CPACE Energy Efficiency 3

Question 1

A PACE lender requires a 'technical review' of an energy efficiency project proposal. What does this review primarily assess?

Accepted Answer

Whether projected energy savings are reasonable and the measures are sound

Answer

Technical review validates that the proposed measures will deliver projected savings and that the project scope and cost are appropriate for the claimed benefits.

Question 2

What is the primary role of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) in a commercial HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

To modulate motor speed to match actual load, reducing energy consumption

Answer

VFDs allow pumps and fans to operate at partial speed when full capacity is not needed, dramatically reducing energy use since power scales with the cube of speed.

Question 3

In commercial lighting retrofits, what does 'lighting power density' (LPD) measure?

Accepted Answer

Watts of lighting per square foot of floor area

Answer

LPD (W/sq ft) is the key metric used in energy codes to limit how much power a building's lighting system can consume.

Question 4

A commercial property installs a cool roof coating. Which mechanism primarily reduces building cooling loads?

Accepted Answer

Higher solar reflectance reduces heat absorbed by the roof surface

Answer

Cool roofs reflect more sunlight (high solar reflectance), keeping the roof cooler and reducing heat conducted into the building.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'retro-commissioning' as a PACE-eligible energy efficiency measure?

Accepted Answer

Systematic process to optimize existing building systems to their intended performance

Answer

Retro-commissioning identifies and corrects operational deficiencies in existing systems—such as HVAC scheduling errors or sensor drift—to restore optimal energy performance.

(CPACE) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Practice Test

(CPACE) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Practice Test

CPACE Energy Efficiency 3