I85PREP
⌘ K
EDGE Expert study materials
EDGE Expert study resources

EDGE Expert practice questions

One question at a time. Build your EDGE Expert understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

What is the main purpose of the EDGE software?

  1. To schedule workers and procure materials
  2. To model resource savings against a baseline Correct answer.
  3. To calculate structural loads for foundations
  4. To draft construction blueprints for approval

Explanation

EDGE software compares a proposed design with a conventional baseline and estimates savings in energy, water, and embodied materials. It also supports measure selection and certification documentation. It does not produce drawings, structural calculations, or procurement schedules.

Question 2EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

What minimum predicted savings does EDGE certification require in each resource category?

  1. 20% relative to the baseline Correct answer.
  2. 35% relative to the baseline
  3. 50% relative to the baseline
  4. 10% relative to the baseline

Explanation

EDGE certification requires at least 20% predicted improvement in operational energy, operational water, and embodied energy in materials compared with the baseline. Higher recognition levels may require greater savings. The baseline is the conventional reference case for the same project type and location.

Question 3EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which three resource categories are modeled by EDGE?

  1. Water, acoustics, and daylight
  2. Carbon, waste, and site ecology
  3. Energy, water, and embodied energy in materials Correct answer.
  4. Energy, water, and indoor environmental quality

Explanation

EDGE models operational energy, operational water, and embodied energy in materials. Each category is compared with a baseline to calculate predicted savings. Indoor environmental quality, acoustics, and daylight may be design considerations but are not the three EDGE resource categories.

Question 4EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

In EDGE, what does the baseline represent?

  1. A conventional building of the same type and location Correct answer.
  2. A fixed global average for every building type
  3. The project design before efficiency measures
  4. The best-performing certified building in the region

Explanation

The baseline is a standardized reference representing conventional local practice for the same building typology. The proposed design is compared with this reference to estimate savings. It is not simply the project design before measures or a global average.

Question 5EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Why does a project's location affect EDGE energy results?

  1. It removes the need for occupancy inputs
  2. It changes the energy baseline and savings Correct answer.
  3. It sets the water fixtures to local defaults
  4. It fixes the same climate data for every project

Explanation

Location determines climate and local baseline assumptions, which affect energy demand and savings. Moving a project to another climate can change both the baseline and the design results. Location does not eliminate the need for occupancy or fixture inputs.

Question 6EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which input is most directly needed to define the building geometry in EDGE?

  1. The paint color schedule for each room
  2. Floor area and storey count Correct answer.
  3. The marketing brochure layout
  4. The construction contract value

Explanation

EDGE uses floor area, storey count, and related dimensions to scale energy and water demands. These geometry inputs help define the modeled building. Paint colors, contract value, and marketing materials do not define geometry.

Question 7EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which output does EDGE provide for a modeled project?

  1. A structural safety certificate
  2. Predicted savings by resource category Correct answer.
  3. A guaranteed future utility bill amount
  4. A tender-ready construction cost estimate

Explanation

EDGE reports predicted savings for energy, water, and embodied materials based on the modeled design and baseline. These results support design decisions and certification documentation. They are not utility bill guarantees, structural certificates, or detailed tender pricing.

Question 8EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which statement describes how EDGE software is typically accessed?

  1. It requires a paid annual license per user
  2. It is restricted to World Bank staff members
  3. It is a free web-based application Correct answer.
  4. It runs only on dedicated desktop workstations

Explanation

EDGE is available as a free web-based application for project teams. Users create projects, enter design data, and model efficiency measures online. Access is not limited to a single organization or to dedicated desktop installations.

Question 9EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Replacing lamps with more efficient fixtures primarily changes which EDGE result?

  1. Operational water use
  2. Embodied energy in materials
  3. Site runoff volume
  4. Operational energy use Correct answer.

Explanation

Lighting power contributes to operational energy demand, so efficient fixtures reduce modeled energy use. This measure does not directly determine water demand, material embodied energy, or site runoff. EDGE captures the lighting change in the operational energy calculation.

Question 10EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Installing low-flow faucets and showers primarily changes which EDGE result?

