Energy Efficiency / Green Building
Specialist Certification Exam QUESTION
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary goal of energy-efficient building design?
A. Reduce construction costs
B. Increase building size
C. Minimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort
D. Maximize aesthetic appeal
Rationale: Energy-efficient building design aims to reduce energy
usage and environmental impact while ensuring occupant
comfort.
2. Which of the following is considered a renewable energy source?
A. Coal
B. Natural gas
C. Solar
D. Oil
Rationale: Solar energy is renewable because it is naturally
replenished and does not deplete resources.
3. What does the term “U-factor” measure in building materials?
A. Electrical conductivity
B. Thermal transmittance
, C. Structural strength
D. Reflectivity
Rationale: U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer through a
building component, indicating insulation efficiency.
4. Which strategy best reduces cooling loads in a building?
A. Installing more lighting
B. Using reflective roof materials
C. Increasing window size
D. Painting walls dark colors
Rationale: Reflective roofs reduce solar heat gain, lowering
cooling energy requirements.
5. What is the main benefit of high-performance windows?
A. Lower initial cost
B. Easier cleaning
C. Improved insulation and reduced energy loss
D. Greater transparency
Rationale: High-performance windows limit heat transfer and
improve thermal comfort.
6. Which HVAC system is most energy-efficient for a large
commercial building?
A. Window AC units
B. Electric baseboard heaters
C. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system
D. Single-zone split system
Rationale: VRF systems allow simultaneous heating and cooling
in different zones and optimize energy use.
, 7. What is a common method to reduce lighting energy in buildings?
A. Using incandescent bulbs
B. Painting walls dark
C. Installing LED lighting and occupancy sensors
D. Increasing window blinds
Rationale: LED lighting and occupancy sensors decrease
electricity use without compromising lighting quality.
8. Which building orientation generally maximizes passive solar
heating in northern hemisphere?
A. East-facing
B. West-facing
C. South-facing
D. North-facing
Rationale: South-facing orientation captures the most sunlight in
winter, reducing heating energy demand.
9. What is the function of a building energy management system
(BEMS)?
A. Design building aesthetics
B. Inspect plumbing systems
C. Monitor and optimize energy consumption
D. Install solar panels
Rationale: BEMS tracks energy use and allows adjustments to
improve efficiency and reduce costs.
10. Which material has the highest thermal mass for passive
heating/cooling?
A. Wood
B. Concrete
Specialist Certification Exam QUESTION
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary goal of energy-efficient building design?
A. Reduce construction costs
B. Increase building size
C. Minimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort
D. Maximize aesthetic appeal
Rationale: Energy-efficient building design aims to reduce energy
usage and environmental impact while ensuring occupant
comfort.
2. Which of the following is considered a renewable energy source?
A. Coal
B. Natural gas
C. Solar
D. Oil
Rationale: Solar energy is renewable because it is naturally
replenished and does not deplete resources.
3. What does the term “U-factor” measure in building materials?
A. Electrical conductivity
B. Thermal transmittance
, C. Structural strength
D. Reflectivity
Rationale: U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer through a
building component, indicating insulation efficiency.
4. Which strategy best reduces cooling loads in a building?
A. Installing more lighting
B. Using reflective roof materials
C. Increasing window size
D. Painting walls dark colors
Rationale: Reflective roofs reduce solar heat gain, lowering
cooling energy requirements.
5. What is the main benefit of high-performance windows?
A. Lower initial cost
B. Easier cleaning
C. Improved insulation and reduced energy loss
D. Greater transparency
Rationale: High-performance windows limit heat transfer and
improve thermal comfort.
6. Which HVAC system is most energy-efficient for a large
commercial building?
A. Window AC units
B. Electric baseboard heaters
C. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system
D. Single-zone split system
Rationale: VRF systems allow simultaneous heating and cooling
in different zones and optimize energy use.
, 7. What is a common method to reduce lighting energy in buildings?
A. Using incandescent bulbs
B. Painting walls dark
C. Installing LED lighting and occupancy sensors
D. Increasing window blinds
Rationale: LED lighting and occupancy sensors decrease
electricity use without compromising lighting quality.
8. Which building orientation generally maximizes passive solar
heating in northern hemisphere?
A. East-facing
B. West-facing
C. South-facing
D. North-facing
Rationale: South-facing orientation captures the most sunlight in
winter, reducing heating energy demand.
9. What is the function of a building energy management system
(BEMS)?
A. Design building aesthetics
B. Inspect plumbing systems
C. Monitor and optimize energy consumption
D. Install solar panels
Rationale: BEMS tracks energy use and allows adjustments to
improve efficiency and reduce costs.
10. Which material has the highest thermal mass for passive
heating/cooling?
A. Wood
B. Concrete
