CPACE Energy Efficiency 4

Question 1

A commercial building owner wants to qualify a boiler replacement for PACE financing. What must the new boiler demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Measurable improvement in thermal efficiency over the existing unit

Answer

PACE requires that financed measures result in documented energy savings, so the replacement boiler must show higher efficiency (e.g., higher AFUE or thermal efficiency) than the old unit.

Question 2

What does 'thermal bridging' mean in the context of commercial building envelope improvements?

Accepted Answer

Heat flow through highly conductive materials that bypass insulation layers

Answer

Thermal bridges are highly conductive elements (like steel studs or concrete columns) that allow heat to bypass insulation, significantly reducing actual thermal performance.

Question 3

In a PACE energy audit, what does 'simple payback period' represent?

Accepted Answer

Years required for energy savings to equal the initial project cost

Answer

Simple payback (cost divided by annual savings) gives a quick measure of how many years before cumulative energy savings recover the investment.

Question 4

A PACE project installs a Building Automation System (BAS). Which energy function does a BAS primarily perform?

Accepted Answer

Centrally monitors and controls HVAC, lighting, and other systems to optimize energy use

Answer

A BAS integrates control of multiple building systems, enabling scheduling, setpoint optimization, and fault detection that collectively reduce energy waste.

Question 5

Why is duct sealing a commonly approved PACE measure in commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

Leaky ducts waste conditioned air before it reaches occupied spaces, increasing HVAC energy use

Answer

Air leaks in duct systems mean the HVAC must condition more air than actually delivered, wasting 20–30% of heating and cooling energy in poorly sealed systems.

(CPACE) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Practice Test

(CPACE) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Practice Test

CPACE Energy Efficiency 4