  1. Operational water use Correct answer.
  2. Embodied energy in materials
  3. Operational energy use
  4. Daylight autonomy

Explanation

Low-flow fixtures reduce the water demand associated with occupant use, so they primarily lower modeled operational water use. They may have minor embodied material effects, but their direct purpose is water savings. They do not directly model daylight autonomy.

Question 11EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Choosing lower-embodied-energy concrete and steel primarily changes which EDGE result?

  1. Operational energy use
  2. Acoustic insulation value
  3. Embodied material energy Correct answer.
  4. Operational water use

Explanation

Concrete and steel are building materials, so changing their embodied energy factors or quantities affects the embodied energy in materials result. This choice does not primarily determine operational water or energy use. Acoustic performance is a separate design consideration.

Question 12EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

How does changing the assumed occupant density affect an EDGE model?

  1. It has no effect once geometry is entered
  2. It changes both baseline and design demand Correct answer.
  3. It changes only the water fixture flow rates
  4. It changes only the embodied energy factors

Explanation

Occupant density drives demand for energy and water in both the baseline and the proposed design. Changing it can therefore affect predicted savings, not just one isolated input. Geometry alone does not replace occupancy assumptions.

Question 13EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

What does the EDGE measures interface help a project team do?

  1. Compare efficiency measures and their savings Correct answer.
  2. Replace all engineering design work
  3. Automatically issue the final certificate
  4. Verify installed products after occupancy

Explanation

The measures interface lets users select and compare efficiency options and see their predicted effect on savings. It supports design decisions before certification. It does not automatically certify the project or verify installed products on site.

Question 14EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

In EDGE, what largely determines the conventional HVAC system assumed in the baseline?

  1. The contractor's procurement schedule
  2. The architect's preferred equipment brand
  3. The project's marketing category
  4. Building typology and local climate Correct answer.

Explanation

EDGE baseline HVAC assumptions depend on the building type and the climate where it is located. These factors shape the conventional reference system used for comparison. Brand preference and procurement timing do not define the baseline.

Question 15EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

If a project team changes the project location in EDGE, what usually happens?

  1. The embodied energy factors are ignored
  2. Only the project name is updated
  3. The baseline is recalculated for the climate Correct answer.
  4. The certification fee is recalculated

Explanation

Location affects climate and local baseline assumptions, so EDGE recalculates the baseline when the project location changes. This can change predicted energy savings. Material factors are not simply ignored because of a location change.

Question 16EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which formula gives EDGE energy savings as a percentage?

  1. Design energy divided by baseline energy × 100
  2. Baseline energy divided by design energy × 100
  3. Design energy minus baseline energy, divided by design energy × 100
  4. Baseline minus design, divided by baseline × 100 Correct answer.

Explanation

Savings are calculated as the reduction from baseline divided by the baseline, expressed as a percentage. The design energy is subtracted from the baseline energy before dividing by the baseline. Dividing design by baseline would give a performance ratio, not a savings percentage.

Question 17EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which calculation represents water savings in EDGE?

  1. Baseline minus design demand, over baseline Correct answer.
  2. Baseline plus design demand, over two
  3. Design demand divided by floor area
  4. Design minus baseline demand, over design

Explanation

Water savings are the reduction from baseline demand divided by baseline demand. This mirrors the energy savings calculation but uses water demand values. Adding the two demands or dividing by floor area does not produce a savings percentage.

Question 18EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Why is total savings from several EDGE measures not always the sum of each measure's standalone savings?

  1. Water measures cancel energy measures
  2. Measures interact on shared loads Correct answer.
  3. The software randomly adjusts savings
  4. EDGE caps each measure at five percent

Explanation

Efficiency measures can affect the same building loads, so combined savings may differ from the sum of individual estimates. For example, reducing lighting power can also reduce cooling demand. EDGE accounts for the modeled combination rather than simple addition.

Question 19EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

How does on-site renewable energy typically affect an EDGE energy result?

  1. It removes the need for energy measures
  2. It lowers purchased operational energy Correct answer.
  3. It increases the embodied energy baseline
  4. It changes the water fixture baseline

Explanation

On-site renewable generation can reduce the operational energy that the project must purchase from external sources. EDGE uses this to reflect lower purchased energy demand. It does not remove the value of efficiency measures or alter water fixture baselines.

