CLARB CLARB Environmental Systems and Sustainability Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary goal of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification as applied to landscape architectural projects?

Accepted Answer

To recognize sustainable site and building design that measurably reduces environmental impact

Answer

To maximize the number of plant species on a site

Answer

To ensure all materials are locally sourced within 50 miles

Answer

To mandate the use of renewable energy systems on all projects

Question 2

What does the 'urban heat island effect' describe in built environments?

Accepted Answer

The elevated air and surface temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas

Answer

The cooling effect provided by urban tree canopy cover

Answer

The reflection of sunlight from glass building facades into adjacent spaces

Answer

The localized warming of urban water bodies from thermal discharge

Question 3

Which green infrastructure practice filters stormwater through engineered soil and plants while also allowing infiltration into the ground?

Accepted Answer

Bioretention cell (rain garden)

Answer

Dry detention basin

Answer

Wet retention pond

Answer

Concrete stormwater channel

Question 4

What is the purpose of a vegetated (green) roof in sustainable landscape design?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

To provide rooftop agricultural production as the sole benefit

Answer

To replace all ground-level landscaping on dense urban sites

Answer

To eliminate the need for building mechanical HVAC systems

Question 5

In sustainable site design, what does 'impervious cover' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Hard, sealed surfaces like pavement and rooftops that prevent rainwater from infiltrating the soil

Answer

Dense tree canopy that prevents sunlight from reaching the ground surface

Answer

Subsurface impermeable geologic layers that restrict deep root growth

Answer

Thick mulch layers applied to reduce surface evaporation

Question 6

What sustainable design strategy involves specifying high-albedo (light-colored or reflective) paving materials in urban landscape projects?

Accepted Answer

Cool pavement strategy to reflect solar radiation and reduce surface heat gain

Answer

Dark surface heat absorption treatment

Answer

Permeable pavement strategy focused solely on infiltration

Answer

Rubberized surface treatment for pedestrian safety