LEED Energy and Atmosphere AP

Question 1

When establishing a baseline for building performance what will the audit team need to do? (Choose 2) A. Document the current facility requirements B. Compare the project building with similar building types C. Identify no and low-cost improvements D. Develop energy cost, demand, and use indexes E. Collect 1-3 years of utility bills

Answer 1

D. Develop energy cost, demand, and use indexes E. Collect 1-3 years of utility bills

Question 2

What must a project team do for EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance?
A. Gather 1-3 years of utility bills B. Establish a target energy goal using the energy use intensity (EUI) tool of ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager C. Conduct an ASHRAE Level 1 audit unless one has been conducted within the past five years D. Meter the building’s energy use for a full 12 months of continuous operation

Answer 2

D. Meter the building’s energy use for a full 12 months of continuous operation

Metering for a full 12 months of continuous operation is required.

Question 3

A packaged air-conditioning unit uses 7 pounds of refrigerant and its cooling capacity is 5 tons. What is its refrigerant charge?
A. 0.7 B. 12 C. 7.5 D. 1.4

Answer 3

D. 1.4

A refrigerant charge is the ratio of the total refrigerant used to the cooling capacity measured in lbs / ton (kg / kW).

7 lbs / 5 tons = 1.4

When using Option 2 of Enhanced Refrigerant Management the refrigeration charge is required documentation.

Question 4

A project team has an existing building commissioning plan resulting from the analysis of the building. What can this document serve as the foundation of?
A. Ongoing commissioning plan B. ASHRAE Level 1 Walkthrough C. Staff training D. ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit

Answer 4

A. Ongoing commissioning plan

The Ongoing Commissioning credit can use existing building commissioning plan to create the ongoing commissioning plan.

Question 5

What is a primary purpose of the ASHRAE Level II energy survey and analysis?
A. Perform a rough estimate energy use breakdown for major end-use categories, including weather and non-weather related uses B. Document mechanical and electrical system design drawings C. Perform a space-function analysis D. Identify modifications that will reduce operating costs

Answer 5

D. Identify modifications that will reduce operating costs

An ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit is an accounting assessment of equipment age and efficiency. It also addresses operating procedures.

Question 6

A project team is determining the gross area to be input into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. What area has special considerations?
A. Lobby B. Restrooms C. Elevator shafts D. Parking area

Answer 6

D. Parking area

If metered energy includes parking area, that should be entered separately. You can refer to the ENERGY STAR’s guidance for mixed use buildings.

Question 7

Regularly occupied spaces would include which of the following:
A. Corridor B. Break room C. Restroom D. Dorm room

Answer 7

D. Dorm room

For LEED only, the dorm room is considered a regularly occupied space.

Read the Space Categorization section of the EQ Overview at http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc for information on space types and occupied vs. unoccupied spaces.

Question 8

What will assist a project team keeping building performance on track for recertification?
A. Occupant comfort surveys B. Participation in a demand response program C. Ongoing commissioning D. Ongoing purchasing and waste policies

Answer 8

C. Ongoing commissioning

EA Ongoing Commissioning credit is a way to keep in tune with your building and keep on track. This program needs to be appropriate to the building size and complexity.

Question 9

A project team wants to include occupancy sensors to turn-off the lights when the occupants have left a space. What multi-occupant spaces would benefit from having the sensors installed?
A. Outdoor walkways B. Meeting rooms C. Private offices D. Hallways

Answer 9

B. Meeting rooms

Read the Space Categorization section of the EQ Overview at http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc for information on space types and occupied vs. unoccupied spaces.

For LEED an individual occupant space is ‘an area where an occupant performs distinct tasks. Individual occupant spaces may be within multioccupant spaces and should be treated separately where possible.’ (USGBC)

Question 10

In order to receive the maximum points for EA Credit Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets what percent of energy consumed during the performance period must be renewable?
A. 10% B. 7.5% C. 1.5% D. 4.5%

Answer 10

B. 7.5%

The credit can earn a total of 5 points. One point is awarded for each 1.5% renewable energy generated.

5 X 1.5 = 7.5%

Question 11

During the performance period what needs to be implemented for existing building commissioning?
A. Determine the major energy end uses B. Upgrades to any equipment that had a rate of return of 20% or more C. Training of building operations staff D. Replacing any system that had a cost-benefit ratio of 2-1

Answer 11

C. Training of building operations staff

This credit rewards teams who implement no or low cost operational improvements and develop a five year plan for equipment upgrades based on the commissioning or audit done for the previous credit.

