Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

Which action does NOT support energy conservation in facilities management?

1. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems.

2. Installation of energy-efficient lighting.

3. Frequent replacement of older equipment with new models.

4. Employee training on energy-saving practices.

The correct answer is: Frequent replacement of older equipment with new models.

The action that does not support energy conservation in facilities management is the frequent replacement of older equipment with new models. While upgrading equipment can sometimes lead to improved energy efficiency, the process of manufacturing and disposing of old equipment can create significant energy consumption and waste. Constantly replacing equipment may lead to unnecessary resource use, since some older equipment can still perform adequately when properly maintained. In contrast, regular maintenance of HVAC systems ensures that they operate efficiently, reducing energy consumption. The installation of energy-efficient lighting directly lowers energy usage from lighting fixtures. Employee training on energy-saving practices encourages mindful energy use throughout the organization, further contributing to energy conservation. Therefore, the focus should be on optimizing existing equipment and ensuring efficiency rather than frequently replacing it.