Certified Energy Auditor Energy Audit Process Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An energy auditor is conducting a preliminary analysis of a commercial office building. The process includes reviewing the past 24 months of utility bills, performing a brief walk-through inspection to identify obvious inefficiencies, and benchmarking the building's Energy Use Intensity (EUI) against similar facilities. Which level of energy audit is being performed?
- ASHRAE Level 2
- ASHRAE Level 1 (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE Level 3
- Investment-Grade Audit
Correct answer: ASHRAE Level 1
An ASHRAE Level 1 audit, also known as a walk-through or screening audit, is the correct answer. This level involves a preliminary review of energy data, a brief site visit to spot obvious operational and maintenance issues, and benchmarking to determine if a more detailed audit is warranted. It focuses on identifying low-cost or no-cost savings opportunities.
Question 2: A manufacturing facility is considering a major capital project to replace its aging HVAC system with a modern, high-efficiency geothermal system. To support the multi-million dollar investment decision, the management requires a comprehensive analysis that includes detailed data collection via sub-metering, calibrated energy modeling, and a rigorous life-cycle cost analysis. Which of the following audit types is most appropriate?
- A preliminary walk-through audit
- A detailed energy survey and analysis
- An investment-grade audit (Correct answer)
- A retro-commissioning study
Correct answer: An investment-grade audit
An investment-grade audit, also known as an ASHRAE Level 3 audit, is the most appropriate choice. This is the most detailed level of audit, designed to provide a robust engineering and economic analysis for significant capital investments. It uses detailed data collection and simulation models to accurately predict savings and support major financial decisions.
Question 3: During the data analysis phase of an energy audit, an auditor calculates the Simple Payback Period for a proposed lighting retrofit. The total implementation cost is $25,000, and the projected annual energy cost savings are $5,000. What is the Simple Payback Period for this measure?
- 4 years
- 0.2 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 6 years
Correct answer: 5 years
The Simple Payback Period is calculated by dividing the initial investment cost by the annual savings. In this scenario, $25,000 (initial cost) divided by $5,000 (annual savings) equals 5 years.
Question 4: Which of the following is considered a crucial first step in the energy audit process, before conducting the on-site survey?
- Performing a blower door test to measure air leakage.
- Calibrating detailed energy simulation models.
- Installing sub-meters on all major equipment.
- Collecting and analyzing historical utility consumption data. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Collecting and analyzing historical utility consumption data.
Collecting and analyzing historical energy data (typically 12-24 months of utility bills) is a fundamental first step in any energy audit. This preliminary analysis helps the auditor understand the facility's energy consumption patterns, establish a baseline, and identify areas to focus on during the on-site inspection.
Question 5: An energy audit report for a hospital recommends upgrading the building automation system (BAS). In addition to significant energy cost savings, the report highlights that the new BAS will improve occupant thermal comfort and give maintenance staff better diagnostic tools, reducing repair times. These secondary benefits are best described as:
- Capital improvements
- Return on investment
- Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)
- Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs)
Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) are the positive outcomes of an energy efficiency project that are not directly related to energy cost savings. Examples include improved occupant comfort, increased productivity, enhanced health and safety, and reduced maintenance costs. These benefits can be very valuable and often help justify project implementation.
Question 6: An ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit differs from a Level 1 audit primarily in its:
- Focus on identifying only no-cost operational changes.
- Use of whole-building computer simulation and modeling.
- Level of detail in engineering calculations and financial analysis. (Correct answer)
- Exclusion of a physical site walk-through.
Correct answer: Level of detail in engineering calculations and financial analysis.
A key distinction of an ASHRAE Level 2 audit is its increased rigor and detail. While a Level 1 audit provides a high-level screening, a Level 2 audit involves a more in-depth survey, detailed engineering calculations for potential Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and a more thorough financial analysis, including cost and savings estimates for each measure.