Question 12

What are examples of spaces that are typically unoccupied?
(Choose 3)
A. Gymnasium B. Private office C. Inactive storage area in a warehouse D. Mechanical room E. Airplane hanger F. Data center floor area

Answer 12

C. Inactive storage area in a warehouse

D. Mechanical room F. Data center floor area

Question 13

A project team is working with an owner to determine what the quantity of Carbon Offsets will be for a project building. The building uses electricity for cooling and natural gas for heating. For the credit, how is the percentage of offsets calculated?
A. Based on the energy used that generates Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions B. Based on a percentage of the cost from the annual utility bills C. Based on the energy used that generates Scope 1 emissions only D. Based on the ENERGY STAR rating

Answer 13

A. Based on the energy used that generates Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions

Carbon Offsets are based on quantity of energy consumed. Since the owner wants to purchase carbon offsets, both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are calculated.

Question 14

An existing office building has a 20-year old chiller that uses CFC-11. An owner is considering pursuing LEED O+M certification. What statement is true about the project’s ability to earn certification?
A. The owner can implement a phase-out plan to earn LEED certification B. The owner must replace the chiller to earn LEED certification C. The owner will not be able to achieve a Platinum level certification D. The owner can leave the existing system in place if the annual leakage is reduced to 5% or less

Answer 14

A. The owner can implement a phase-out plan to earn LEED certification

Existing buildings that have CFC based systems are still eligible for certification. A phase out plan must be implemented.

Question 15

A retail project space has an HVAC system that uses refrigerants with an ODP of zero but a GWP greater than 50. What is true about the project’s ability to earn EA Credit Enhanced Refrigerant Management?
(Choose 2)
A. The project could earn the credit by demonstrating an annual emissions rate of no more than 20% B. The project could earn the credit by obtaining EPA GreenChill’s silver-level store certification C. The project could earn the credit by demonstrating an annual leakage rate of no more than 15% D. The project could earn the credit by showing the calculated refrigerant impact is less than 100 (in IP units)

Answer 15

B. The project could earn the credit by obtaining EPA GreenChill’s silver-level store certification

For retail projects if the store achieved the EPA GreenChill certification it counts as an alternative compliance path for meeting the additional requirements for a retail project in addition to meeting Option 1 or 2 for all HVAC systems.

D. The project could earn the credit by showing the calculated refrigerant impact is less than 100 (in IP units)

This would be a way to meet Option 2 when calculating the refrigerant impact.

Question 16

What is a difference between original commissioning and ongoing commissioning?
A. The original commissioning includes staff training while ongoing commissioning does not. B. The original commissioning focuses on fixing what currently exists in the system while the ongoing commissioning plan focuses on tracking system functionality through the future. C. The original commissioning does not include a 5-year plan for capital improvements while ongoing commissioning does. D. The original commissioning does not address no- and low-cost improvements while ongoing commissioning does.

Answer 16

B. The original commissioning focuses on fixing what currently exists in the system while the ongoing commissioning plan focuses on tracking system functionality through the future.

This is the primary difference.

Question 17

In addition to helping the energy auditor complete the requirements for EA Prerequisite Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices, a systems narrative can also help:
A. Calculating renewable energy system reductions B. Verify outside airflow rates for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality C. Documenting building functions by space type D. Identifying cleaning schedules

Answer 17

B. Verify outside airflow rates for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality

The systems narrative should include system specific set points, flows and capacities, which would help with IAQ.

Question 18

All of the following are some common reasons why a building might be ineligible for an ENERGY STAR score EXCEPT:
A. The project includes a data center or large computer area B. Projects have less than 12 consecutive months of data C. ‘Other’ space area is greater than 10% D. Multifamily space is greater than 10%

Answer 18

A. The project includes a data center or large computer area

Data centers are included in Portfolio Manager.

Question 19

How do renewable energy systems reduce the environmental and economic harms associated with fossil-fuel energy?
A. By increasing grid reliability B. By increasing the self-supply of renewable energy C. By supporting energy management D. By reducing excessive energy use

Answer 19

B. By increasing the self-supply of renewable energy

Question 20

What is the defining characteristic of ongoing commissioning?
A. Ongoing commissioning has discrete maintenance tasks B. Ongoing commissioning focuses on the requested delivery levels of indoor conditions C. Ongoing commissioning schedules are set by changes in facility occupancy and usage D. Ongoing commissioning activities are on a continual, 24-month cycle

Answer 20

D. Ongoing commissioning activities are on a continual, 24-month cycle

Question 21

Which team member is primarily responsible for lead development of the building operating plan and assisting resolving problems in an energy audit?
A. Building engineering staff B. Property manager C. Cx D. Owner

Answer 21

A. Building engineering staff

This is the role of the building engineering staff

Question 22

What is capital improvement that could help achieve at least a 5-10% improvement in energy efficiency?
A. Enable holiday scheduling of equipment B. Upgrade heating and cooling controls C. Stage and sequence boilers, chillers, and air-handling units D. Replace oversized equipment

Answer 22

D. Replace oversized equipment

Question 23

A project team for a hospitality project is considering load shifting to off-peak hours hot water storage and ice-making. What minimum load must be permanently shifted to earn Demand Response?
A. 5% of the total building energy demand B. 10% of the submetered energy used in the performance period C. 10% of the estimated hot water and ice-making energy use D. 10% of the measured or calculated peak load

Answer 23

D. 10% of the measured or calculated peak load

This is the minimum for Case 3 when permanently load shifting.

