CEM Methods and Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which energy management strategy prioritizes actions based on their potential return on investment and ease of implementation?
- Opportunity matrix analysis (Correct answer)
- Life cycle cost analysis
- Benchmarking comparison
- Carbon footprint audit
Correct answer: Opportunity matrix analysis
An opportunity matrix plots energy projects by cost-effectiveness versus implementation difficulty, helping managers prioritize high-value, low-barrier actions first.
Question 2: A CEM implements an energy information system (EIS). What is the PRIMARY purpose of this system?
- Automate equipment shutdowns
- Provide real-time monitoring and reporting of energy use (Correct answer)
- Train facility staff on conservation
- Submit utility rebate applications
Correct answer: Provide real-time monitoring and reporting of energy use
An EIS collects, stores, and displays real-time energy consumption data, enabling managers to detect anomalies and measure savings.
Question 3: What does the term 'energy intensity' measure in the context of energy management strategies?
- Peak demand in kilowatts per hour
- Energy consumed per unit of output or floor area (Correct answer)
- Ratio of renewable to fossil fuel use
- Voltage fluctuation across the facility
Correct answer: Energy consumed per unit of output or floor area
Energy intensity normalizes consumption against production output or building area, allowing meaningful performance comparisons across different periods or facilities.
Question 4: A plant manager wants to reduce compressed air system energy use by 20%. Which strategy should be investigated FIRST?
- Install a variable frequency drive on the compressor
- Conduct a leak detection and repair survey (Correct answer)
- Replace the compressor with a larger unit
- Lower system operating pressure by 50 psi
Correct answer: Conduct a leak detection and repair survey
Compressed air leaks typically waste 20–30% of output, making leak detection the highest-priority, lowest-cost first step.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes the 'no-cost/low-cost' tier in a phased energy management strategy?
- Capital projects financed through energy savings bonds
- Operational and behavioral changes requiring minimal expenditure (Correct answer)
- Renewable energy system installations
- Utility rate renegotiations
Correct answer: Operational and behavioral changes requiring minimal expenditure
No-cost/low-cost measures — such as adjusting setpoints, fixing scheduling errors, and staff awareness programs — are implemented first to generate quick savings with negligible capital outlay.
Question 6: When conducting an ASHRAE Level II energy audit, what is included beyond a Level I audit?
- Simple payback calculations only
- Energy use breakdown and capital project analysis with savings estimates (Correct answer)
- On-site measurement of all equipment
- Implementation of all identified measures
Correct answer: Energy use breakdown and capital project analysis with savings estimates
A Level II audit builds on Level I by analyzing energy end-use in detail and providing cost and savings estimates for capital-intensive projects.
Question 7: A CEM recommends implementing demand response participation for a large commercial facility. What is the PRIMARY energy strategy benefit?
- Reducing total annual kWh consumption
- Lowering peak demand charges and providing utility revenue (Correct answer)
- Eliminating the need for on-site generation
- Qualifying for federal tax credits
Correct answer: Lowering peak demand charges and providing utility revenue
Demand response allows facilities to curtail load during grid stress events, reducing peak demand charges and often earning utility incentive payments.
