LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

Which assessment method focuses specifically on energy consumption and cost measurement?

1. Lifecycle cost analysis

2. Benchmarking

3. Comparative analysis

4. Monitoring and verification

The correct answer is: Benchmarking

Benchmarking is an assessment method that specifically focuses on energy consumption and cost measurement. It involves comparing a facility's energy performance against established standards or the performance of similar facilities. This process not only identifies how well a building performs relative to others but also helps to understand the potential for improvements in energy efficiency. In benchmarking, key performance indicators like energy use intensity (EUI) are often used to assess and report on energy consumption. This quantitative data allows building managers to identify areas where energy use can be optimized, which in turn can lead to significant cost savings. The gathered benchmarking data can also serve as a baseline for setting energy reduction goals and tracking progress over time. The other options focus on different aspects of evaluating building performance. For instance, lifecycle cost analysis evaluates the total cost of ownership over the lifecycle of a building, considering initial, maintenance, and operational costs, rather than focusing solely on energy consumption. Comparative analysis looks at differences between various data points or alternatives, but does not specifically center on energy consumption metrics like benchmarking does. Monitoring and verification involves ongoing assessment of energy consumption to ensure systems operate as intended, but it is less about comparing against a set standard or peers.