Question 24

Which activities relating to existing building commissioning are part of the commissioning cycle?
(Choose 2)
A. Avoidance of service failures B. Performance verification C. System testing D. Preventive maintenance

Answer 24

B. Performance verification

C. System testing

Question 25

What is the minimum frequency of analysis in the first year of Ongoing Commissioning?
A. Monthly B. Weekly C. Quarterly D. Bi-weekly

Answer 25

C. Quarterly

During the performance period, the teams update the systems manual, include quarterly reports and continue to update the O&M plan and CFR.

Question 26

What items are included in a Level I assessment to comply with EA Prerequisite Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices?
A. Current facilities report B. Capital improvements for further study C. Summarized one year of utility bills D. Current energy cost index, energy demand index, energy use index, and reduction goals

Answer 26

D. Current energy cost index, energy demand index, energy use index, and reduction goals

Question 27

An office project in a cold climate burns natural gas on-site for heating and uses electricity from the grid in warmer seasons for cooling. Which option can be used to mitigate both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions?
A. RECs B. Carbon offsets C. RECs or Green Power D. Green Power

Answer 27

B. Carbon offsets

Only carbon offsets can be used for both emission types - non-electricity and electricity.

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by the entity, such as emissions from fossil fuels burned on site. Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the generation of purchased electricity.

Question 28

An increased involvement with demand response technologies and programs has which result?
A. Utility companies reduce the price-per-kilowatt hour for all consumers B. DR events occur more frequently C. Grid reliability is increased, and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced D. Curtailment service providers can initiate permanent peak-load shifting

Answer 28

C. Grid reliability is increased, and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced

This is the reason for demand response programs.

Question 29

What systems are eligible for Renewable Energy?
(Choose 3)
A. Passive architectural features B. Geothermal systems used in conjunction with vapor compression cycles C. Tidal system D. On-site PV array owned by a third party E. Biofuel used in a cogeneration plant that produces both electricity and heat F. Daylighting systems

Answer 29

C. Tidal system

D. On-site PV array owned by a third party

This is eligible if the contract includes both the energy and RECs.

E. Biofuel used in a cogeneration plant that produces both electricity and heat

Question 30

An ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Survey and Analysis is appropriate when:
A. The owner wants to make major upgrades to the mechanical systems B. The project team wants to identify no/low cost improvements C. The project’s existing documentation is current D. The project type is a data center

Answer 30

A. The owner wants to make major upgrades to the mechanical systems

The energy audit option is more appropriate if major upgrades to the building, mechanical, electrical or controls systems or envelope, may be made to reduce the building’s energy use. Also if the building documentation is outdated the audit is a better choice.

Question 31

What changes are NOT updated in the building operating plan after commissioning improvements have been implemented?
A. Equipment run-time schedule B. Design set points C. Occupancy schedule D. Green cleaning policy

Answer 31

D. Green cleaning policy

Question 32

For project teams benchmarking buildings that are not eligible for ENERGY STAR ratings using national average data, what information is being compared to determine if the energy performance is 25% better than the median energy performance of similar buildings?
A. The building’s weather normalized source EUI B. Building site energy data of at least 3 similar buildings C. Estimated ENERGY STAR ratings D. The previous three consecutive years of energy use data

Answer 32

A. The building’s weather normalized source EUI

Question 33

What credit requires developing a five-year plan for equipment replacement and major modifications or upgrades?
A. EA Credit Ongoing Commissioning B. EA Prerequisite Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices C. EA Credit Existing Building Commissioning - Implementation D. EA Credit Existing Building Commissioning - Analysis

Answer 33

C. EA Credit Existing Building Commissioning - Implementation

Return to the list of building upgrades identified in the analysis phase that have capital costs and create a five year plan for equipment replacement or major modifications or upgrades.

Question 34

If CFC-based refrigerants are maintained in the building, annual leakage rate must be reduced to ____ or less and the total lifetime leakage rate reduced to ____ or less of the refrigerant charge.
A. 5%, 10% B. 1%, 10% C. 1%, 5% D. 5%, 30%

Answer 34

D. 5%, 30%

A 5% or less annual leakage rate is allosed.

A 30% or less total lifetime leakage rate is allowed.

