Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam

When considering tree placement relative to buildings, which type of tree is best situated on the east and west sides?

1. Deciduous trees

2. Coniferous trees

3. Fruit-bearing trees

4. Evergreens

The correct answer is: Evergreens

The ideal choice for tree placement on the east and west sides of buildings is deciduous trees. When deciiduous trees are strategically planted on these sides, they provide significant benefits throughout the year. During the warmer months, their broad leaves offer cooling shade, which helps to lower indoor temperatures and reduce the need for air conditioning. This contributes to energy efficiency and promotes comfort in living spaces. In contrast, during the winter, when deciduous trees lose their leaves, sunlight can penetrate more easily, warming the building and minimizing heating costs. This seasonal change makes them particularly valuable in temperate climates. Coniferous trees, which remain evergreen throughout the year, offer different benefits, more suited for providing windbreaks when planted on the north side of buildings. Fruit-bearing trees are valuable for their produce but do not provide the specific shading benefits that are beneficial for energy savings. Evergreens, while providing year-round foliage, do not match the energy efficiency advantages offered by deciduous trees in the context of eastern and western placements. Thus, the correct consideration for tree placement for energy efficiency and optimal building comfort are deciduous trees.