LEED Green Associate Practice Test

What does Full-time equivalent (FTE) indicate?

1. A measure of energy consumption in buildings

2. The designation for a full-time building occupant

3. The calculation of occupants based on usage

4. A measure of space occupancy in buildings

The correct answer is: The designation for a full-time building occupant

Full-time equivalent (FTE) is a standard measurement used to quantify the number of occupants in a building or space, based on their overall hours of presence. It expresses the total workforce or occupant presence in terms of full-time employees, which allows for better calculations in various fields, including building management and sustainability assessments. The FTE calculation considers both full-time and part-time employees, converting their hours worked into a full-time equivalent basis. This means that if there are part-time occupants, their hours are summed up to determine their equivalent representation as full-time dwellers in the building. This metric is particularly significant in the context of LEED certification, as it helps assess environmental impact based on actual building usage and occupancy patterns. A clear understanding of FTE assists in setting benchmarks for energy consumption, water usage, and other sustainability metrics tied to occupancy levels. This position helps in making informed decisions on design, energy efficiency measures, and sustainability practices, ultimately contributing to enhanced building performance and comfort for occupants.