Question 35

What are some examples of no- and low-cost measures that can be implemented during existing building commissioning?
(Choose 2)
A. Clean lighting fixtures to boost light output B. Repair duct leaks C. Installing a PV array D. Training building operations staff

Answer 35

A. Clean lighting fixtures to boost light output

B. Repair duct leaks

Question 36

A 25,000 SF (2,325 m2) mixed-use building is cooled by four rooftop units (RTUs). The building is one story and includes retail, office, and medical space. How must the cooling system be metered for EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering?
A. The RTUs must be metered together. B. The RTUs must be metered by occupancy type and operating schedule. C. The RTUs must be metered separately. D. The project team can choose how to submeter the RTUs.

Answer 36

D. The project team can choose how to submeter the RTUs.

Question 37

An ongoing commissioning cycle as part of EA Credit Ongoing Commissioning must not exceed:
A. The length of the performance period B. 12 months C. 10 months D. 24 months

Answer 37

D. 24 months

Question 38

A project team has completed identifying all equipment that will be included in an energy audit. When coming up with an auditing schedule what should be taken into consideration?
(Choose 2)
A. The location of utility meters B. The operating schedules of the equipment C. Acceptable payback period of capital projects D. Length of the performance period

Answer 38

B. The operating schedules of the equipment

If it’s summertime you can’t audit the heating system.

D. Length of the performance period

Because of the seasonal operating times of some equipment the performance period becomes a factor.

Question 39

As an alternative refrigerant to HCFC a project team is considering HFC-410A. What is the trade-off to when using HFC-410A in the HVAC&R system?
A. It has a lower refrigerant charge B. May require more energy to achieve the same level of cooling as HCFC C. It has a high flammability D. It has a higher GWP than HCFC

Answer 39

B. May require more energy to achieve the same level of cooling as HCFC

It has a lower GWP but require more energy to achieve the same level of cooling.

Question 40

A project team is estimating common energy end uses using the CBECS 2003 End-Use Consumption Tables. What will the team be required to do when submetering the end-uses for EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering?
A. Use a building automation system or software for data collection B. Record end-use energy consumption at least daily C. Install revenue-grade meters D. Store data for at least 12 months

Answer 40

A. Use a building automation system or software for data collection

Teams pursuing the credit must use a building automation system or other energy reporting software for data collection.

This system must be able to generate an alarm when demand or consumption over a set time interval exceeds anticipated levels by more than 5%.

Question 41

Which of the following does NOT need to be commissioned?

A. Renewable energy B. Passive solar design C. Fans D. Irrigation systems

Answer 41

B. Passive solar design

Question 42

Which of the following refrigerants has the least global warming potential?
A. HCFC-123 B. HFC-23 C. CFC-12 D. CFC-11

Answer 42

A. HCFC-123

While you don’t need to memorize the entire table of ODP and GWP values, note that while HFCs deplete less ozone, HCFC-123 causes less global warming than any HFC

Question 43

A project in a hot climate is considering attempting EA Credit Demand Response. Which actions will the project team need to take in order to participate?
(Choose 2)
A. Perform an energy model to determine permanent peak load shifting B. Conduct one full test of the DR plan C. Reschedule housekeeping activities to off-peak hours to reduce demand D. Participate in a program for at least 10% of peak demand

Answer 43

B. Conduct one full test of the DR plan D. Participate in a program for at least 10% of peak demand

Projects must either participate at an existing demand response program for at least 10% of peak demand or provide infrastructure to take advantage of future demand response autonomic pricing programs.

Question 44

An 5-story office building has one story that is vacant. Each floor has the same gross area. How should the vacant area be accounted for by the project team in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?
A. Enter the vacant space separately from the occupied space B. Decrease the building operating hours by 20% C. No special treatment is needed when entering the data D. Exclude the area

Answer 44

A. Enter the vacant space separately from the occupied space

Enter zero workers, zero operation hours, and zero personal computers for the vacant space.

Question 45

What strategy would yield the maximum number of points for EA Credit Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets?
A. Purchasing carbon offsets for 200% of the natural gas consumption and electricity consumption B. Purchasing RECs for 100% of the electricity consumption C. Using 2% on-site renewable energy and purchasing carbon offsets for 100% of the natural gas consumption and electricity consumption D. Purchasing carbon offsets for 100% of the natural gas consumption

Answer 45

C. Using 2% on-site renewable energy and purchasing carbon offsets for 100% of the natural gas consumption and electricity consumption

If carbon offsets are used to offset 100% of the natural gas and electricity consumption, 4 points would be earned.

Renewable energy points are found by dividing the % of renewable energy generated by 1.5%. 2% / 1.5% = 1 point.
The total points for the equation combines the renewable energy and the offsets (4+1 = 5).

