ESCO ESCO Water Conservation and Efficiency 2

Question 1

Which US federal program sets WaterSense labeled product standards that ESCOs reference when specifying plumbing fixtures?

Accepted Answer

EPA WaterSense

Answer

EPA WaterSense certifies products that are at least 20% more water-efficient than standard fixtures, giving ESCOs a recognized specification benchmark.

Question 2

A school district ESCO project installs sub-meters on irrigation zones. What irrigation control upgrade most directly reduces water waste?

Accepted Answer

Weather-based (ET) smart controllers that adjust schedules based on evapotranspiration data

Answer

ET-based controllers automatically reduce irrigation when rainfall or low temperatures reduce plant water demand, preventing over-watering.

Question 3

In a performance contract, who typically bears the financial risk if measured water savings fall below the guaranteed level?

Accepted Answer

The ESCO bears the shortfall risk and must compensate the customer for the difference

Answer

A hallmark of ESCO performance contracts is that the ESCO guarantees the savings and is financially responsible if actual savings fall short.

Question 4

What is 'blowdown' in the context of a cooling tower water management program?

Accepted Answer

The intentional discharge of concentrated water to control dissolved solids levels in the tower basin

Answer

Blowdown removes water with high concentrations of dissolved minerals to prevent scale and corrosion, and reducing unnecessary blowdown conserves water.

Question 5

Which standard published by ASHRAE provides guidance on water use benchmarking in commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

ASHRAE Standard 191P (Standard for the Efficient Use of Water in Building, Site, and Mechanical Systems)

Answer

ASHRAE 191P specifically addresses water efficiency in buildings and provides the framework ESCOs use when benchmarking and designing water measures.

ESCO - Energy Service Company Practice Test

ESCO - Energy Service Company Practice Test

ESCO ESCO Water Conservation and Efficiency 2