Architecture Sustainable Design and Green Building 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of ASHRAE 90.1?
- Setting minimum ventilation standards
- Establishing minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings (Correct answer)
- Rating indoor air quality
- Governing water heater efficiency
Correct answer: Establishing minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings
ASHRAE Standard 90.1 sets the minimum energy efficiency requirements for the design and construction of commercial buildings in the United States.
Question 2: What is daylighting in sustainable building design?
- Emergency lighting during power outages
- The intentional use of natural light to reduce electric lighting energy use (Correct answer)
- Installing LED fixtures throughout
- Painting walls white to reflect light
Correct answer: The intentional use of natural light to reduce electric lighting energy use
Daylighting involves designing buildings to admit natural light to reduce dependence on artificial lighting, improving energy efficiency and occupant well-being.
Question 3: What is a net-zero energy building?
- A building with no windows to minimize heat loss
- A building that produces as much energy on-site as it consumes over a year (Correct answer)
- A building with zero occupants
- A building using only natural ventilation
Correct answer: A building that produces as much energy on-site as it consumes over a year
A net-zero energy building produces as much renewable energy on-site (typically through solar panels) as it consumes annually, balancing the energy account to zero.
Question 4: What is biophilic design?
- Designing with biodegradable materials only
- Incorporating nature and natural elements into the built environment to benefit human health and well-being (Correct answer)
- Biomimicry in structural systems
- Using organic shapes in facades
Correct answer: Incorporating nature and natural elements into the built environment to benefit human health and well-being
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements, patterns, materials, and views into buildings to connect occupants with nature and improve health, productivity, and well-being.
Question 5: What is the water table and why is it important in sustainable site design?
- A decorative fountain element in landscape design
- The upper surface of underground saturated groundwater, which affects drainage and foundation design (Correct answer)
- A table listing water efficiency data
- The elevation of a building's finished floor above sea level
Correct answer: The upper surface of underground saturated groundwater, which affects drainage and foundation design
The water table is the upper level of underground saturated soil/rock, and its depth affects foundation choices, drainage design, and groundwater recharge strategies.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a building commissioning process?
- The final architectural design review
- Verifying that building systems are installed and operating as designed for energy and performance targets (Correct answer)
- The process of issuing construction permits
- The architectural project close-out documentation
Correct answer: Verifying that building systems are installed and operating as designed for energy and performance targets
Building commissioning is a quality assurance process that verifies all building systems (HVAC, lighting, controls) are designed, installed, and operating as intended to meet performance goals.
Architecture Sustainable Design and Green Building 2
What is the purpose of ASHRAE 90.1?