Question 46

Which of the following has the greatest direct impact on global warming?
A. SRI of a building’s roof B. Use of natural refrigerants C. Building orientation D. Chillers’ operating efficiency

Answer 46

D. Chillers’ operating efficiency

How efficiently HVAC equipment is directly impacts how much fossil fuel is burned to heat and cool a building.

Question 47

In an existing building retrofit when must all CFC-based equipment in the base building HVAC&R systems be phased-out?
A. Within 10 years B. Within 60 days of the end of the first performance period C. Before the project’s initial submission D. 5 years after the initial submission

Answer 47

A. Within 10 years

Question 48

Elements of a current facilities requirements document include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Building drawings B. Systems narrative C. Operational space requirements D. Functional space requirements

Answer 48

B. Systems narrative

This is part of the O+M plan

Question 49

Conducting an ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit would help meet the requirements of what credit?
A. EA Prerequisite Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices B. EA Credit Existing Building Commissioning: Implementation C. EA Credit Existing Building Commissioning: Analysis D. EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering

Answer 49

C. EA Credit Existing Building Commissioning: Analysis

Option 2. Energy audit
Develop an energy audit plan following the requirements of ASHRAE Level 2, Energy Survey and Analysis, to evaluate efficiency opportunities.

Question 50

What activity makes sure that the building is delivering for the tenants and occupants while still meeting the energy goals and being an efficient building to run from a cost and energy perspective?
A. Commissioning B. Submetering C. Green cleaning D. Energy efficiency best management practices

Answer 50

A. Commissioning

This is the goal of commissioning.

Question 51

Ongoing testing is required to ensure the performance of the building is maintained according to:
A. Manufacturer recommendations B. ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit C. CFR and O&M plan D. OPR and BOD

Answer 51

C. CFR and O&M plan

Activities for ongoing commissioning are based off the CFR and O&M plan.

Question 52

A project team has completed benchmarking a building and found the overall ENERGY STAR score is not enough for certification. What should the project team do?
A. Adjust the space types in Portfolio Manager to determine if a better score could be achieved B. Benchmark the building against similar buildings using national average data to see if the building performs 25% better C. Exclude the 10% of the gross floor area that consumes the most energy and generate a new ENERGY STAR score D. Use the results of the energy audit to determine the areas of greatest opportunity to improve performance

Answer 52

D. Use the results of the energy audit to determine the areas of greatest opportunity to improve performance

Start with the no / low cost items found in the energy audit to try to get the score up.

Question 53

A project building has a renewable energy system to offset the building’s annual energy use. The owner does not sell any of the energy back to the grid. What requirements must the renewable energy system meet to count toward EA Credit Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets?
A. The system must be owned by the building owner B. The owner must sell the RECs C. The systems must mitigate Scope 2 emissions D. The system must be submetered

Answer 53

D. The system must be submetered

The system has to be submetered to determine how much energy use is being offset.

Question 54

What information will be documented as part of an energy audit that would NOT be part of existing building commissioning?
(Choose 2)
A. Energy conservation measures B. Operating deficiencies C. Any changes that were implemented D. Potential facility improvements

Answer 54

A. Energy conservation measures

The energy auditor would include all ECMs in the report and give them to the building owner for review.

D. Potential facility improvements

The energy audit includes these.

The auditor connects each potential facility improvement with predicted energy use, energy demand, energy cost and maintenance cost savings.

Question 55

How would a project team determine the peak and off-peak hours as they apply to Demand Response?
A. By reviewing historical weather data for the highest and lowest daily temperatures B. By reviewing energy meters or a building automation system to find the peak utility usage C. By contacting the utilities serving the project site D. By surveying occupants to determine the hours they are in the building

Answer 55

C. By contacting the utilities serving the project site

The utility company sets the peak and off-peak hours.

Question 56

Which of the following are types of individual occupant spaces?
(Choose 3)
A. Hotel guest room B. Auto service bay C. Study carrel D. Hotel front desk E. Hospital exam room F. Open-office workstation

Answer 56

A. Hotel guest room C. Study carrel F. Open-office workstation

EQ Overview at http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc

Question 57

Which systems need to be metered for individual energy use for EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering?
(Choose 2)
A. Two space-cooling systems that each use 16% of the total annual consumption of the building B. Interior lighting that represents 23% of the total annual consumption of the building C. Systems that serve 100% of the building occupants D. Two space-heating systems that run on opposite schedules and each use 8% of the total annual consumption of the building

Answer 57

A. Two space-cooling systems that each use 16% of the total annual consumption of the building

These systems, when combined, would meet the 20% requirement.

B. Interior lighting that represents 23% of the total annual consumption of the building

If a project is pursuing the EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering, all energy end-uses that contribute at least 20% of the total building energy use must be submetered.

