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.
CEM Methods and Strategies 2
Which energy management strategy prioritizes actions based on their potential return on investment and ease of implementation?