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

Which end use should not be metered in a project attempting EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering?

1. Heating systems

2. Cooling systems

3. Plug loads

4. Lighting systems

The correct answer is: Plug loads

In the context of achieving EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering under LEED O+M, metering is essential for tracking energy consumption and identifying opportunities for energy efficiency. While heating systems, cooling systems, and lighting systems are crucial energy end uses that benefit significantly from metering, plug loads typically fall outside the scope of mandatory metering for this credit. The reason that plug loads should not be metered is grounded in the credit’s focus and the practicality of implementation. Plug loads refer to all electrical devices plugged into an outlet, which can include computers, kitchen appliances, and other equipment that may vary widely in usage patterns and are harder to consolidate under a single metering scheme. In comparison, heating, cooling, and lighting systems are often centralized, meaning they can be metered effectively at the system level. This allows for a clearer understanding of energy use, easier monitoring, and management of energy consumption. These systems also tend to have more consistent operational patterns, making it simpler and more beneficial to meter their energy use for efficiency tracking and performance analysis. By not requiring metering on plug loads, the LEED O+M framework allows project teams to focus their efforts and resources on more significant energy end uses that have a more direct impact on a