LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a part of process energy under energy evaluation?

1. Lighting for the building grounds

2. Kitchen cooking and refrigeration equipment

3. Office computers

4. Shopping cart escalators

The correct answer is: Lighting for the building grounds

The reasoning behind identifying lighting for the building grounds as not considered a part of process energy under energy evaluation is rooted in the definition and categorization of energy types used in buildings. Process energy refers to the energy consumed as a direct result of building occupant activities and equipment, which includes things like kitchen cooking and refrigeration equipment, office computers, and shopping cart escalators. These are all integral components of building operations that have a direct relationship to the processes being conducted within the facility—cooking food, running computers, or assisting customers in retail environments. In contrast, lighting for the building grounds is typically categorized as part of the building's exterior lighting or site lighting. While this type of lighting does consume energy, it is aimed at safety, security, or aesthetic purposes outside the daily operational processes occurring inside the building. Therefore, it does not fall under the definition of process energy as understood in the energy evaluation context of LEED BD+C. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately assessing energy usage and identifying opportunities for energy savings within the design and construction of buildings, which aligns with LEED's commitment to sustainability and efficiency in energy use.