Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Achieve Exam Success!

Deciduous trees are the best choice for placement on the east and west sides of buildings due to their seasonal leaf drop. In summer, when trees are fully leafed out, deciduous trees provide essential shade, helping to reduce cooling costs and minimize solar heat gain within buildings. This cooling effect is particularly beneficial during the hot months, as it prevents excessive sunlight from entering windows, thus maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.

In the winter, when these trees lose their leaves, they allow sunlight to penetrate and warm the buildings. This passive solar heating can contribute to reduced heating costs during colder months, making the environment more energy-efficient.

While the other types of trees may have their advantages, they do not offer the same seasonal benefits. For instance, coniferous trees and evergreens retain their leaves year-round, potentially blocking sunlight even in the winter, which can lead to higher heating costs. Fruit-bearing trees are primarily selected for their produce, rather than for energy efficiency, although they may have some aesthetic and ecological benefits. Deciduous trees strategically enhance energy efficiency through their unique seasonal characteristics, making them the ideal choice for placement on the east and west sides of buildings.