Environmental Standards Flashcards

What are the four certification levels of the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, from lowest to highest?

Answer: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Emerald

The NGBS (ICC 700) certifies homes at Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald.

How should a builder read HERS Index scores?

Answer: Lower scores mean better efficiency, and 100 is the reference home

On the HERS Index, 100 is the standard reference home and each point lower is about 1% more efficient, with 0 meaning net-zero energy.

A WaterSense-labeled toilet may use no more than how many gallons per flush?

Answer: 1.28 gpf

WaterSense toilets are limited to 1.28 gallons per flush, 20% below the 1.6 gpf federal standard.

Which federal rule limits formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products such as MDF and particleboard used in homes?

Answer: TSCA Title VI

TSCA Title VI sets formaldehyde emission limits and labeling rules for hardwood plywood, MDF, and particleboard.

Which EPA label recognizes new homes built with extra indoor air quality measures on top of ENERGY STAR requirements?

Answer: Indoor airPLUS

EPA's Indoor airPLUS label requires moisture, radon, pest, HVAC, and low-emission material controls beyond ENERGY STAR.

To protect a mature tree you plan to save, where should the protective fencing go?

Answer: At least at the drip line of the canopy

Fencing at or beyond the drip line keeps equipment from compacting and cutting the critical root zone.

Leftover solvent-based paints and thinners on a jobsite should be handled how?

Answer: Managed as hazardous waste under RCRA and local rules

Ignitable solvents and solvent-based paints are hazardous wastes that must be stored, labeled, and disposed of properly.