Question 58

What is the primary role of the owner for the planning of an energy audit?
A. Facilitate and support the audit process B. Define current facility requirements C. Coordinate the process and ensure that the required activities are implemented professionally D. Develop the building operating plan

Answer 58

B. Define current facility requirements

This is what the owner would primarily do.

Question 59

A project building has an annual electricity use of 7,564,980 kWh and no other energy use. A submetered photovoltaic system generated 356,876 kWh during the same performance period. How many points is the project eligible for renewable energy generation?
A. 1 B. 3 C. 2 D. 0

Answer 59

B. 3

The equation for renewable energy is:

(Renewable energy generated / Total building energy use) / 1.5%

356,876 / 7,564,980 = 0.047
0.047 / 0.015 = 3.1

Don’t forget there is a 5 point maximum for the credit, and exemplary performance can be earned for 10% of the total energy use with on-site renewable energy.

Question 60

Which action could make a renewable energy system more economically viable for a project?
A. Selling the RECs from the system B. Leasing part of a system belonging to a community solar garden C. Installing a waste-to-energy system D. Tying the system into a daylighting system

Answer 60

B. Leasing part of a system belonging to a community solar garden

A community garden can count as on-site renewable energy if the project owns the system or signs a ten- year lease.

If the system is leased, the project owner doesn’t have to pay the up-front costs of the system, making it more economically viable.

Question 61

Which action would be aided by gathering data from an advanced metering system in a building?
(Choose 2)
A. Supporting the commissioning agent’s evaluation of energy and water performance B. Assisting with the ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit C. Accounting for inefficiencies in district energy system D. Identifying how much energy was saved from Demand Response events

Answer 61

A. Supporting the commissioning agent’s evaluation of energy and water performance

The metering info can help with the energy analysis and water analysis.

B. Assisting with the ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit

The energy audit requires 12 months of whole-building energy data

Question 62

In which unit is green power measured?

A. RECs B. MWh C. Metric tons of CO2 equivalent D. Actual rate plus demand

Answer 62

B. MWh

Green power is measured in MWh.

Question 63

A project building has a recent ENERGY STAR label. What can be submitted to streamline the documentation of EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance?
A. Weather-normalized source EUI B. Statement of energy performance stamped by a professional engineer or licensed architect C. Copies of utility bill summary pages for 3 months of the performance period for each fuel source D. Data verification checklist

Answer 63

B. Statement of energy performance stamped by a professional engineer or licensed architect

This is part of the streamlined documentation for Case 1.

Question 64

A project team doesn’t have end-use energy data available. If the team wants to submeter a ten-story building’s individual energy end uses, how should this be determined?
A. By using the results from the ASHRAE Level 1 walk-through analysis B. By submetering all systems that use energy within the building C. By installing one submeter per floor for each energy type D. By submetering each section of the building based on the occupancy type

Answer 64

A. By using the results from the ASHRAE Level 1 walk-through analysis

The walk-through performed for EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance can be used to determine which end-uses to submeter.

Consulting CBECS can also be used to to estimate the typical end uses to meter.

Question 65

A project team used the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Tool to determine a building has an energy performance rating of 75. What must the project team do to earn EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance?
A. Submeter any energy end-use that makes up more than 20% of the total building energy use B. Implement no-cost and low-cost measures to improve the energy performance rating to 77 C. Collect 1-3 years of utility bills D. Calibrate building-owned energy meters within the manufacturer’s recommended interval

Answer 65

D. Calibrate building-owned energy meters within the manufacturer’s recommended interval

This is required for the establishment period of the prerequisite.

Question 66

A project team has completed executing a commissioning plan. In the process the building engineers changed some setpoints for some equipment. What should the engineers do as a result of the changes?
A. Re-run the ENERGY STAR performance rating B. Conduct a site inventory C. Recheck the system in no more than 30 days D. Update the CFR and O&M plan

Answer 66

D. Update the CFR and O&M plan

Any changes implemented in the process should be updated in the relevant documents.

Question 67

What is the minimum contract length required for Demand Response credit?
A. The duration of the performance period B. One year with the intention of multiyear renewal C. Until the project’s certification expires D. Two years with auto-renewal unless ninety days’ notice is given

Answer 67

B. One year with the intention of multiyear renewal

The contract must be for a minimum of one year with the intention for multi-year renewable, for at least 10% of peak electricity demand.

The project team can consider different demand response programs that may exist in the following regions:

Summer-peaking programs
Winter-peaking programs
Interruptible load programs
Energy programs

Any of these types programs are acceptable for the purposes of the credit.

