Energy and Sustainability Professionals Flashcards

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'net zero energy' in building design?

Answer: Annual on-site renewable energy production equals total annual energy consumption

A net zero energy building produces as much energy from on-site renewable sources over a year as it consumes, resulting in a net annual energy balance of zero.

In ASHRAE 90.1, what does the acronym 'EUI' stand for and how is it used?

Answer: Energy Use Intensity — annual energy use per square foot of floor area

EUI (Energy Use Intensity) is expressed in kBtu/ft²/year and is used to compare energy performance across buildings of similar type and climate.

A Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) achieves efficiency gains primarily through which mechanism?

Answer: Moving heat from surrounding air into the water rather than generating heat directly

HPWHs use refrigeration cycle principles to extract heat from ambient air and transfer it to the water, achieving Coefficients of Performance (COP) of 2.0–4.0.

Under the IECC 2021 commercial code, which of the following roof assemblies would have the HIGHEST required minimum R-value for Climate Zone 6?

Answer: Attic and other roofs

Attic and other roof assemblies have higher minimum R-value requirements than above-deck or metal building assemblies in IECC Table C402.1.3 because they use lower-cost cavity insulation.

Which ICC standard specifically addresses the construction of green residential buildings, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and site sustainability?

Answer: ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS)

ICC 700, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), is specifically developed for residential green building and covers energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and site sustainability.

What is the principal function of a Building Automation System (BAS) in the context of energy code compliance?

Answer: Centralized monitoring and control of HVAC, lighting, and other building systems to optimize energy use

A BAS integrates control of mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems, enabling coordinated scheduling, demand response, and fault detection that collectively reduce energy consumption.

When an ICC energy plans examiner reviews submittals for a new commercial building, which document is MOST critical for verifying envelope thermal performance compliance?

Answer: Architectural drawings with insulation R-values, fenestration schedules, and area calculations

Architectural drawings provide the envelope area takeoffs, insulation specifications, and fenestration U-factor/SHGC data required to verify compliance with prescriptive or performance envelope requirements.