Architecture and Design Sustainable Design and Green Architecture 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'passive solar design' in architecture?
- Using solar panels to power HVAC systems
- Designing building orientation, glazing, and thermal mass to collect, store, and distribute solar energy without mechanical systems (Correct answer)
- Installing solar water heaters on the roof
- Orienting buildings away from the sun to reduce cooling loads
Correct answer: Designing building orientation, glazing, and thermal mass to collect, store, and distribute solar energy without mechanical systems
Passive solar design uses architectural elements — south-facing glazing, thermal mass, overhangs, and natural ventilation — to heat and cool buildings without mechanical systems.
Question 2: A 'green roof' (vegetated roof) provides all of the following benefits EXCEPT:
- Reduced stormwater runoff
- Improved thermal insulation
- Elimination of roof maintenance requirements (Correct answer)
- Reduced urban heat island effect
Correct answer: Elimination of roof maintenance requirements
Green roofs require regular maintenance including irrigation, weeding, and inspection — they do not eliminate maintenance but provide significant environmental and performance benefits.
Question 3: What does 'net-zero energy building' mean?
- A building that produces no carbon emissions during construction
- A building that generates as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis (Correct answer)
- A building with zero heating and cooling loads
- A building that uses no fossil fuels for any purpose
Correct answer: A building that generates as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis
A net-zero energy building produces as much energy from on-site renewable sources (typically solar) as it consumes over the course of a year.
Question 4: The 'solar heat gain coefficient' (SHGC) of a window measures:
- The U-factor of the glazing assembly
- The fraction of incident solar radiation that enters the building as heat through the window (Correct answer)
- The visible light transmittance of the glass
- The resistance to conductive heat loss through the window
Correct answer: The fraction of incident solar radiation that enters the building as heat through the window
SHGC ranges from 0 to 1; lower values mean less solar heat enters, which is preferable for cooling-dominated climates while higher values benefit heating-dominated climates.
Question 5: Which LEED credit category rewards strategies that minimize site disturbance and protect natural features?
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Water Efficiency
- Sustainable Sites (Correct answer)
- Materials and Resources
Correct answer: Sustainable Sites
The Sustainable Sites category in LEED rewards protection of undeveloped land, restoration of habitats, reduction of heat island effect, and stormwater management.
Question 6: What is 'daylighting' in architectural design?
- The use of electric lights that mimic natural light color temperature
- The deliberate use of natural light to illuminate building interiors, reducing reliance on electric lighting (Correct answer)
- A lighting strategy for night safety on building exteriors
- The use of skylights only for atrium spaces
Correct answer: The deliberate use of natural light to illuminate building interiors, reducing reliance on electric lighting
Daylighting uses windows, skylights, light shelves, and building orientation to bring natural light deep into building interiors, saving energy and improving occupant well-being.
Architecture and Design Sustainable Design and Green Architecture 1
What is 'passive solar design' in architecture?