DBIA Sustainability and Green Building in Design-Build 5

Question 1

A net zero energy building is best defined as one that:

Accepted Answer

Produces as much renewable energy as it consumes on an annual basis

Answer

Net zero energy balances annual consumption with renewable generation, usually while remaining grid-connected.

Question 2

Energy use intensity (EUI) is typically expressed in which units in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

kBtu per square foot per year

Answer

EUI normalizes annual energy use by floor area, commonly in kBtu/sf/yr.

Question 3

Which protocol is widely used to measure and verify energy savings from building performance improvements?

Accepted Answer

IPMVP

Answer

The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol provides standard M&V options.

Question 4

Combining daylighting design with photosensor-controlled dimming primarily achieves what?

Accepted Answer

Lower lighting energy use while maintaining visual comfort

Answer

Daylight harvesting dims electric lights when natural light is sufficient, cutting energy use.

Question 5

Specifying EPA WaterSense-labeled fixtures primarily supports which sustainability category?

Accepted Answer

Indoor water use reduction

Answer

WaterSense products meet EPA criteria for efficiency, reducing indoor potable water use.

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Certification Practice Test