Question 68

What documentation and information is going to be contained in an operations and maintenance plan?
A. Output from DC Pro Profiling Tool B. No-cost and low-cost improvement opportunities C. Energy use reduction goals D. Fan start and stop times

Answer 68

D. Fan start and stop times

This would be part of the sequence of operations, included in the O+M plan.

Question 69

A project building is not ENERGY STAR eligible because of the unique space type. What option does the energy auditor have to prepare an energy use analysis?
A. Find a nearby building of similar type and function and use engineering calculations to compare the buildings B. Estimate the peak energy demand for each fuel type C. Use an alternative comparison for the assessment using CBECS values or Labs21 D. Use the ENERGY STAR tool to establish an energy use intensity

Answer 69

C. Use an alternative comparison for the assessment using CBECS values or Labs21

CBECS values or Labs21 can be used if building-specific information cannot be obtained.

Question 70

Teams may compare to three or more similar buildings only if the national average data is unavailable to establish minimum energy performance. The comparison is normalized for all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Building orientation B. Building use C. Occupancy D. Climate

Answer 70

A. Building orientation

Path 2. National average data not available

If national average source energy data are unavailable for buildings of similar type, benchmark against the building site energy data of at least three similar buildings, normalized for climate, building use, and occupancy. Demonstrate a 25% improvement.

Question 71

On a project with older existing HVAC&R system that uses CFCs what can the project team do to earn LEED certification?
A. Replace the HVAC&R system with one that does not use CFCs B. Maintain the equipment properly over the building’s lifetime C. Seal any leaks in the existing system D. The project can be certified with the existing system as-is

Answer 71

A. Replace the HVAC&R system with one that does not use CFCs

The project team can replace or retrofit the existing system with one that is CFC-free.

Question 72

What are energy efficiency best management practices used for?
A. To promote a continuity of information to ensure that energy efficient operating strategies are maintained throughout the lifetime of the building B. To identify opportunities for building load reduction C. To confirm the owner’s current operational needs and requirements D. To promote occupant health and well-being

Answer 72

A. To promote a continuity of information to ensure that energy efficient operating strategies are maintained throughout the lifetime of the building

Question 73

Which calculation is NOT provided by LEED for implementing commissioning changes?
A. Rate of return B. Simple payback period C. Time value of money D. Cost-benefit ratio

Answer 73

C. Time value of money

Question 74

In an existing building retrofit how much CFC-based refrigerant can be used?
A. 5% of the total refrigerants, as long as they are not used in fire suppression systems B. None C. 5% of the total refrigerants D. 2% of the total refrigerants

Answer 74

B. None

The rating systems have a prerequisite for Fundamental Refrigerant Management which requires zero use of CFCs. CFCs are known to cause ozone depletion.

Question 75

A third-party consultant has been hired to perform an ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit. What should the project team verify is included in the final report?
A. Payback period and maintenance implications of no-cost and low-cost improvements B. Summary of the intended operation of each system described in the systems narrative C. Plumbing schedule D. Current state of systems

Answer 75

A. Payback period and maintenance implications of no-cost and low-cost improvements

A financial assessment of any no/low cost improvements must be included as well as:

Comparison with similar building types
Current energy indexes
Energy use breakdown

Question 76

What must a project do regardless of the building type or ENERGY STAR eligibility for EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance?
(Choose 2)
A. Benchmark site energy data of at least three similar buildings B. Install whole building energy meters if they are not already in place C. Set up an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager profile D. Demonstrate a 20% improvement over similar buildings

Answer 76

B. Install whole building energy meters if they are not already in place

Confirm whether or not the building has the necessary metering for energy benchmarking. This will require the installation of whole building energy meters if they are not already in place.

C. Set up an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager profile

Teams set up an ENERGY STAR portfolio manager profile if it does not already exist. This is where the energy consumption data will be stored and must be done regardless of whether or not the building type is eligible for an ENERGY STAR score.

Question 77

What needs to be performed in an ASHRAE energy use analysis?
A. Perform a survey of building users B. Determine the approximate energy use breakdown for major end-use categories C. Derive the target energy demand of a building with similar characteristics D. Assemble copies of utility bills for the past five years

Answer 77

B. Determine the approximate energy use breakdown for major end-use categories

The analysis is used to prepare for the audit. The energy analysis includes all fuel sources.

Question 78

What is the upper cost for items to be considered low-cost improvements, as the items apply to earning EA Credit Existing Building Commissioning: Implementation?
A. Only those items that have a simple payback period of two years or less B. Only those items that have a cost-benefit ratio of five or more C. Only those items that have a rate of return of 20% or more D. The criteria are determined by the project team

Answer 78

D. The criteria are determined by the project team

Question 79

A demand response sequence is acceptable for LEED except when:
A. A curtailment service provider sends a DR event via text, and a person uses a computer to initiate pre-programmed DR measures. B. A utility company makes a phone call to a DR coordinator that initiates a control strategy programmed into a BAS. C. A utility company sends a DR event via e-mail, and a person on-site manually adjusts thermostats. D. An independent system operator sends a DR event over the Internet and pre-programmed DR measures are initiated automatically

Answer 79

C. A utility company sends a DR event via e-mail, and a person on-site manually adjusts thermostats.

There are manual, semi-automated, and fully-automated DR programs. Manual programs are not acceptable for LEED credit.

