Energy and Sustainability Professionals Flashcards

What does the term 'thermal bridging' refer to in building envelope design?

Answer: Heat conduction through a highly conductive element bypassing insulation

Thermal bridging occurs when a conductive material like steel framing bypasses the insulation layer, creating a path of least resistance for heat flow.

ICC's IECC Climate Zone 1 is characterized by which of the following conditions?

Answer: Very hot and humid or dry with minimal heating needs

IECC Climate Zone 1 represents the hottest climates in the US, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico, with very low heating degree days and high cooling loads.

Which of the following is a required component of an IECC-compliant commercial building energy certificate per Section C401.3?

Answer: Insulation R-values and fenestration U-factors as installed

IECC Section C401.3 requires a permanent certificate listing installed insulation R-values, fenestration U-factors, and SHGC values to be posted in a conspicuous location.

In ASHRAE Standard 62.1, what is the primary purpose of the Ventilation Rate Procedure?

Answer: To establish minimum outdoor air supply rates based on occupancy and floor area

ASHRAE 62.1's Ventilation Rate Procedure calculates minimum outdoor air based on two components: people-based and area-based ventilation rates.

What is the primary benefit of using a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system compared to a conventional split system?

Answer: Simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones with heat recovery

Heat-recovery VRF systems can simultaneously provide heating and cooling to different zones by redistributing refrigerant, significantly improving overall efficiency.

Under IECC 2021, automatic lighting shutoff controls are required in commercial spaces larger than how many square feet?

Answer: 1,000 sq ft

IECC 2021 Section C405.2 requires automatic lighting shutoff controls in commercial buildings with spaces larger than 1,000 square feet.

Which compliance pathway under IECC 2021 for commercial buildings allows trade-offs between envelope, lighting, and mechanical systems?

Answer: Total Building Performance (energy simulation)

The Total Building Performance path using whole-building energy simulation allows trade-offs across all systems as long as the modeled energy cost does not exceed the baseline.