Energy Efficiency and Conservation Flashcards
6 cards from real Energy and Utilities practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Energy Efficiency and Conservation flashcards as text
What is the 'split incentive' problem in commercial building energy efficiency?
Answer: When building owners pay for efficiency upgrades but tenants receive the utility bill savings
The split incentive barrier occurs when landlords who pay for efficiency improvements don't receive the utility savings — those go to tenants who pay the bills.
What is 'energy intensity' as an economic metric?
Answer: Energy consumption per unit of GDP or economic output
Energy intensity measures how much energy is used per unit of economic output (like GDP), indicating the energy efficiency of an economy or sector.
What does 'power factor correction' do in an industrial facility?
Answer: Reduces reactive power demand to improve electrical efficiency and lower utility demand charges
Power factor correction, typically using capacitor banks, reduces the reactive current drawn from the utility, improving system efficiency and avoiding power factor penalties.
What is a 'building energy benchmark' requirement, as adopted by many US cities?
Answer: A law requiring commercial buildings to measure, report, and often disclose their annual energy use
Energy benchmarking ordinances require commercial building owners to track annual energy use intensity (EUI) using EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and report it to the city.
What is an 'energy performance contract' (EPC) with an ESCO?
Answer: A financing arrangement where an energy service company guarantees energy savings to pay for efficiency upgrades
In an EPC, an Energy Service Company (ESCO) installs efficiency measures and guarantees the resulting energy cost savings will cover the project financing payments.
What is 'ISO 50001' and its relevance to US energy users?
Answer: An international standard for energy management systems that helps organizations improve energy performance
ISO 50001 provides a framework for establishing, implementing, and improving energy management systems (EnMS) to systematically reduce energy use and costs.