Building Engineering Sustainable Building Design and Energy Efficiency

Question 1

What does LEED stand for and who administers the program?

Accepted Answer

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, administered by the US Green Building Council

Answer

Low Energy Environmental Design, administered by ASHRAE

Answer

Lighting Efficiency and Environmental Design, administered by the DOE

Answer

Leadership in Ecological Engineering Design, administered by the AIA

Question 2

What is the purpose of a building energy model (BEM) in sustainable design?

Accepted Answer

To simulate energy use and compare design alternatives before construction

Answer

To measure actual energy consumption after occupancy

Answer

To certify compliance with fire and life safety codes

Answer

To calculate structural loads on the building frame

Question 3

What is a building's Energy Use Intensity (EUI) used to measure?

Accepted Answer

Annual energy consumption per square foot of floor area

Answer

Peak electrical demand during the hottest day

Answer

Energy savings compared to a baseline building

Answer

The efficiency rating of HVAC equipment only

Question 4

What passive solar design strategy positions windows primarily on which building orientation to maximize winter heat gain?

Accepted Answer

South-facing

Answer

North-facing

Answer

East-facing

Answer

West-facing

Question 5

What is the function of a cool roof in sustainable building design?

Accepted Answer

To reflect more sunlight and emit more heat than a standard dark roof, reducing cooling loads

Answer

To provide thermal mass that stores heat during the day and releases it at night

Answer

To harvest rainwater for non-potable reuse

Answer

To support photovoltaic panels for electricity generation

Question 6

What is the purpose of a thermal break in a building envelope assembly?

Accepted Answer

To interrupt the conductive path through framing or cladding supports to reduce heat transfer

Answer

To provide an expansion gap between building materials

Answer

To separate structural and non-structural facade components

Answer

To allow moisture to drain from within the wall assembly