Question 20EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which inputs are used to estimate a material's embodied energy in EDGE?

  1. Its warranty period and supplier name
  2. Its quantity and embodied energy factor Correct answer.
  3. Its fire rating and acoustic rating
  4. Its color, texture, and installed location

Explanation

Embodied energy is estimated from the amount of material used and its embodied energy factor per unit. These values are combined across the materials in the model. Finish appearance and warranty terms do not determine embodied energy.

Question 21EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Efficient lighting can reduce total building energy by more than the lighting electricity saved because:

  1. Lighting efficiency raises material factors
  2. Lighting power is excluded from the baseline
  3. Reduced lighting heat lowers cooling loads Correct answer.
  4. Lamps increase the water fixture demand

Explanation

Lighting contributes heat to the building, so efficient lighting can reduce both lighting electricity and cooling demand. This interaction can make total savings larger than the direct lighting reduction alone. EDGE captures such interactions in the modeled energy balance.

Question 22EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

A water-saving estimate in EDGE depends most directly on which combination?

  1. Roof color and wall insulation thickness
  2. Material weight and transport distance
  3. Fixture flows, usage, and occupants Correct answer.
  4. Window-to-wall ratio and daylight factor

Explanation

Water demand is modeled from fixture flow rates, how often fixtures are used, and how many occupants are assumed. These inputs drive both baseline and design water use. Envelope and material properties affect other resource categories more directly.

Question 23EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

When comparing two material options, how does EDGE weight the embodied energy improvement?

  1. By the material's acoustic rating
  2. By the material's installed color and finish
  3. By the supplier's distance from the site only
  4. By quantity and embodied energy per unit Correct answer.

Explanation

The embodied energy impact depends on how much material is used and its embodied energy factor per unit. EDGE combines those values to compare the design with the baseline. Appearance, acoustic rating, or distance alone do not fully represent the embodied energy improvement.

Question 24EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Why are EDGE savings results described as predictions rather than measured performance?

  1. They are adjusted after a year of operation
  2. They are based on a single occupant's utility bills
  3. They use standardized assumptions and inputs Correct answer.
  4. They ignore the building's location and typology

Explanation

EDGE results are modeled estimates based on design inputs, standard assumptions, and baseline rules. They are not measured utility data from the operating building. Actual performance can differ because of occupancy, commissioning, and real-world operation.

Question 25EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

A project reduces fixture flow rates but adds a large irrigation system. What is the best EDGE interpretation?

  1. Irrigation is excluded from water demand
  2. Net savings require comparing total demand Correct answer.
  3. Fixture savings always guarantee certification
  4. The two changes cancel automatically

Explanation

Water savings are based on total modeled water demand, so indoor fixture reductions must be evaluated together with added irrigation demand. The net result may be lower or higher than the baseline. Neither change can be judged in isolation.

Question 26EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

EDGE software organizes a project's resource savings into which three categories?

  1. Energy, carbon, and waste
  2. Materials, land use, and biodiversity
  3. Water, transport, and indoor air quality
  4. Energy, water, and materials Correct answer.

Explanation

EDGE evaluates a building's predicted savings in energy, water, and materials, each compared against a baseline. These three categories form the structure of the tool's modules and certification results.

Question 27EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

An EDGE energy savings percentage is calculated by comparing the improved design against what?

  1. The average of all EDGE-certified projects
  2. The previous design iteration submitted by the architect
  3. The project's own baseline case Correct answer.
  4. The most efficient building in the same city

Explanation

EDGE computes savings as the difference between the improved case and the baseline case, divided by the baseline. The baseline represents conventional practice for the project's location and building type.

Question 28EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

What minimum percentage of savings in each resource category is required for a project to earn EDGE certification?

  1. 40%
  2. 30%
  3. 10%
  4. 20% Correct answer.

Explanation

EDGE certification requires at least 20% savings in each category the project pursues, relative to the baseline. Higher levels, such as EDGE Advanced, require at least 40%.

Question 29EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

In EDGE, what does the improved case represent?

