An EDGE Auditor is auditing a hospital design for Preliminary Certification.

The role of an EDGE Auditor is to verify the project’s self-assessment as submitted, not to modify or redesign the project. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols clearly define the Auditor’s responsibilities: "During an audit, the EDGE Auditor must assess the energy measures as presented in the self-assessment, without altering the design or selections made by the Client. If discrepancies are found, such as incorrect orientation of photovoltaics, the Auditor should note the issue in the audit report but proceed with the assessment as submitted, allowing the Certification Provider to make the final decision" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.1: Audit Process). Option C, assess the energy measures as they are presented without changing the photovoltaic selection, aligns with this protocol. Option A (contact the design team and suggest a better orientation) oversteps the Auditor’s role, as they are not to provide design advice: "Auditors must not engage in design consultancy during an audit to avoid conflicts of interest" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.3: Conflict of Interest). Option B (adjust the area of photovoltaic panels) involves modifying the assessment, which is prohibited: "Auditors cannot modify the Client’s self-assessment; they must evaluate it as submitted" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option D (reject photovoltaics and notify the Client) is also incorrect, as Auditors do not have the authority to reject measures outright: "Rejection of measures is the responsibility of the Certification Provider, not the Auditor" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: Certification Decision). Thus, the Auditor should assess as presented (Option C).