Building Engineering Sustainable Building Design and Energy Efficiency 2

Question 1

What does the R-value of insulation measure?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to heat flow — higher R-value means better insulating performance

Answer

The density of insulation material in pounds per cubic foot

Answer

The flammability rating of the insulation product

Answer

The moisture absorption capacity of the insulation

Question 2

What is greywater and how is it used in sustainable building design?

Accepted Answer

Lightly contaminated wastewater from sinks and showers reused for toilet flushing or irrigation

Answer

Rainwater collected from roofs for domestic water supply

Answer

Treated blackwater suitable for non-potable reuse

Answer

Industrial process water recovered for building cooling

Question 3

What is net-zero energy building (NZEB) design?

Accepted Answer

A building that generates as much renewable energy annually as it consumes from the grid

Answer

A building with zero energy costs due to utility rate arbitrage

Answer

A building designed with no mechanical heating or cooling systems

Answer

A building that produces no carbon emissions from occupant activity

Question 4

What is the purpose of a green roof (vegetated roof) on a building?

Accepted Answer

To reduce stormwater runoff, improve insulation, and mitigate urban heat island effect

Answer

To provide agricultural production for building occupants

Answer

To replace conventional roofing membranes with lower-cost vegetation

Answer

To generate electricity from photosynthesis in the plant layer

Question 5

What does fenestration refer to in building envelope design?

Accepted Answer

The placement, size, and type of windows, doors, and other glazed openings

Answer

The ventilation strategy for a building

Answer

The foundation type used for below-grade construction

Answer

The staircase design and configuration

Question 6

What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of a window?

Accepted Answer

The fraction of incident solar radiation that enters the building through the glazing

Answer

The ratio of heat conducted through glass to outdoor temperature difference

Answer

The percentage of visible light transmitted through the glazing

Answer

The insulating value of the window assembly