REP Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of an energy audit in a commercial facility?

Accepted Answer

To identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and improve operational efficiency

Answer

To verify that a facility's renewable energy certificates are valid

Answer

To calculate the facility's carbon offset credits for trading

Answer

To confirm compliance with local building permits

Question 2

The ENERGY STAR program, administered by the U.S. EPA and DOE, certifies products and buildings that:

Accepted Answer

Meet strict energy efficiency performance standards set above the minimum code requirements

Answer

Use at least 50% renewable energy in their operation

Answer

Are manufactured using sustainable and recycled materials

Answer

Generate more energy than they consume on an annual basis

Question 3

Which of the following technologies is most directly associated with demand-side management by enabling automated control of home appliances based on grid signals?

Accepted Answer

Smart thermostats and home energy management systems (HEMS)

Answer

Concentrating solar power (CSP) mirrors

Answer

Variable-speed wind turbine generators

Answer

Underground pumped hydro storage

Question 4

What is the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Conservation involves behavioral changes to use less energy; efficiency achieves the same output with less energy input

Answer

Conservation means switching to renewables; efficiency means reducing fossil fuel use

Answer

Efficiency focuses on generation; conservation focuses on transmission losses

Answer

They are interchangeable terms with no meaningful distinction

Question 5

A building owner installs LED lighting to replace incandescent bulbs. Which of the following best describes this action from an energy efficiency perspective?

Accepted Answer

Energy efficiency improvement, because the same lighting level is maintained with significantly less electricity

Answer

Demand response, because the owner reduced load during a peak event

Answer

Fuel switching, because the energy source changed from thermal to electrical

Answer

Load shifting, because lighting use was moved to off-peak hours

Question 6

In the context of green building certifications in the U.S., which rating system awards points for both energy efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy generation?

Accepted Answer

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Answer

ISO 14001

Answer

OSHA 1926

Answer

IEEE 1547

Question 7

What is 'load factor' in electrical systems, and why is it important for energy efficiency?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of average load to peak load over a time period; a higher load factor indicates more consistent and efficient use of electrical infrastructure

Answer

The ratio of actual energy produced to the nameplate capacity of a generator; higher is always better for consumers

Answer

The percentage of electricity lost during transmission; lower percentages mean better grid efficiency

Answer

The number of hours per day a facility operates at full capacity; always measured over a 24-hour period