building energy performance and allows buildings to earn the ENERGY STAR label?

Answer: EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool that tracks and benchmarks energy and water use; buildings scoring 75 or above are eligible for the ENERGY STAR certification.

A commissioning (Cx) process applied to an existing building to optimize its energy performance is known as:

Answer: Retro-commissioning (RCx)

Retro-commissioning (RCx) is the process of investigating and optimizing existing building systems that were never previously commissioned or have drifted from original design intent.

Which renewable energy system generates electricity directly from sunlight using semiconductor panels?

Answer: Photovoltaic (PV) system

Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly into electricity via the photovoltaic effect in semiconductor materials, making them the most common rooftop renewable energy option.

What is a 'green lease' in commercial real estate?

Answer: A lease that includes provisions aligning tenant and landlord incentives for energy and sustainability goals

A green lease includes clauses that encourage or require sustainable practices by both landlord and tenant, addressing energy efficiency, cost-sharing, and reporting obligations.

Which waste management strategy ranks highest in the EPA's waste hierarchy for sustainability?

Answer: Source reduction and reuse

The EPA waste hierarchy prioritizes source reduction and reuse at the top because preventing waste generation is more sustainable than managing waste after it is created.

What is the main advantage of a variable frequency drive (VFD) installed on a pump or fan motor?

Answer: It adjusts motor speed to match actual load demand, significantly reducing energy consumption

VFDs control motor speed to precisely match the required flow or pressure, and since power consumption varies as the cube of speed, even small speed reductions yield large energy savings.