Free EDGE EDGE-Expert Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

The eligibility criteria for becoming an EDGE Expert are designed to ensure candidates have sufficient background to advise on green building projects. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols specify the requirements for candidates without a construction-related higher qualification: "Applicants without a higher education qualification in a construction-related field (e.g., architecture, engineering) must have a higher education qualification in any field plus at least three years of experience in the construction industry as a skilled professional or tradesperson to qualify for EDGE Expert training and certification" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 3.1: Eligibility Criteria). Option C, at least 3 years, directly matches this requirement. Option A (at least 1 year) and Option B (at least 2 years) are insufficient, as they fall below the minimum threshold: "Less than three years of experience does not meet the eligibility criteria for candidates without a construction-related degree, as this duration ensures adequate practical knowledge of building design and construction processes" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 3.1: Eligibility Criteria). Option D (at least 5 years) exceeds the minimum requirement, which is not necessary: "While additional experience is beneficial, the minimum requirement for EDGE Expert eligibility is three years for non-construction degree holders" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.4: Working with EDGE Experts). The EDGE Certification Protocol also notes: "The three-year experience requirement for non-construction graduates ensures that EDGE Experts have sufficient industry exposure to provide meaningful consultancy, balancing accessibility with competence" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.3: Program Structure). Additionally, the EDGE User Guide clarifies: "Candidates with a construction-related degree are exempt from the experience requirement, but those without such a degree must demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience to qualify for the EDGE Expert exam" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.4: Working with EDGE Experts). Therefore, at least 3 years of experience (Option C) is required for applicantswithout a construction-related higher qualification.

Occupancy sensors in the EDGE software are part of energy efficiency measures aimed at reducing unnecessary energy use by automating system operation based on occupant presence. The EDGE User Guide explicitly defines their application: "Occupancy sensors in EDGE are used for controlling lighting in internal areas, automatically turning lights off when spaces are unoccupied to reduce energy consumption. This measure, often listed as EEM23 - Occupancy Sensors for Lighting, can achieve significant savings in buildings with intermittent occupancy, such as offices or schools" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.4: Lighting Efficiency Measures). Option A, lighting, directly matches this description, as occupancy sensors are primarily associated with lighting control in EDGE. Option B (water taps) is incorrect, as occupancy sensors are not used for water systems in EDGE: "Water taps may be controlled by sensors in some projects, but this is not a recognized measure in EDGE, which focuses on measures like low-flow fixtures for water savings" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). Option C (air conditioners) is also incorrect, as occupancy sensors for HVAC are not a standard measure in EDGE: "While occupancy sensors can theoretically control air conditioners, EDGE does not include this as a measure; HVACefficiency is addressed through measures like variable speed drives or efficient chillers" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.1: Energy Efficiency Metrics). Option D (external lighting) is not applicable, as EDGE specifies occupancy sensors for internal areas: "Occupancy sensors in EDGE are applied to internal lighting, not external lighting, which may use timers or photocells instead" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.4: Lighting Efficiency Measures). The EDGE Methodology Report further confirms: "The energy savings from occupancy sensors in EDGE are calculated based on reduced lighting hours in internal spaces, reflecting typical usage patterns in commercial buildings" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.4: Lighting Calculations). Thus, occupancy sensors are used for controlling lighting (Option A).

Embodied energy in materials is one of the three core pillars of the EDGE standard, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of construction materials. The EDGE User Guide lists measures that specifically target embodied energy: "To reduce embodied energy in materials, EDGE includes measures such as the use of fly ash concrete, which substitutes a portion of cement with fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, thereby lowering the embodied energy and carbon footprint of concrete production" (EDGE User Guide, Section 7.2: Materials Efficiency Measures). Option B, fly ash concrete, directly aligns with this measure, as it reduces the need for high-energy cement production. Option A (external shading) impacts energy by reducing cooling loads but does not directly address embodied energy: "External shading reduces operational energy use but does not contribute to embodied energy savings unless the shading materials themselves are low-impact, which is not specified in EDGE” (EDGE User Guide, Section 3.5: Passive Design Strategies). Option C (occupancy sensors) is an energy efficiency measure for lighting, not materials: "Occupancy sensors reduce lighting energy use but have no direct impact on embodied energy in materials" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.4: Lighting Efficiency Measures). Option D (low-flow shower heads) targets water efficiency, not materials: "Low-flow shower heads reduce water consumption, but their embodied energy impact is minimal and not a focus of EDGE materials measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). The EDGE MethodologyReport further elaborates: "Fly ash concrete can reduce embodied energy by up to 20% compared to traditional concrete, making it a key measure in EDGE for materials efficiency, especially in high-volume applications like hospitals or hotels" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 6.1: Embodied Energy in Materials). Other materials measures in EDGE, such as using recycled steel or bamboo, are not listed among the options, making fly ash concrete (Option B) the correct choice for reducing embodied energy.

