EMP Sustainable Practices & Conservation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which metric is most commonly used to benchmark a building's energy performance against similar facilities in the US?
- Energy Use Intensity (EUI) (Correct answer)
- Peak Demand Factor (PDF)
- Thermal Resistance Index (TRI)
- Carbon Offset Ratio (COR)
Correct answer: Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) measures energy consumed per square foot per year and is the standard ENERGY STAR benchmarking metric.
Question 2: A facility manager wants to reduce standby power losses. Which strategy is MOST effective for office equipment?
- Replacing all equipment with newer models annually
- Installing smart power strips with occupancy sensing (Correct answer)
- Increasing HVAC cooling to offset heat generated by equipment
- Scheduling weekly equipment audits
Correct answer: Installing smart power strips with occupancy sensing
Smart power strips automatically cut power to devices in standby mode, directly eliminating phantom loads.
Question 3: Under the ISO 50001 framework, what is the primary output of an Energy Review?
- A list of capital equipment to replace
- Identification of significant energy uses and improvement opportunities (Correct answer)
- A carbon credit portfolio
- Monthly utility billing reconciliation
Correct answer: Identification of significant energy uses and improvement opportunities
ISO 50001 requires an Energy Review to identify significant energy uses (SEUs) and opportunities for energy performance improvement.
Question 4: Which type of insulation has the highest R-value per inch, making it ideal for space-constrained retrofits?
- Fiberglass batt
- Cellulose blown-in
- Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF) (Correct answer)
- Mineral wool board
Correct answer: Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF)
Closed-cell SPF provides approximately R-6 to R-7 per inch, the highest of common insulation types.
Question 5: A manufacturing plant switches from a compressed air pressure of 110 psi to 90 psi system-wide. What is the approximate energy savings?
- 1% per 2 psi reduction
- 0.5% per 1 psi reduction
- 5% per 10 psi reduction (Correct answer)
- 10% per 5 psi reduction
Correct answer: 5% per 10 psi reduction
A commonly cited rule of thumb is that reducing compressed air pressure by 10 psi saves approximately 5% of compressor energy.
Question 6: What does the term 'demand response' refer to in the context of utility programs?
- Automatically generating power on-site when utility rates rise
- Reducing or shifting electricity load during peak grid stress periods at utility request (Correct answer)
- Increasing production capacity to respond to market demand
- Installing smart meters to track real-time consumption
Correct answer: Reducing or shifting electricity load during peak grid stress periods at utility request
Demand response programs incentivize customers to reduce or shift electrical loads during peak demand or high-price periods.
Question 7: Which lighting control strategy yields the greatest energy savings in a daylit perimeter office zone?
- Occupancy-only sensors
- Continuous daylight dimming with occupancy sensing (Correct answer)
- Scheduled on/off timers
- High-efficiency T8 fluorescent lamps without controls
Correct answer: Continuous daylight dimming with occupancy sensing
Combining continuous daylight dimming with occupancy sensing captures both daylight harvesting and unoccupied-period savings.
EMP Sustainable Practices & Conservation 2
Which metric is most commonly used to benchmark a building's energy performance against similar facilities in the US?