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

Which of the following resources is NOT eligible for a project seeking ENERGY STAR Certification to conduct an Energy Assessment?

1. CBECS values

2. Energy modeling software

3. Alternative comparison using Labs21

4. Third-party energy assessments

The correct answer is: CBECS values

The resource that is NOT eligible for a project seeking ENERGY STAR Certification to conduct an Energy Assessment is based on the types of data used for energy assessments and how they align with ENERGY STAR requirements. CBECS (Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey) values are designed to provide statistical information about energy consumption in commercial buildings; however, they are not directly applied as a standardized tool for specific energy assessments required for ENERGY STAR Certification. Instead, they serve as a reference point or a dataset that provides benchmarking information rather than an active assessment resource. In contrast, energy modeling software creates detailed simulations of building energy performance, allowing for tailored energy assessments specific to the building’s characteristics. This provides a clear analysis of energy use and potential reductions, which aligns perfectly with ENERGY STAR Certification's requirements. The alternative comparison using Labs21, while it provides a different framework for evaluating energy performance in laboratories, can still be applicable for certain types of assessments depending on the facility being evaluated. Furthermore, third-party energy assessments are typically conducted to provide an unbiased review of a building's energy usage through established protocols, making them essential for verification in the certification process. Therefore, while CBECS values provide useful information, they do not serve the same direct purpose as the other resources when it comes