ESCO ESCO Water Conservation and Efficiency

Question 1

Which metric is most commonly used by ESCOs to evaluate water efficiency improvements in commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

Gallons per square foot per year

Answer

BTU per gallon

Answer

Kilowatt-hours per gallon

Answer

Gallons per degree day

Question 2

What is a cooling tower 'cycles of concentration' (COC) and why does it matter for ESCO water projects?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of dissolved solids in blowdown vs. makeup water; higher COC reduces makeup water consumption

Answer

The number of times the tower fan cycles per hour

Answer

The ratio of condenser water flow to chilled water flow

Answer

The number of annual maintenance cycles required

Question 3

Which fixture retrofit typically delivers the highest water savings per dollar in a commercial restroom ESCO project?

Accepted Answer

Low-flow toilets (1.28 gpf)

Answer

Waterless urinals

Answer

Sensor faucets

Answer

Low-flow showerheads

Question 4

An ESCO is analyzing a hospital laundry room. Which ozone laundry system benefit is most relevant to a water conservation measure?

Accepted Answer

Ozone dissolves soils at cold water temperatures, eliminating hot rinse cycles and reducing rinse water volume

Answer

Ozone increases wash cycle pressure to remove stains faster

Answer

Ozone replaces bleach with a dry chemical additive

Answer

Ozone requires a dedicated water softener loop

Question 5

For ESCO measurement and verification of water savings, which IPMVP option is best when a submetered water meter is installed on the retrofitted system?

Accepted Answer

Option B — Retrofit Isolation with continuous measurement

Answer

Option A — Retrofit Isolation with partial measurement

Answer

Option C — Whole facility metering

Answer

Option D — Calibrated simulation

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a water audit baseline in an ESCO performance contract?

Accepted Answer

To establish pre-retrofit consumption figures against which guaranteed savings will be measured

Answer

To satisfy EPA stormwater permit requirements

Answer

To qualify the building for a LEED water credit

Answer

To determine the replacement schedule for aging pipes