CBP Sustainable Building & Energy Efficiency Flashcards

Which ventilation strategy introduces outdoor air into a building without mechanical equipment by relying on wind pressure and stack effect?

Answer: Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation uses wind pressure differentials and thermal buoyancy (stack effect) to move fresh outdoor air through the building without fans or mechanical systems.

A building's Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is expressed as:

Answer: BTUs per square foot per year

EUI is expressed in kBtu (thousand BTUs) per square foot per year and is the standard metric for comparing energy performance across buildings.

Which water conservation strategy involves collecting rainwater from rooftops for non-potable uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing?

Answer: Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting captures precipitation from rooftops, stores it in cisterns, and treats it for reuse in non-potable applications, reducing municipal water demand.

In sustainable construction, what is the primary benefit of using locally sourced materials?

Answer: Reduced transportation distances lower embodied carbon and support the local economy

Using locally sourced materials reduces the transportation energy and associated carbon emissions, while also supporting regional economies and businesses.

An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) differs from a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) in that an ERV also transfers:

Answer: Moisture (humidity) in addition to heat

An ERV transfers both heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing airstreams, making it better suited for humid climates, while an HRV transfers heat only.

Which on-site renewable energy system is most commonly integrated into commercial building rooftops in the United States?

Answer: Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels

Rooftop photovoltaic solar panel systems are the most commonly deployed on-site renewable energy technology for commercial buildings in the US.