In a hot and dry climate without air-conditioning, thermal comfort relies on passive design strategies that reduce heat gain or improve air movement. The EDGE User Guide discusses passive measures for thermal comfort: "In hot climates without air-conditioning, thermal comfort can be improved through ceiling fans, which enhance air movement, solar shading, which reduces solar heat gain, and wall and roof insulation, which minimizes heat transfer into the building" (EDGE User Guide, Section 3.5: Passive Design Strategies). Option A (ceiling fans) improves air movement, directly impacting thermal comfort: "Ceiling fans increase air speed, enhancing evaporative cooling on occupants’ skin" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.5: Thermal Comfort Measures). Option B (solar shading) reduces heat gain, improving comfort: "External shading reduces solar radiation entering the building, lowering indoor temperatures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 3.5: Passive Design Strategies). Option C (wall and roof insulation) also enhances comfort by reducing heat transfer: "Insulation lowers the U-value of the building envelope, maintaining cooler indoor temperatures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.1: Insulation Measures). Option D (solar photovoltaics) generates electricity but does not directly affect thermal comfort in a building without air-conditioning: "Solar photovoltaics contribute to energy supply but do not directly influence indoor thermal comfort unless used to power cooling systems, which are absent in this scenario" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.3: Energy Measures). Thus, solar photovoltaics (Option D) will not impact thermal comfort in this context.

Embodied carbon in EDGE refers to the carbon emissions associated with the production, transportation, and installation of building materials, a key metric for materials efficiency. The EDGE User Guide specifies how this is measured: "In the EDGE software, the embodied carbon of materials is quantified in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO2), reflecting the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the material’s lifecycle, from extraction to installation"(EDGE User Guide, Section 7.2: Materials Efficiency Measures). Option A, kgCO2, directly matches this unit, as EDGE uses kgCO2 to standardize carbon emissions across materials, allowing for comparison and aggregation in the software’s results. Option B (MJ) is incorrect, as MJ (megajoules) measures embodied energy, not carbon: "Embodied energy in EDGE is measured in MJ, representing the energy consumed in material production, while embodied carbon is separately calculated in kgCO2 to assess environmental impact" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 6.1: Embodied Energy in Materials). Option C (BTU) is also incorrect, as BTU (British Thermal Units) is an energy unit not used in EDGE for carbon calculations: "EDGE uses metric units like MJ for energy and kgCO2 for carbon; BTU is not a standard unit in the software" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.3: Using the EDGE App). Option D (kWh) is another energy unit, typically used for operational energy, not embodied carbon: "kWh is used in EDGE to measure operational energy consumption, such as electricity use, but not for embodied carbon, which is always in kgCO2" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.2: Energy Calculation Methods). The EDGE User Guide further clarifies: "The software displays embodied carbon in kgCO2 to align with global carbon accounting standards, enabling users to understand the environmental footprint of their material choices" (EDGE User Guide, Section 7.2: Materials Efficiency Measures). The EDGE Methodology Report adds: "For example, concrete might have an embodied carbon of 0.15 kgCO2 per kg, allowing users to compare materials like fly ash concrete versus standard concrete in terms of carbon impact" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 6.1: Embodied Energy in Materials). Thus, the unit of embodied carbon in EDGE is kgCO2 (Option A).

Air-cooled chillers are a type of HVAC system commonly evaluated in EDGE for their energy efficiency in green building design. The EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0 outlines the components of air-cooled chillers in the context of energy efficiency measures. According to the EDGE User Guide (Version 2.1), air-cooled chillers differ from water-cooled chillers by not requiring a cooling tower or associated water-based components like a condenser pump. The guide states: "Air-cooled chillers consist of a compressor, air-cooled condenser, thermal expansion valve, and evaporator, which work together to provide cooling by rejecting heat directly to the ambient air" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.2: Energy Efficiency Measures). Option A includes a cooling tower and condenser pump, which are specific to water-cooled chillers. Option D mentions a water-cooled condenser, which is incorrect for air-cooled systems. Option C includes a chilled water pump, which is not a core component of the chiller itself but part of the broader system. Option B accurately lists the compressor, condenser (air-cooled, implied), thermal expansion valve, and evaporator, aligning with the EDGE description of air-cooled chiller components.