  1. The design with selected measures applied Correct answer.
  2. The worst-case operating scenario
  3. The as-built measured performance
  4. The local code-minimum building used as reference

Explanation

The improved case is the modeled design with the chosen efficiency measures included. It is compared with the baseline to calculate predicted savings.

Question 30EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which EDGE input most directly changes estimated annual energy use by altering how long building systems operate?

  1. Wall thickness
  2. Number of floors
  3. Roof solar reflectance
  4. Hours of operation per day Correct answer.

Explanation

Operating hours determine how long lighting, equipment, and HVAC systems run, directly scaling annual energy use. The other inputs affect loads or envelope performance but not operating duration.

Question 31EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

EDGE is primarily intended to support decisions at which stage of a project?

  1. Commissioning
  2. Early design Correct answer.
  3. Construction documentation
  4. Facility operation

Explanation

EDGE is a rapid early-stage design tool. It helps teams compare design options before detailed documentation and construction.

Question 32EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

How does EDGE express the savings from a materials measure?

  1. As a percentage reduction in operating energy
  2. As a percentage reduction in peak cooling load
  3. As a percentage reduction in embodied energy Correct answer.
  4. As a percentage reduction in potable water demand

Explanation

The materials module compares the embodied energy of baseline and improved material selections and reports the reduction as a percentage.

Question 33EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which input pair does EDGE use to estimate water use from toilets?

  1. Liters per flush and number of uses Correct answer.
  2. Liters per minute and irrigation area
  3. Kilograms per day and occupancy
  4. Cubic meters per year and roof area

Explanation

Toilet water use is estimated from flush volume and the number of flushes or uses. Flow-rate inputs apply to taps and showers, not to flush fixtures.

Question 34EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

A project team wants to see how much each individual measure contributes to total savings. Which EDGE output provides this?

  1. The baseline construction cost estimate
  2. The project location summary
  3. The certification level badge
  4. The measure-level savings breakdown Correct answer.

Explanation

EDGE reports savings for each selected measure as well as the combined total. The measure-level breakdown helps teams identify which measures drive results.

Question 35EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Increasing the assumed coefficient of performance (COP) of the improved HVAC system primarily changes which EDGE result?

  1. Water savings
  2. Materials savings
  3. Certification fee
  4. Energy savings Correct answer.

Explanation

A higher COP means the system delivers the same cooling with less electricity, which improves the predicted energy savings. It does not directly change water or materials results.

Question 36EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

A project adds a rainwater harvesting system that supplies toilet flushing. In EDGE, this primarily reduces which quantity?

  1. Embodied energy
  2. Cooling load
  3. Lighting power density
  4. Potable water demand Correct answer.

Explanation

Rainwater harvesting substitutes a non-potable source for potable water, lowering the modeled potable water demand. It does not directly reduce energy or material quantities.

Question 37EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which EDGE certification level requires at least 40% savings in the categories pursued?

  1. Certified
  2. Platinum
  3. Advanced Correct answer.
  4. Zero Carbon

Explanation

EDGE Certified requires 20% savings, while EDGE Advanced requires at least 40%. Zero Carbon is a separate energy-related recognition.

Question 38EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which input is used in EDGE to model heat transfer through the building envelope?

  1. Occupant density
  2. Flush volumes
  3. Recycled content of finishes
  4. Envelope thermal properties Correct answer.

Explanation

Envelope heat transfer depends on the thermal properties of walls, roofs, windows, and insulation. Occupant density, flush volumes, and recycled content affect other modules.

Question 39EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which inputs does EDGE use to estimate landscape irrigation water demand?

  1. Roof area and rainfall only
  2. Fixture flow rate and usage frequency
  3. Irrigated area and application rate Correct answer.
  4. Occupant count and flush volume

Explanation

Irrigation demand is estimated from the landscaped area and the water application rate. Rainfall or alternative sources may reduce the potable portion but are not the primary demand inputs.

Question 40EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which EDGE feature allows a project team to model a technology that is not in the standard measure library?

  1. Custom measure with user-defined savings Correct answer.
  2. Resetting the baseline to local code values
  3. Changing the certification target level
  4. Switching the project location and climate

Explanation

EDGE permits custom measures so teams can represent technologies beyond the predefined list. The user supplies the estimated savings for that measure.

