Energy Efficiency Flashcards
7 cards from real CPACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Energy Efficiency flashcards as text
Which ASHRAE standard is most commonly referenced for energy audits in commercial buildings seeking PACE financing?
Answer: ASHRAE 90.1
ASHRAE 90.1 establishes minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings and is the primary benchmark for PACE energy audits.
A commercial building owner replaces single-pane windows with double-pane low-e glass. What primary energy benefit does this provide?
Answer: Reduced solar heat gain and conductive heat loss
Low-e double-pane windows reduce both solar heat gain in summer and conductive heat transfer in winter, lowering HVAC loads.
In a commercial PACE project, what does the term 'demand charge reduction' refer to?
Answer: Lowering peak kilowatt draw to reduce utility billing surcharges
Demand charges are billed based on peak kW usage during a billing period, and efficiency measures that flatten peak demand directly lower this cost.
Which metric best measures the overall energy performance of a commercial building for PACE underwriting purposes?
Answer: Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
EUI expresses energy use per square foot per year and is the standard benchmark for comparing commercial building energy performance.
A hotel installs occupancy-based HVAC controls in guest rooms. What PACE-eligible outcome does this primarily achieve?
Answer: Reduced conditioning of unoccupied spaces, lowering energy waste
Occupancy sensors cut HVAC operation when rooms are empty, directly reducing energy consumption and qualifying the measure as a verifiable efficiency improvement.
What is the purpose of a Measurement and Verification (M&V) plan in a PACE energy efficiency project?
Answer: To document and confirm actual energy savings after installation
M&V plans establish the methodology for measuring real energy savings post-installation, ensuring that projected savings are actually achieved.
Which envelope improvement would provide the greatest energy savings for a large commercial warehouse with minimal insulation in a heating-dominated climate?
Answer: Adding continuous roof insulation to meet or exceed code requirements
Roofs represent the largest surface area in warehouses, and adding proper insulation addresses the dominant heat loss pathway in cold climates.