FMP Sustainability and Environmental Management Flashcards

Which certification system is most widely used in the US to recognize high-performance, sustainable building design and operations?

Answer: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED, developed by the US Green Building Council, is the most recognized green building certification system in the United States.

What does the term 'carbon footprint' measure in a facility context?

Answer: Total greenhouse gas emissions expressed in CO2 equivalent

A facility's carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions it generates, converted to a CO2 equivalent for standardized comparison.

Which federal agency in the US regulates hazardous waste disposal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?

Answer: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA administers RCRA, which governs the management and disposal of solid and hazardous waste from cradle to grave.

A facility manager wants to reduce potable water consumption. Which strategy has the greatest conservation impact in commercial buildings?

Answer: Replacing cooling tower water with reclaimed water

Cooling towers are among the largest water consumers in commercial buildings, so switching to reclaimed water yields the greatest volumetric savings.

What is the primary goal of an energy audit in a facility?

Answer: Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and cost

An energy audit systematically analyzes energy use to identify inefficiencies and recommend cost-effective conservation measures.

Which of the following best describes the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' waste hierarchy in order of priority?

Answer: Reduce first, then reuse, then recycle

Reducing waste generation is the highest priority because it prevents waste creation entirely, followed by reuse, then recycling as a last resort.