When seeking Energy Star certification, which operating variable does NOT need adjustment in Portfolio Manager?

When pursuing Energy Star certification, the operating variable that does not need adjustment in Portfolio Manager is fuel type. This metric is critical for understanding the energy consumption and efficiency of buildings, but it is not a dynamic variable that changes based on how a building is operated or occupied. Instead, fuel type refers to the energy sources used for heating, cooling, or powering the building, which are fixed for a particular building based on its design and systems.

In contrast, building occupancy, operating hours, and square footage are all variables that reflect how the building is utilized and can directly impact its energy performance. Adjusting these variables allows for a more accurate comparison with similar buildings and aids in calculating the building's energy efficiency. For example, occupancy can influence the number of people using energy-intensive systems, while operating hours help determine energy use patterns, and square footage is essential for understanding the building's overall energy consumption in relation to its size.