The EDGE software uses a simplified approach to calculate energy consumption, focusing on accessibility and speed for users in emerging markets. The EDGE Methodology Report explains the calculation method: "Energy consumption in EDGE is calculated using steady state calculations, which assume constant conditions over a period to estimate energy use for heating, cooling, lighting, and other systems. This method simplifies the modeling process while providing sufficiently accurate results for the purposes of EDGE certification" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.2: Energy Calculation Methods). Option B, steady state calculations, directly matches this approach. Option A (hourly simulation) is incorrect, as EDGE does not use dynamic simulations: "EDGE does not employ hourly simulations, which are more complex and resource-intensive, as the goal is to provide a fast and simple tool" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.1: EDGE Software Overview). Option C (quasi-steady state calculations) is also incorrect, as EDGE does not use this intermediate method: "Quasi-steady state methods, which account for some dynamic effects, are not used in EDGE to maintain simplicity" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.2: Energy Calculation Methods). Option D (cooling and heating degree days) is a metric used to estimate climate impact, not the calculation method: "Degree days are inputs to the steady state calculations, not the method itself" (EDGE User Guide, Section 3.2: Climate Data Inputs). Thus, steady state calculations (Option B) are used for energy consumption in EDGE.

The EDGE App Results Bar displays key outputs of the software analysis after a project is modeled. The EDGE User Guide details the contents of the Results Bar: "The EDGE App Results Bar provides a summary of the project’s performance, including percentage savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials, as well as the incremental cost, payback period, and carbon emissions reduction" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). Option C, incremental cost, is explicitly mentioned as part of the Results Bar, representing the additional cost of implementing green measures. Option A (building type) and Option B (occupant use) are inputs specified by the user during project setup, not outputs in the Results Bar, as noted: "Building type and occupant use are input parameters, not displayed in the Results Bar" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Option D (climate conditions) is also an input parameter (selected via location), not an output: "Climate conditions are derived from the selected location and are not shown in the Results Bar" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 3.2: Climate Data Inputs). Thus, incremental cost (Option C) is the correct parameter found in the Results Bar.

The timeline for conducting a site audit as part of the EDGE certification process is critical to ensure that the project’s implementation aligns with the design-stage claims. The EDGE Certification Protocol specifies the timeframe for post-construction audits: "A site audit for EDGE certification must take place within 12 months of the project’s practical completion date to verify that the green building measures have been implemented as claimed in the self-assessment. This ensures that the audit reflects the building’s as-built condition while the project details are still current" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Option A, 12 months, directly matches this requirement. Option B (18 months), Option C (24 months), and Option D (36 months) exceed the specified timeframe, which could lead to discrepancies due to changes in the building’s condition or operation: "Conducting the site audit beyond 12 months may result in inaccuracies, as building systems or occupancy patterns may change, affecting the verification of measures" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.4: Site Audit Procedures). The EDGE User Guide also supports this timeline: "To maintain the integrity of the certification process, the site audit should be scheduled within 12 months of practical completion, allowing the Auditor to assess the building in its initial operational state" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.3: Post-Construction Certification). The 12-month limit ensures that the audit is timely and relevant, making Option A the correct answer. Additionally, the EDGE Certification Protocol notes: "Extensions beyond 12 months may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, subject toapproval by the Certification Provider, but this is not the standard requirement" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Since the question asks for the standard timeframe, 12 months (Option A) applies.

Adoption of green building practices in EDGE is influenced by factors that incentivize or mandate resource efficiency. The EDGE User Guide discusses drivers for green building adoption: "Factors that lead to higher adoption of green building practices include green building regulations, which mandate compliance with efficiency standards; public awareness and capacity building, which educate stakeholders on the benefits of green design; and clear visibility of estimated savings and costs, which provide financial justification for green measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.1: Introduction to EDGE). Option A (green building regulations) directly encourages adoption by enforcing standards: "Regulations requiring energy or water efficiency standards push developers to adopt green practices to meet legal requirements" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Standard). Option C (public awareness and capacity building) increases adoption by educating stakeholders: "Awareness campaigns and training programs increase demand for greenbuildings by informing developers, owners, and tenants of their benefits" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.1: Introduction to EDGE). Option D (clear visibility of estimated savings and costs) incentivizes adoption by demonstrating financial benefits: "EDGE’s display of savings and payback periods motivates adoption by showing the return on investment for green measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). However, Option B (lower electricity supply costs) may not lead to higher adoption, as it reduces the financial incentive to save energy: "Lower electricity supply costs decrease the cost savings from energy efficiency measures, potentially discouraging investment in green practices, as the payback period for measures like insulation or efficient lighting becomes longer" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.4: Cost Savings Calculations). The EDGE User Guide further elaborates: "High utility costs often drive green building adoption by making energy and water savings more financially attractive, whereas lower costs can reduce the urgency to implement efficiency measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Certification). In this context, lower electricity supply costs (Option B) may not encourage green building practices, as the economic motivation for energy savings diminishes.