Question 80

A project building is not eligible for an ENERGY STAR rating. The project team is going to benchmark the building against historical data. What minimum percent improvement is required for certification?
A. 3% B. 5% C. 25% D. 10%

Answer 80

C. 25%

For Case 2 of EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance no matter what path is chosen a 25% improvement over the benchmark is required.

Question 81

What minimum ENERGY STAR score is required to earn points for a project?
A. 75 B. 76 C. 77 D. 78

Answer 81

B. 76

75 is required for the prerequisite, 76 is required to earn 3 points.

Question 82

What is a trade-off when using a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system?
A. Decreased energy efficiency B. Has a higher GWP C. Requires a higher refrigerant charge D. Cannot be used to earn EA Credit Enhanced Refrigerant Management

Answer 82

C. Requires a higher refrigerant charge

These systems improve energy efficiency but require a higher refrigerant charge.

Question 83

What correctly characterizes an ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit as it applies to EA Prerequisite Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices?
A. Energy consumption data is needed for at least two years B. The analysis must be conducted by an external or independent third party C. Projects completing a Level I assessment within the past five years are not required to repeat the assessment D. The Level I assessment must be conducted during the performance period

Answer 83

C. Projects completing a Level I assessment within the past five years are not required to repeat the assessment

Assessments done within the past five years preceding the application submittal do not have to repeat the assessment, but any changes must be noted.

Question 84

What must a project team do during the performance period for energy metering?
(Choose 2)
A. Reduce energy use from each end use that represents 20% or more of total annual building energy consumption B. Install any new submeters required C. Program systems to alarm when readings deviate more than 5% from expected D. Compile data and share it with USGBC

Answer 84

C. Program systems to alarm when readings deviate more than 5% from expected

Alarms are required for Advanced Energy Metering

D. Compile data and share it with USGBC

Sharing data is required for the prerequisite

Question 85

A project team is reviewing a project’s goals. What type of analysis would be appropriate for existing building commissioning?
A. The focus is on proper system operations B. Documentation is outdated C. The owner wants to make major upgrades to the building envelope D. The building is older and hasn’t been retrofitted recently

Answer 85

A. The focus is on proper system operations

The Existing Building Commissioning option focuses more on controls, proper system operations and efficiency improvements.

The other choices would benefit from an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Survey and Analysis

Question 86

Which minimum contract length is required for Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets?
A. Five (5) years B. Two (2) years C. One (1) year with the intent to renew for multiple years D. Ten (10) months

Answer 86

B. Two (2) years

Two years is correct for O+M projects.

Question 87

Qualified resources for EA Credit Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets must have come online since which date?
A. November 15th, 2009 B. December 31, 2000 C. January 1st, 2005 D. January 1st, 2010

Answer 87

C. January 1st, 2005

Question 88

Typical end uses for a commercial office building that may require advanced metering for EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering include all of the following except:
A. Exterior lighting B. Service water heating C. Interior lighting D. Plug loads

Answer 88

D. Plug loads

Projects must sub-meter all energy end uses that are at least 20% of the total building energy use excluding plug loads.

Question 89

A project team is considering participating in a demand response program. When considering permanent load-shifting measures what systems, if present, would make good candidates to shift loads off-peak on a continuous basis?
(Choose 3)
A. Increased ventilation B. Lighting C. Cleaning D. EV charging stations E. Hot water storage F. Ice storage

Answer 89

D. EV charging stations
E. Hot water storage
F. Ice storage

Question 90

A project building with an ENERGY STAR rating of 76 would earn how many points?
A. 1 B. 0 C. 3 D. 2

Answer 90

C. 3

The point thresholds start at 3 after the minimum ENERGY STAR rating of 75 is achieved for the prerequisite.

Question 91

What documentation and information is going to be contained in a current facilities requirement?
(Choose 3)
A. Minimum outside air requirements B. Lighting levels C. Building functions by space type D. Sequence of operations E. Process equipment F. Cleaning schedules

Answer 91

B. Lighting levels
C. Building functions by space type
F. Cleaning schedules

The correct choices are part of the CFR. The CFR is ‘the implementation of the owner’s project requirements, developed to confirm the owner’s current operational needs and requirements.’ - USGBC

The remaining choices would be included in the O+M plan.