EMP Energy Audits 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ASHRAE audit level involves a detailed analysis of capital-intensive modifications and requires engineering calculations?
- Level I – Walk-Through Analysis
- Level II – Energy Survey and Analysis
- Level III – Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications (Correct answer)
- Level IV – Commissioning Audit
Correct answer: Level III – Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications
ASHRAE Level III audits involve detailed engineering calculations for capital-intensive modifications to identify their costs and savings.
Question 2: In an energy audit, what does the term 'energy use intensity' (EUI) measure?
- Total annual energy cost per employee
- Energy consumption per square foot of floor area per year (Correct answer)
- Peak demand in kilowatts per ton of cooling
- Ratio of renewable to non-renewable energy use
Correct answer: Energy consumption per square foot of floor area per year
EUI is expressed in kBtu per square foot per year and allows comparison of energy performance across similar building types.
Question 3: A blower door test during an energy audit primarily quantifies which building characteristic?
- Insulation R-value of exterior walls
- Air infiltration rate of the building envelope (Correct answer)
- HVAC system static pressure losses
- Occupancy-based ventilation requirements
Correct answer: Air infiltration rate of the building envelope
A blower door depressurizes the building to measure air leakage, expressed in CFM50 or ACH50, revealing envelope tightness.
Question 4: When benchmarking a facility against ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a score of 75 or above indicates the building is:
- Below average in energy performance compared to similar buildings
- In the top 25% of energy performers among similar buildings (Correct answer)
- Eligible for LEED Platinum certification
- Compliant with ASHRAE 90.1 baseline requirements
Correct answer: In the top 25% of energy performers among similar buildings
An ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher means the building performs better than 75% of similar buildings nationwide, qualifying it for ENERGY STAR certification.
Question 5: During a lighting audit, what is the purpose of measuring illuminance with a light meter?
- To calculate the luminous efficacy of installed lamps
- To verify that light levels meet recommended foot-candle standards for the task (Correct answer)
- To determine the color rendering index of fixtures
- To measure the power factor of ballasts
Correct answer: To verify that light levels meet recommended foot-candle standards for the task
Measuring illuminance in foot-candles or lux verifies whether light levels meet IES recommended values for specific tasks and identifies over-lit or under-lit areas.
Question 6: Which document serves as the primary reference for minimum energy efficiency requirements for new commercial buildings in the US?
- ASHRAE 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
- ASHRAE 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential (Correct answer)
- IECC – International Energy Conservation Code
- NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code
Correct answer: ASHRAE 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential
ASHRAE 90.1 sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings and is the reference standard used by most US energy codes.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a 'trending analysis' of utility bills during an energy audit pre-analysis phase?
- To calculate real-time energy consumption from smart meters
- To identify seasonal patterns, anomalies, and changes in energy use over time (Correct answer)
- To compare the facility's energy mix against EPA guidelines
- To determine the utility's rate schedule and demand charges
Correct answer: To identify seasonal patterns, anomalies, and changes in energy use over time
Trending utility bills over 12–36 months reveals seasonal patterns, unusual spikes, and the impact of past operational changes before the site visit.
EMP Energy Audits 2
Which ASHRAE audit level involves a detailed analysis of capital-intensive modifications and requires engineering calculations?