LEED Green Associate Practice Test

Which of the following actions is a key component in establishing design and energy goals for commissioning?

1. Conducting energy audits

2. Implementing financial forecasts

3. Setting occupancy targets

4. Utilizing advanced modeling

The correct answer is: Utilizing advanced modeling

Utilizing advanced modeling is indeed a key component in establishing design and energy goals for commissioning. Advanced modeling involves using computer simulations to analyze and predict a building’s energy performance. This process allows project teams to explore various design alternatives, assess how different systems will work together, and optimize energy efficiency throughout the building's lifecycle. Advanced modeling can provide valuable insights into how design choices will affect energy usage, enabling informed decision-making early in the design phase. It also helps in setting clear, measurable energy performance targets that align with sustainability goals. While conducting energy audits is important for understanding existing energy usage, it typically occurs after a building has been constructed and does not directly inform the initial design and energy goals. Implementing financial forecasts may be essential for budgeting but is less directly related to establishing technical energy objectives. Setting occupancy targets is also important for understanding how a building will be used but does not inherently address the energy performance aspects linked to design and commissioning strategies. Thus, utilizing advanced modeling stands out as the most relevant action in this context.