Building Engineering Sustainable Building Design and Energy Efficiency 3

Question 1

What is commissioning (Cx) in the context of sustainable building delivery?

Accepted Answer

A systematic process to verify that building systems are installed and operating per design intent

Answer

The process of obtaining final occupancy permits before building opening

Answer

The inspection of structural systems by the building official

Answer

The testing of fire suppression systems before occupancy

Question 2

What is an energy audit and what does it assess in an existing building?

Accepted Answer

A systematic examination of energy flows to identify opportunities to reduce consumption and cost

Answer

An annual inspection of electrical panels for code compliance

Answer

A review of utility billing to check for errors in charges

Answer

A structural assessment of insulation for fire safety

Question 3

What is the purpose of specifying low-VOC materials in sustainable building design?

Accepted Answer

To improve indoor air quality by reducing volatile organic compound off-gassing from building materials

Answer

To meet fire code requirements for flame-spread ratings

Answer

To reduce the embodied carbon in building materials

Answer

To comply with structural code requirements for adhesive strength

Question 4

What does embodied carbon refer to in building materials assessment?

Accepted Answer

The greenhouse gas emissions associated with extracting, manufacturing, transporting, and installing building materials

Answer

The carbon sequestered by wood products used in construction

Answer

The CO2 emissions from occupant activities inside the building

Answer

The carbon content of fuels used to heat and cool the building

Question 5

What is daylighting in sustainable architecture and what are its benefits?

Accepted Answer

The use of natural light through windows and skylights to reduce artificial lighting energy use and improve occupant well-being

Answer

A passive cooling strategy using nighttime air to cool building mass

Answer

The use of reflective surfaces to redirect sunlight into shaded areas

Answer

A stormwater management technique using light-permeable paving

Question 6

What is the purpose of blower door testing in building performance verification?

Accepted Answer

To measure the airtightness of the building envelope by pressurizing or depressurizing the building

Answer

To test the capacity of HVAC blowers and fans at design conditions

Answer

To verify smoke barrier performance in fire compartments

Answer

To measure duct leakage in the HVAC distribution system