Question 41EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

In EDGE, what does a negative savings value for a measure indicate?

  1. The measure improves comfort only
  2. A guaranteed data-entry error
  3. It raises resource use above baseline Correct answer.
  4. The baseline is automatically invalid

Explanation

Savings are calculated as baseline minus improved case. A negative result means the improved case uses more of that resource than the baseline for that measure.

Question 42EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

A team compares two glazing options in EDGE: one gives 8% energy savings and the other 5%. What does EDGE primarily help the team do?

  1. Calculate construction cost differences
  2. Determine structural load capacity
  3. Verify installed performance after occupancy
  4. Compare predicted savings of alternatives Correct answer.

Explanation

EDGE provides predicted savings that let teams compare design alternatives on resource performance. It does not verify as-built performance, cost, or structure.

Question 43EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which statement best describes the reliability of an EDGE savings estimate?

  1. It is measured directly from utility bills
  2. It is exact whenever metric units are used
  3. It depends on inputs and default assumptions Correct answer.
  4. It is independent of operating schedules

Explanation

EDGE results are predictions based on the inputs entered and the tool's default assumptions. Their accuracy therefore depends on how well those inputs represent the project.

Question 44EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

If baseline energy use increases while improved-case energy use stays the same, what happens to the EDGE energy savings percentage?

  1. It increases Correct answer.
  2. It stays the same
  3. It becomes zero
  4. It decreases

Explanation

Savings percentage equals baseline minus improved, divided by baseline. Raising the baseline while holding the improved value fixed increases the numerator and the percentage.

Question 45EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which statement about the EDGE baseline case is correct?

  1. It can be set to any arbitrary low energy use
  2. It represents the improved design before measures
  3. It reflects conventional local practice Correct answer.
  4. It is identical worldwide regardless of location

Explanation

The baseline models typical local practice for the building type, including common systems and construction. It is not freely set to an arbitrary value and varies by location.

Question 46EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Why does EDGE report separate savings percentages for energy, water, and materials instead of a single combined score?

  1. EDGE can calculate only one category at a time
  2. Certification rules require water to be ignored
  3. Materials savings are always reported as zero
  4. They use different units and are not comparable Correct answer.

Explanation

Energy, water, and embodied energy are measured in different units and reflect different resource flows. EDGE therefore reports them separately rather than summing them into one number.

Question 47EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Why does EDGE compare baseline and improved cases using the same building geometry and floor area?

  1. To satisfy certification fee rules
  2. To allow renewable energy to be ignored
  3. To isolate measure effects Correct answer.
  4. To make the improved case appear better

Explanation

Holding geometry and floor area constant ensures that differences in results come from the measures being tested, not from a change in building size. This makes the savings comparison meaningful.

Question 48EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

Which factor most limits the accuracy of an EDGE materials savings estimate?

  1. Hours of building operation and occupancy
  2. Roof solar reflectance and irrigation application rate
  3. Number of building occupants and their schedules
  4. Material quantity and embodied energy factor accuracy Correct answer.

Explanation

Materials savings depend on the quantities of materials and their embodied energy factors. Errors in either input propagate directly into the result.

Question 49EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

What must the energy result show for a project to claim EDGE Zero Carbon for energy?

  1. At least 40% energy savings
  2. At least 60% energy savings
  3. Net zero operational carbon Correct answer.
  4. Zero embodied carbon in materials

Explanation

EDGE Zero Carbon recognizes net zero operational carbon, typically achieved with on-site renewables and, where needed, offsets. It is distinct from the percentage savings thresholds for Certified and Advanced.

Question 50EDGE software and modeling of resource savings

A project achieves 30% energy savings but has a very high total energy use intensity. What is the best EDGE interpretation?

  1. The project cannot be certified at any level
  2. Savings are relative, not absolute Correct answer.
  3. The baseline must be invalid
  4. The project automatically reaches Advanced

Explanation

EDGE savings percentages are relative to the project's own baseline, not to an absolute benchmark. A high percentage reduction can therefore coexist with high absolute consumption.