Architecture and Design Sustainable Design and Green Architecture 2

Question 1

What is 'thermal bridging' in building envelope design?

Accepted Answer

A localized area of high heat conductivity that bypasses insulation, causing energy loss and condensation risk

Answer

Thermal bridging occurs where conductive materials (like steel studs or concrete slabs) penetrate the insulation layer, creating a path of high heat loss.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a 'cool roof' in sustainable design?

Accepted Answer

To reflect sunlight and emit absorbed heat, reducing cooling loads and the urban heat island effect

Answer

Cool roofs use high-reflectivity and high-emissivity materials to reflect solar radiation and emit absorbed heat, lowering roof surface temperatures and building cooling demands.

Question 3

What does 'embodied carbon' refer to in sustainable construction?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide emitted during the extraction, manufacturing, transport, and installation of building materials

Answer

Embodied carbon encompasses all greenhouse gas emissions associated with building materials through their entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction through demolition.

Question 4

Natural ventilation strategies in buildings use which two driving forces?

Accepted Answer

Stack effect (buoyancy) and wind pressure

Answer

Natural ventilation relies on the stack effect (warm air rises and exits at high openings, drawing cool air in below) and wind pressure differences across the building.

Question 5

Which strategy reduces potable water consumption in buildings by using captured rainwater or treated greywater?

Accepted Answer

Non-potable water reuse for irrigation and toilet flushing

Answer

Non-potable water reuse systems collect rainwater or treat lightly used greywater for uses that don't require drinking-water quality, such as toilet flushing and irrigation.

Architecture and Design Practice Test

Architecture and Design Practice Test

Architecture and Design Sustainable Design and Green Architecture 2